The Missing Branch

I was born as Susan Vorster, but many might not know that my birth name should have actually been Du Toit.

For 38 years, I had to live without my biological father, kept apart from him by the decisions of others. I grew up carrying a name that was not truly mine, and for much of my life, a part of me felt missing – a part I did not fully understand until I found him in 2021.

In official documents, my maiden name shows van den Berg. My mother’s first husband – the father of my half-brother – legally adopted me when I was very young, and I still carry his name today. But he hasn’t been part of my life since I was six years old, and the name van den Berg has never belonged to me. It was never a reflection of who I am, nor of where I come from.

Now, with my father in my life and the bond between us growing stronger every day, I feel the deep need to reclaim my true identity.

I am a Du Toit– I always have been.

Changing my name is not simply a legal act; it is a return to my roots, a recognition of my heritage, and a way to finally take my rightful place in the family tree. Until now, I have not truly belonged. Not completely. Not in the way I was meant to.

The name Du Toit carries a history as rich and layered as the people who bore it. Its origins trace back to France, where the family were part of the Huguenots – French Protestants who endured persecution for their faith during times of extreme intolerance.

The name itself is derived from the French words “du toit,” which literally means “of the roof.” Scholars believe it may have referred to someone who lived near a prominent roof, worked in construction or carpentry, or came from a house that stood out in the village. Whatever the origin, it became more than a description. It became a symbol of resilience, identity, and belonging.

When the Huguenots fled France to escape religious persecution, many carried the Du Toit name with them to faraway lands, including South Africa. There, they planted new roots and built new lives, carrying their traditions, beliefs, and memories across oceans. Over generations, the Du Toit family grew, thrived, and contributed to the rich culture of the regions they called home.

Each branch of the family tree tells stories of courage, adaptation, and connection. Stories that, until recently, I could only observe from a distance.

Now, I am stepping fully into that history. It is not just a name; it is a lineage, a story, and a promise. It connects me to my father, to generations before him, and to the countless family members whose lives shaped the world I live in today.

This is only the beginning of many stories to come about the Du Toit family. Just like the Kuipers and the Vorsters, their history is fascinating, layered, and full of life. And now, as a Du Toit myself, I can finally claim my place within that story – not just as a witness, but as a part of the living legacy.