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The aim of this year's Stellenbosch University e'Bosch Heritage Lecture was to provide insights to help people see their common origins from the perspective of their genes.

The theme of the lecture, which was held at the Stellenbosch University (SU) Museum on Tuesday (17 September 2019), was 'Uncovering our common ancestry and heritage'. The lecture forms part of the e'Bosch Heritage Project founded in 2011.

According to Dr Sias Mostert, one of the project's co-founders, the major challenge was to gain a better understanding of our common ancestry as South Africans. “For 2019, the topic is of particular importance as it reflects on how we see our common origins from the perspective of our genes. Understanding our common heritage better should provide the insights to work through our perceived differences with more empathy and understanding," said Mostert.

To help with some answers to understanding common ancestry better, the keynote address was delivered by Prof Monique Zaahl, Managing Director: GENEdiagnostics.

Zaahl is the first black woman with her own private DNA lab called GENEdiagnostics, which is a genetic testing, research and training business dedicated to providing a comprehensive, cost-effective service throughout South Africa and the rest of Africa via a network of private and public healthcare practitioners.

In her address, Zaahl stressed the important fact that every human being is connected by genetics and ancestry. “We tend to have the skin colour, race and culture disconnect in society, but sometimes we don't understand that we share the same origin. What you need to understand about ancestry testing is that we do origin testing, which helps prove that a lot of people are linked to the same group," said Zaahl.

Part of the lecture programme also included an audience participation in understanding differences and commonalities. There was also an array of food made by various community members in Stellenbosch, celebrating the diverse food and heritage of the local community.

Since 2013, the annual Stellenbosch University e'Bosch Heritage Lectures have been setting the stage for important reflections on challenging the status quo to create a new culture that addresses key challenges in our society.

The e'Bosch Project prides itself in helping to develop ways to promote social inclusion and eliminating social injustice in communities in the greater Stellenbosch area.

 “The project is about building bridges between all the divides in Stellenbosch and ultimately South Africa. The aim is to achieve its goals through dialogue, celebrating existing culture in a new way where it is shared between all interest groups," said Mostert.

For more information on the e'Bosch Project and upcoming events, visit http://www.ebosch.co.za. 

Photos by Anton Jordaan.