STERKFONTEIN, SWARTKRANS AND KROMDRAAI “Around 40% of the world’s known hominid fossils were unearthed in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999.” –Maropeng The fossil sites Swartkrans, Sterkfontein and Kromdraai are situated in close proximity, not more than three kilometres apart, in the Sterkfontein valley near Krugersdorp and have been the centre of exciting archaeological hominid fossil finds – not least of which is that the African continent is the undisputed Cradle of Humankind.
human and animal remains that have allowed scientists a window into the past. Thus, this site constitutes a vast reserve of scientific data of universal scope and considerable potential, linked to the history of the most ancient periods of humankind.” - UNESCO Museums like the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History help us understand about our origins:
They contain some of the most important Australopithecine specimens dating back more than 3.5 million years which provide a window to the origins and evolution of humankind.
“South Africa is a country rich with heritage to be enjoyed by all. It has evidence that supports the belief that Africa is the cradle of humanity. Therefore, learning our origins should include a trip to the museum to learn more about these incredible collections.
Think Mrs (Mr?) Ples. Think Little Foot. In the Sterkfontein Caves palaeontologists have unearthed some 500 hominids, making the dolomitic limestone site one of the richest fossil repositories in the world.
“Palaeoanthropology being a complex discipline onits own, a visual interaction with the vast collections we have in our museums would contribute to the understanding of the topic,”
“The serially nominated sites are situated in unique natural settings that have created a suitable environment for the capture and preservation of
- Dr Gaokgatlhe Mirriam Tawane, curator of Plio-Pleistocene fossils at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria.
20 | Public Sector Leaders | September 2021
