“More Alike Than We Think”: South African Woman Shows Ancestry DNA Results That Left Mzansi Divided

• A TikTok user shared her DNA test results, revealing a very diverse genetic makeup
• The woman's ancestry breakdown included percentages from Germanic Europe, Khoisan peoples, Southwest India, Maritime Southeast Asia, and different African regions
• Mzansi was split in the comments, with some celebrating her rich heritage while others questioned how someone could have such DNA
• Briefly News spoke to medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy regarding whether Ancestry DNA testing is legitimate

A South African woman has got the entire country talking after sharing her ancestry DNA test results that revealed a genetic makeup so diverse it left many people completely baffled.

TikTok user @zaffffffffffffffff posted a video on 10 August 2025 that broke down her heritage in a way that had South Africans questioning everything they thought they knew about ancestry and identity.

The woman captioned her post:

"We're fighting over our differences but our blood tells the same story, shares the same ancestors, and display the same resilience. We're more alike than we think."

She shared the detailed results showing her DNA stemmed from regions across the globe.

Her breakdown included 11% Germanic Europe, 11% Gulf of Manai, 9% Netherlands, 8% Khoisan peoples, 8% Southwest India, 7% Maritime Southeast Asia, 7% England and Northwestern Europe, and percentages from Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and many other regions.

The video showed different scenes before diving into the detailed breakdown. Each percentage came with brief historical information about the different groups and regions, painting a picture of an incredibly mixed heritage that spans continents and cultures.

The woman also recommended that other South Africans try Ancestry DNA kits, saying they're more detailed and accurate for people from the country. Her video quickly went viral, racking up over 1,000 reactions and hundreds of comments as viewers tried to make sense of the results.

Mzansi reacts to DNA results

@BigBadWolf questioned:

"Cape Malays never claimed Southern African heritage."

@🍉🇿🇦 Queen 🐝 gushed:

"The richest blood in the world ❤️❤️"

@Maxhamago MaGxarha 🇿🇦 joked:

"This is exactly why I will never take this DNA test 😂 I will remain 💯 South African 🤣🤣"

@🧶 asked:

"How much was the DNA test, and where did you do it, please? 😔😔😔"

@Zafiera 🍉 replied:

"I paid less than 1500 for the DNA kit and shipping with Ancestry."

@🤑Blockchain Wiz🤑🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 commented:

"My dear, respectfully, your DNA proves what African people have been saying. Your roots are adventitious😳 You are from all over the world... As a fellow coloured, I would just sit this one out... Respectfully of course 🤝"

@GameNugget defended her:

"Well done, you've done the test... But reading the comments, I guess being born in SA from a past you had no control over is wrong."

The ancestry DNA testing accuracy

According to an expert at AlphaBiolabs, ancestry DNA tests are very accurate based on the samples taken and the latest science. They look at small changes in your DNA that connect you to different groups of people, helping you understand your ethnic roots and where your ancestors may have lived.

These tests work by studying DNA mutations that happened as humans spread out of Africa thousands of years ago. Over time, groups developed unique DNA markers that were passed down through generations. Modern tests can now match those markers to regions and populations to trace family origins.

The woman who shared her results also responded to negative comments. She said the criticism showed how South Africa’s history of division still affects people today. In her words, “division is a weapon to steal land, silence voices, and break people’s spirits.” She explained that while people fight and deny their shared history, colonisers used that disunity to tighten control.

Speaking to Briefly News writer, Nerissa Naidoo, medical expert Jayshri Rangasamy discussed whether Ancestry DNA testing is legitimate. She stated:

"Ancestry DNA testing is scientifically legitimate, using advanced genetic analysis to compare your DNA with large reference databases to estimate ethnic origins and familial connections. While lab accuracy is typically over 99%, ethnicity estimates are statistical and can vary depending on the diversity of the reference panel."

"To ensure reliable results, it's important to choose a reputable provider, follow sample collection instructions carefully, understand that ethnicity percentages are estimates, and consider cross-validating with other tests or genealogical records. Regular updates to algorithms and databases can also refine your results over time."

Watch the TikTok clip below:

3 Other proudly South African moments

• Briefly News recently reported on a man whose spontaneous dance with a stranger turned into a proudly South African moment, but what happened next had his girlfriend filming everything.
• A heartwarming petrol station scene saw a motorist and attendants break into dance to a Mandoza classic, though the reason behind their celebration remained a mystery.
• A Durban family went viral for their stunning traditional outfits, but the story behind their cultural pride had an unexpected twist that melted hearts.

Source: Briefly News