It has been a dark and long week here in our beautiful Republic. From news of horrendous child murders in the growing battles for paternity to the ever-present gender-based violence cases, the question that has begged for response is whether it is time for Namibia to introduce mandatory paternity testing.
This has become a clarion call that is viewed as a redeeming act to prevent crimes often termed as passionate and also to safeguard men from the emotional trauma that comes with caring for children who are not theirs biologically.
In terms of benchmarking, it is important to highlight that no country in the world has adopted mandatory paternity testing for reasons such as those often advanced in Namibia. The exception to the aforementioned is Kuwait, where DNA testing is compulsory for all citizens but more specifically for counterterrorism motivations. Paternity tests at present in Namibia can be requested in court cases that involve child maintenance or custody disputes, however, they are not a standard procedure.
Proponents of mandatory testing believe it would bring clarity and fairness to family life, ensuring that men are able to commit to fatherhood without doubt and women are protected from accusations of dishonesty. Opponents are, however, concerned that the solution is not so straightforward and could result in more challenges extending even to where the line is drawn as far as state intervention in family matters is concerned.
There are arguments that caution against focusing solely on DNA while overlooking deep-seated issues such as lack of support for struggling mothers and normalisation of violence, the bigger question being why men resort to violence and why children become victims of conflicts between adults.
Psychologists warn that betrayal in intimate relationships can trigger extreme emotional responses, but violence should not be a justifiable reaction. “Mandatory testing might reduce uncertainty, yet it cannot replace emotional maturity, counselling and open dialogue in families,” says a clinical psychologist in Windhoek.
For young Namibians, the debate goes beyond legal reform and delves into the kind of relationships that we build in our society today. It highlights the importance of honesty, respect and open communication, especially in romantic relationships. In an era where gender roles are continually shifting and traditional family structures are evolving, the issue forces young people to think about what kind of families they want to create.
The conversation about paternity testing in Namibia will certainly not end here. It is a debate that cuts across law, morality and culture. Nevertheless, as the nation reflects on the tragedy that recently occurred, one truth remains clear: children should never pay the price for adult deception, betrayal or anger.
