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South Africa


Goal 1: Research and Records


Partners and Sites:   FamilySearch   Ancestry   MyHeritage  |  Websites:   FS Wiki   GenealogyLinks

South Africa Provinces



Goal 1: Get started with research in South Africa.



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Choices


AUse effective research methods for your South African ancestors.


  Guided Learning Video

  1. Beginning: Learn about South Africa family history in these articles.

    FS—Wiki: South Africa Genealogy
    AF—Introduction to South African Genealogy

  2. Watch this video for a basic guide to South African research.

    RT—Concise guide to researching South African ancestors—16:55 - 2022



  3. Learn techniques of beginning South Africa research in these videos.

    FS—Beginning South Africa Research—48:38 - 2014
    Beginner's Guide to South African Research—27:07 - 2018



  4. These RootsTech videos help you get started with South African research.

    RT—Getting Started in South African Research—24:38 - 2021


    RT—Jumpstart Your South African Research: An Essential Guide—18:50 - 2021


  5. Explore the Beginner's Guide to South African Research on the Mole's Genealogy Blog site.
  6. Case Study: Watch this case study in South African research.

    South African Genealogy: A Case Study—16:41 - 2018


  7. Record Finder: Learn about types of South African records with the FamilySearch Record Finder.

    FS—Wiki: Record Finder

Exercises


BExplore additional resources for research.



(5:42)

  1. Online Sources: Learn how to find online sources for South Africa research.

    RT—Online Sources for South African Research—24:53 - 2021



    RT—Resources for researching South African ancestors—15:51 - 2022



  2. : Learn about additional resources for South African research, including DNA test results.

    AF—Utilizing Online Resources and DNA Testing for South African Genealogy - 2024

  3. Explore the Forebears.io site for research records.
  4. Explore and share South African ancestor images in the Genealogy Images SA, Lost & Found Facebook group.

CLearn about South African surnames and Afrikaans terms.


  1. Surnames: Get an overview of Afrikaans surnames on the MyHeritage Wiki.

    MH Wiki—Afrikaans Surnames

  2. Learn about the origins of South African surnames.

    AF—Understanding South African Surnames - 2024

  3. Search the Geneanet site for South African surnames.
  4. Word List: Review this Afrikaans Genealogical Word List from FamilySearch.
Exercises