Question NW3587 to the Minister of Home Affairs
15 November 2023 - NW3587
Roos, Mr AC to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
In view of the increase in the number of undocumented learners in schools in the Republic from 457 917 in 2021 to 796 829 in 2022, with unaffordable DNA tests given as one of the contributing factors, (a) on what date will he introduce free DNA testing for indigent South African parents and (b) what are the reasons for the delay?
Reply:
(a)&(b)
The fees and tariffs for DNA tests are administered by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). The National Health Laboratory Service is a South African national government institution established in terms of the National Health Laboratory Service Act 2000 (Act 37 of 2000) to provide quality, affordable, and sustainable health laboratory and related public health services to all public healthcare providers and other government institutions. The Department of Home Affairs therefore does not have the mandate to waive DNA test fees. However, the Department is in the process of updating the Memorandum of Understanding on collaboration that it has with the Department of Health, wherein the issue of waiving fees for DNA tests for indigent people is included.
END