Public calls for compulsory DNA testing are growing louder, with some Emaswati, particularly men, saying the measure could help prevent emotional trauma, family disputes and in extreme cases, loss of life.
The renewed debate follows a recent incident at Lomshiyo, Ntfonjeni, where a 55-year-old man Mfanimpela Dlamini allegedly took his own life after discovering through a DNA test that he was not the biological father of one of his children.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited national conversations around paternity disputes.
This is not the first incident as late last year it was reported that a man from Pigg’s Peak discovered through DNA testing that all four children he had raised during a marriage of over a decade were not biologically his, a revelation that reportedly led to the breakdown of the relationship and emotional distress.
Members of the public shared that DNA testing at birth could bring clarity and prevent long-standing family conflicts.
Sibusiso Mkhonta, a kombi driver, said many men were silently dealing with similar situations but without closure.
He said as men, they were expected to provide without questioning, but situations like these show that the truth matters.
Mkhonta said if DNA testing was mandatory, some of these painful situations could be avoided.
Mandla Mdluli, a security guard based in Mbabane, said the Lomshiyo incident was a wake-up call that the issue was more widespread than many were willing to admit.
He said this was not just one case, adding that it happened more often than people think, but families choose to keep quiet.
Mdluli said by the time the truth comes out, the damage was already done.
Others believe the move could also protect women and children by ensuring transparency from the onset.
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Nomcebo Nxumalo, a small business owner, said while the issue often focuses on men, it affects entire families.
“This is not about fighting men or women, it is about protecting families.
Children deserve to grow up knowing the truth and parents should raise children without doubts hanging over them,” she said.
She stated that it was mentally draining for children to have to change surnames when they were old, having found who their biological parents were.
Nxumalo said government was supposed to consider making DNA compulsory.
Meanwhile, Thulani Nxumalo, a teacher, said government intervention was necessary to standardise the process and avoid disputes escalating into violence.
He shared that some of the women knew yet they still make men take care of children that were not theirs.
Sipho Maziya, a construction worker, echoed similar sentiments, saying mandatory testing could reduce cases of gender-based violence linked to paternity disputes.
The growing public sentiment mirrors concerns that were raised in Parliament last year.
In November, Mahlangatsha Member of Parliament Mgucisi Dlamini, supported by Mhlambanyatsi MP Bonginkhosi Dlamini, were meant to move a motion calling for compulsory DNA testing before the issuance of birth certificates.
The lawmakers argued that the current system does not verify paternity and may contribute to emotional distress, family breakdown and unfair financial obligations placed on men who later discover they are not biological fathers.
However, despite appearing multiple times on the Order Paper, the motion is yet to be debated.
The proposal also calls for the development of a legal and ethical framework to regulate DNA testing, while ensuring the rights of all parties involved; including the child, mother and alleged father, are protected.
It further suggests that government should consider subsidising the cost of DNA testing to make it accessible to low-income earners.
