Reopening of Sterkfontein Caves: A Step Closer to Our Human Origins
Reopening of Sterkfontein Caves: A Step Closer to Our Human Origins
Itumeleng Molefe, sitting on sandbags in South Africa’s Sterkfontein caves, gently swept ancient soil into a blue dustpan, searching for hidden clues. The caves, located 50 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, reopened on Tuesday after nearly three years of closure due to flooding.
The reopening offers visitors a new experience, allowing them to engage with live scientific research. The caves are part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, known for yielding vital paleontological finds, including the famous “Little Foot” skeleton, one of the most complete early human ancestors ever discovered.
Molefe, who joined the excavation team in 2013, treasures his find of an early human hand bone. His father was involved in uncovering Little Foot, dated between 1.5 and 3.7 million years old, an Australopithecus specimen considered a key ancestor of modern humans.
The caves previously welcomed 100,000 tourists annually. Now, visitors can explore the site’s fossils and experience the ongoing research, though Little Foot itself is displayed only during special occasions like Heritage Month in September.