July 15, 2025

Jessica Jantjies, a Cape Town-based writer and storyteller, discusses her multi-layered heritage and African Jewish identity. She traces her roots to mixed ancestry, including KhoiKhoi, San, Scottish, Zimbabwean, and Sierra Leonean lineages.

Jessica explores the impact of apartheid on colored people and the complexities of their identity. She highlights the historical connections between South Africa and Israel, noting the apartheid government’s training by Israeli forces.

Jessica emphasizes the need for inclusive narratives in Jewish identity, drawing from her personal journey and the Lemba community’s practices. She advocates for greater visibility and representation of Jews of color within the South African Jewish community.

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