University of Limpopo, South Africa - insightful leadership provides the cornerstone for the Ubuntu Genome Project
The objective of the Ubuntu Genome Project - to capture the diversity of Southern African Bantu peoples, while fostering collaborative research at a historically African University. The Ubuntu Genome Project and KhoeSan Genome Project provide an inclusive map across the region.
Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Limpopo (left), providing a historical perspective of the University, the local meaning of Ubuntu, while endorsing the research. The project received direct monetary and participant support from the University.
The late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (right), the first African to have his complete genome sequenced (Nature 2010), endorses the Ubuntu Genome Project and celebrates the contribution of the University of Limpopo. The Arch remained a patron to the lab, including the broader efforts to reduce prostate cancer health disparities for African men, until his sad passing in December 2021.
Permission for use of footage was granted from all key participants.
Celebrating a life of dedication
In 2008 a community geneticist from the University of Limpopo, the later Professor Phillip Venter, initiated with Professor Vanessa Hayes the Ubuntu Genome Project and the Southern African Prostate Cancer Study (SAPCS) - this short video is to celebrate his life-long work to bring genetics to remote communities of South Africa (left). Prof Venter was loved by the community and the healthcare network with whom he worked so closely. The cover photo features Prof Venter (middle back) with his Department at the University of Limpopo in 2010.
Permission for use of footage was granted from all key participants.
Community engagement - discussions on naming with ‘San’ communities from Namibia
Vanessa Hayes discussing with IGubi (left), a ǂHoan speaker and first KhoeSan representative to have his genome sequenced (Nature 2010), on how the KhoeSan Genome Project representative peoples in his community refer to themselves and each other.
Vanessa Hayes discusses with the headman /kun /kunta (Josef, right) the controversial use of terms such as ‘Boesiesman’ (Bushman) or ‘San’ (Saan).
Permission for use of footage was granted from all key participants.
Ju/’hoansi - discussing research outcomes and community upliftment
Vanessa discussing the findings of the Nature 2019 paper with the Ju/’hoansi community (left).
Vanessa and Chris provide the training and collect local support to allow the Ju/’hoansi community to participate in a local soccer tournament (right). We are grateful to the staff at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Evolving Picture Sydney and Boots4Africa for assisting with the wonderful uniforms and supplies to make the communities dream a reality.
Permission for use of footage was granted from all key participants.
Damara discuss the meaning of their name and language, Namibia 2023
Damara translator Theopoltine Tauros discusses the meaning of Damara (left) and the relationship of the Damara language with Nama and Hai//om (right) with the eldest members of her community. We are grateful for the support of the headman of the community, Hans Bernhard Naobeb, and acknowledge the work of the Damara Living Museum and the important role this community plays in keeping the knowledge of the Damara culture and history alive.
Permission for use of footage was granted from all key participants.
Over a decade of memories, journeys and friendships across Namibia
A snapshot of the earlier days of recruitment and engagement in 2010 (left). We pay tribute to the community members who are no longer with us, remembering G/aq’o Kaesje (Oupa Nhoma), !amace N!aice (Renus), and N/’ae (Dam), as well as paying tribute to N!ani ǂoma (Mossie), N/ao N!ani (David) and N!aice N!ani who sadly lost their lives rescuing a tourist from a devastating bush fire. Some memories from two trips in 2019 to the Ju/’hoansi community (right).
The purposes of these recordings is in agreement with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia to ensure integrity in our research and engagements. Born and educated in the region, Vanessa has taken on the responsibility to ensure the integrity of engagement in remote communities, with the assistance of local translators, while being able to converse directly with the ‘San’ communities in the shared language of Afrikaans.
Permission for use of footage was granted from all key participants.
University of Sydney highlighting the Labs Research
African-specific prostate cancer taxonomy study,
featuring a message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Nature 2022)
A human homeland in Southern Africa dating over 200 thousand years (Nature 2019)
ABC Catalyst Science Documentaries
Out of Africa (Feb 2016, left), filmed during site visits in 2015
Out of Africa update (Sept 2016, right), filmed during site visits in 2015
