A study of ancient DNA from the Oakhurst rock shelter in South Africa has revealed remarkable genetic continuity over 12,000 years, challenging the traditional understanding of population movements in the region. The research shows that the people inhabiting the site, from 10,000 years ago to as recently as 1,300 years ago, were genetically similar to contemporary San and Khoekhoe populations, demonstrating a unique long-term stability in the genetic history of southernmost Africa.