Africa-Press – Botswana. It could become costly for anyone planning to have a child soon as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) would be a prerequisite at the ministry of home affairs in your application for a birth certificate.
“We are currently reviewing the Civil Registration Act and still consulting on the use of DNA as a proof of birth as suggested by stakeholders. Currently it is not supported by any legislation in the constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” Minister of Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe said yesterday.
This could come as a relief to many, would be fathers but at the same time cut deep into their pockets in the event it is finalised.
This move will come as good news to the ministry of justice and constitutional affairs as there would be no more cases of paternity as fathers would get to know at the right time whether they are or not the particular child’s father.
The courts have been marred by a litany of cases whereby the applicants seek the court redress over the paternity but now the issue of child support and not paternity would be sought in the courts.
Now if this development is undertaken by the ministry of home affairs, it would mean at child’s birth it would be known if indeed someone is a father or not. At the High court recently there had been a case whereby the Judge issued a judgement ordering the mother of the child to compensate a certain man whom she falsely alleged that he was the father.
Research has revealed that the minimum cost of a DNA paternity test is currently at the cost of E2 399 to the one applying.
Even the Republic of South Africa has already added the DNA testing as prerequisite as that country is preparing for the next coming elections.
In South Africa, DNA testing is a prerequisite toward obtaining the most wanted national identity document.
ABOUT DNA
During the DNA testing, the genetic characteristics of the child are compared to those of the mother. Characteristics that cannot be found in the mother must have been inherited from the father. DNA paternity testing is the most accurate form of paternity testing possible.
A DNA paternity test is nearly 100 percent accurate at determining whether a man is another person’s biological father. DNA can use cheek swabs or blood tests. You must have the test done in a medical setting if you need results for legal reasons. Prenatal paternity tests can determine fatherhood during pregnancy.
Several notable benefits of establishing paternity include ensuring the child’s eligibility for public and private benefits through the father, including health insurance, life insurance, social security, veteran’s benefits and inheritance hence allowing the children access to the father’s genetic history.
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