It means to formally and legally declare that someone who is not one's own child is henceforth to be treated and cared for as one's own child, including complete rights of inheritance.
Ukumemezela ngokusemthethweni nangokomthetho ukuthi umuntu okungeyona eyakhe ingane kusukela manje kufanele aphathwe futhi anakekelwe njengeyakhe ingane kufaka namalungelo aphelele amafa.