Sterkfontein Caves Research

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

A wonderful feature on the history of Sterkfontein Caves — and we are especially proud to see one of our own guides, **Gift Malogadihlane**, featured in the story.

The article looks back at Guglielmo “Willie” Martinaglia, whose search for limestone in the late 19th century led to the opening of the cave system that would later become one of the world’s most important palaeoanthropological sites.

As Sterkfontein celebrates 90 years since its first hominin discovery in 1936, it is wonderful to see both the history of the site and the people who continue to share its story recognised.

Thank you to *Krugersdorp News* for the feature.

https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/news-headlines/local-news/2026/07/28/the-pioneer-behind-sterkfonteins-discovery/v

17/08/2026

90 years ago today, Sterkfontein made history.

On 17 August 1936, quarry manager George Barlow handed Robert Broom a natural fossil brain cast, now known as Sts 60, and asked the now-famous question: “Is this what you are after?”

The discovery led to TM1511, the first adult Australopithecus cranium with teeth ever discovered. It provided powerful support for the significance of the Taung Child and helped establish Australopithecus as an important part of our human evolutionary story. It also helped set in motion decades of research at Sterkfontein and across South Africa’s fossil-bearing caves.

Today, 17 August 2026, we celebrate 90 years since that extraordinary discovery and the generations of discoveries, research and people that have shaped Sterkfontein’s remarkable scientific legacy.

And the story continues…

Sterkfontein @ 90: From Fossils to Futures
A new exhibition is coming this November, opening to the public on 17 November 2026.

09/08/2026

Celebrating the strength, resilience and remarkable contributions of women. 💜
This Women’s Day, we honour the women who have shaped our past, inspire our present and continue to build our future.
Happy Women’s Day from Wits Sterkfontein Caves!

18/07/2026

Small acts. Big impact. Join millions around the world this Mandela Day by dedicating 67 minutes to serving others. 🇿🇦

10/07/2026

Exploring the past with the technology of tomorrow. 🤖🦴

Where innovation meets our origins.
We loved welcoming these brilliant young innovators to the Wits Sterkfontein Caves! Their robotics project imagined how technology could one day help explore caves, discover fossils, map underground passages, and improve safety for both researchers and visitors.
Their message said it best:
"Understanding our past so we can build the future."

The future is in good hands.

27/06/2026

Another memorable day at the Wits Sterkfontein Caves! It was a pleasure welcoming our visitors and sharing the remarkable story of one of the world's most significant fossil sites. Thank you for visiting—we hope to see you again soon!

26/06/2026

🚨 Article Alert! 🚨

🦴 What can a 2-million-year-old fossil tell us about ourselves?

Sts 52 and the Evolutionary Context of Australopithecus africanus: Insights into Hominin Diversity, Adaptation, and the Origins of Modern Human Traits

By Lazarus Kgasi

The remarkable Sts 52 fossil from the Sterkfontein Caves continues to provide valuable insights into one of the most significant chapters in human evolution.

Although Australopithecus africanus was not a direct ancestor of modern humans, Sts 52 reveals many of the evolutionary foundations of traits that define us today—from efficient bipedalism and dietary flexibility to prolonged childhood development and changes in facial anatomy.

By helping scientists reconstruct the complex and mosaic nature of human evolution, Sts 52 remains one of South Africa's most important fossil discoveries and an enduring part of our shared heritage.

📍 Discover how this extraordinary specimen continues to shape our understanding of human origins by reading the full article.

https://ditsong.org.za/en/sts-52-and-the-evolutionary-context-of-australopithecus-africanus-insights-into-hominin-diversity-adaptation-and-the-origins-of-modern-human-traits/

19/06/2026

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Brian Mogaki

Friday 26 June 2026
13:15 – 14:30
Origins Centre Wits - University of the Witwatersrand

Please join us at Origins Centre as we mourn the tremendous loss of you friend and colleague, Brian Mokae Yankee Mogaki.

Brian connected people to each other and to Africa; he shared the voices of those who came before us, and was passionate about the traditions, languages and memories that have shaped us. Please come to remember Brian, to mourn his loss, and to show support for his family and loved ones.

If you would like to send through a message or memory, please email them to [email protected]