Fossils the focus in Gauteng

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site plans fossil casting

Although it might be South Africa’s smallest province, Gauteng packs a big punch in the world of fossils thanks to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site located just outside Johannesburg.

Attractions at the 47,000 hectare site include the world famous Sterkfontein Caves, at which in 1947 Dr Robert Broom found Mrs Ples, a skull estimated to be around 2.3 million years old. This was followed in 1997 by Professor Ron Clarke’s astonishing discovery of Little Foot, an almost complete skeleton dating back 3.5 million years.

Along with these incredible caves, there are 400 other attractions including restaurants, art and craft outlets, lodges, wildlife facilities and places of historical interest.

In order to promote this fascinating area, a fossil casting programme has been launched by Wits University.

“It is our belief that the palaeoanthropological information and specimens need to reach a far wider audience and this project is an attempt to boost this objective,” explained Dawn Roberston of the Gauteng Tourism Authority.

Written by Nicholas Scott

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