Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
A LEADING deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) services provider, Global DNA Zimbabwe, has introduced a special credit facility for civil servants, allowing them to access DNA testing services and repay through a stop-order arrangement over a 12-month period.
The organisation says the move is aimed at improving access to essential testing services, amid growing demand for DNA verification in matters involving paternity, identity, inheritance and family relationships.
In an interview, Global DNA Zimbabwe spokesperson Mr Tinashe Mugabe said unresolved questions around paternity and identity often result in emotional distress, financial strain and long-term family instability.
“When left unresolved, these issues can cause significant emotional and financial consequences. Access to reliable DNA testing plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability and peace of mind within families,” he said.
Mr Mugabe said the decision to extend credit to civil servants was in recognition of their role in national development and the financial constraints many face.
“At Global DNA Zimbabwe, we recognise the critical role that civil servants play in serving our nation. We also understand that while DNA services are important, the upfront costs can sometimes present a barrier,” he said.
“Our decision to offer DNA tests on credit to civil servants is driven by our commitment to make these essential services more economically accessible.”
DNA testing services at the institution start from a minimum of US$120.
Beyond assisting families, Mr Mugabe said the company’s services contribute to the effective functioning of civil courts by providing accurate, reliable and court-admissible results in disputes related to paternity, maintenance, inheritance and identity.
“In addition, we work closely with key Government entities such as the Registrar General’s Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and other relevant departments, in the process ensuring that their services complement national systems that safeguard identity, citizenship and family records,” said Mr Mugabe.
“Through structured and flexible payment terms — made possible within a stable and supportive economic framework — we aim to ease the immediate financial burden while ensuring that individuals and families can obtain the clarity and closure they need.”
Mr Mugabe added that their ultimate goal is to support the civil servants community, strengthen public institutions and contribute to social stability by promoting both financial peace of mind and emotional reassurance, enabling families to move forward with certainty and confidence.
He said they have offices in every city and town in the country. Last year, Global DNA Zimbabwe revealed that nearly 60 percent of paternity tests conducted at its laboratories returned negative results — a statistic that sparked widespread public debate on issues of paternity and maintenance.
The debate gained further traction in September when Kadoma-based public intellectual and entrepreneur Dr Believe Guta petitioned Parliament to amend the Maintenance Act (Chapter 5:09), calling for mandatory confirmation of paternity before criminal sanctions can be imposed.
In his petition submitted to Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda under Section 149 of the Constitution, Dr Guta raised concern over what he termed a legal and human rights gap in Section 23 of the Act.
The provision allows for the imprisonment of individuals who default on maintenance payments, even in cases where biological paternity has not been scientifically or legally confirmed.
Dr Guta argued that the absence of mandatory DNA confirmation has resulted in some men being imprisoned based on disputed or later disproved parentage.
