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The name 'van Zijl' is originating from the river by the same name: Zijl, an affluent from the 'Oude Rijn' (Old Rhine). Just a few hundred metres past the splitting -near the village Leiderdorp- Jan van Ammers built a castle, named 'The House Zijl' (Huys te Zijl or Zijlhof). He and his descendants named themselves 'comimg from the Zijl' >> van Zijl. After years they spread out over Holland, but also over the world.
Some interesting information.....Susanna Isabella Johanna van Zijl married Alexander St-John Rose whose father was Maurice Samuel Rose. Maurice Samuel Rose is Bernard Rose's great grandfather. Bernard Rose and Fanie van Zijl both grew up in Randfontein together, as friends and fellow runners. Does this make them relatives?