‘Muvhango’ star Sydney Ramakuwela again forced to expose paternity tests

South African actor Hangwani Sydney Ramakuwela, who portrays Mulalo on the popular SABC drama Muvhango, has asked for a DNA test after a woman claimed that he is the father of her 17-year-old son.

Ramakuwela, who joined millions of fathers in celebrating Father’s Day on Sunday, was taken by surprise when the woman, who he used to be in a relationship with when they were both doing community theatre in their younger days, claimed that he is the father of her child.

The woman posted her tirade against the actor, in which she accused him of being an irresponsible father, under a picture of Ramakuwela with his daughter.

“I never thought in a million years that someone would go on my social media page and accuse me of neglecting a child,” the actor said in response.

She is someone I knew when we were both young. We used to do community theatre together,” he explained.

Ramakuwela said this was not the first time that the woman had accused him of being the father of her child. The first time this happened, he revealed, was in 2012 when the boy was only five.

“I informed my family, who suggested that we undergo paternity tests. She agreed, and we went to Lancet Laboratory in Polokwane for DNA testing,” he recounted.

“She gave me the go-ahead to collect them as she was busy. The results came back negative, confirming that I am not the father of her son.”

According to the actor, the woman never accepted the results of the test.

“She accused me of deceit, manipulation and bribery, alleging that I had influenced the lab officials to alter the results. I was taken aback by her accusations, but I assured her that I was willing to undergo testing at any laboratory of her choice for a second round.

However, I never heard from her again until this week when I posted a picture of me and my daughter,” he revealed.

Ramakuwela said he wanted to take another DNA test that would prove that he was indeed not the father of the child, once and for all.

“Everyone now believes that I am a useless father who is running away from his responsibilities. It is hurtful. I feel sorry for the young boy who has been exposed to false accusations and negativity about me.

“I can’t imagine what he must be going through, knowing that his well-known father refuses to acknowledge him. Every boy his age deserves a father figure.

“I am even willing to undergo a public DNA test. I hope the mother can grant us (him and the boy) closure,” he said. Telly Africa