Genetic testing inspires new conversations about identity, history, and belonging

CapeTalk's John Maytham chats to CapeTalk listener, Natasha de Lange.

Listen below:

"Learning this has really reshaped how I see myself. It's given me a much deeper sense of connection to this country. It's also encouraged conversations with my own family about our roots."

- Natasha de Lange, CapeTalk listener

Genetic testing is opening new doors into personal identity, health, and history.

De Lange combined a health-focused test with an ancestral DNA add-on, uncovering rare mitochondrial DNA that traces her maternal lineage directly to the Khoisan people.

While her nuclear DNA showed largely European heritage, De Lange's mitochondrial haplogroup was found almost exclusively among Khoisan populations. 

She says the findings sparked meaningful conversations with family, and a deeper sense of belonging to South Africa. 

Unlike other DNAs, mitochondrial DNA is passed almost unchanged from mother to child, making it a powerful tool for tracing ancient human migrations.

The conversation also highlights ethical and emotional complexities, including how colonial history, migration, and even violence may be written into our genes. 

"I'm mindful that our country carries a very real history of oppression... those are conversations we need to keep having."

- Natasha de Lange, CapeTalk listener

"I can't help but wonder if tests like these had been around in the past, maybe people would have realised that belonging and that identity can't be judged by your appearance alone."

- Natasha de Lange, CapeTalk listener

De Lange acknowledges the uncomfortable possibility of slave ancestry in her family tree, but says the discoveries ultimately made her more compassionate.

"It's made me more curious and definitely more compassionate towards others. You start looking at people and thinking... we all carry stories that go so much deeper than what we see on the surface."

- Natasha de Lange, CapeTalk listener

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.