Sterkfontein Caves Research

22/05/2026

Wits Sterkfontein Caves research has once again featured prominently across recent Faculty of Science communications, highlighting both major scientific discoveries and the people behind them.

Recent features included the virtual reconstruction of the iconic Australopithecus fossil “Little Foot,” offering new insight into early hominin facial evolution; groundbreaking nitrogen isotope research showing that *Australopithecus* at Sterkfontein consumed little to no mammalian meat; recognition of this work as one of the Smithsonian’s Top Human Evolution Discoveries of 2025; and a tribute recognising the invaluable contributions of Sterkfontein Caves technicians, whose expertise has been central to excavation, fossil preparation, and interpretation over decades of research.

Together, these stories reinforce the global significance of research from the Sterkfontein Caves and its continued role in advancing palaeoanthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand.

21/05/2026

🚨 New Publication Alert! 🚨

A new study by Ronald Clarke and Travis Pickering, published in the Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, revisits one of South Africa's most famous fossil discoveries, a lower jaw known as SK 15 from Swartkrans Cave.

Some researchers recently argued that SK 15 belonged to a robust human relative called Paranthropus. However, Clarke and Pickering disagree. They argue that the fossil does not show the key features expected in Paranthropus and may instead belong to an early member of our own genus, Homo, or a late-surviving Australopithecus.

Why does this matter? Because identifying which species a fossil belongs to helps scientists understand how many different human relatives lived in South Africa nearly 2 million years ago and how they may have interacted with one another.

Article link:
https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2026.2625163

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

🚨 New Publication Alert!🚨
New research by Cazenave et al. (2026), published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), examining fossil leg bones (femora and tibiae) from Sterkfontein and Swartkrans suggests that early southern African hominins did not all move in the same way.

By analysing the internal structure of the bones, researchers found that Paranthropus robustus likely retained more climbing-related behaviours, while Sterkfontein Australopithecus shows evidence of more frequent upright walking on the ground.

The findings add to growing evidence that different hominin species occupied distinct ecological niches within the Cradle of Humankind millions of years ago, highlighting the diversity and complexity of early human evolution.

Article link:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2532193123

12/05/2026

🚨 New Article Alert!🚨
As we approach the 90th anniversary of the discovery of TM 1511 this August, we are pleased to share this newly published feature article by Ron Clarke and Lazarus Kgasi on the DITSONG: Museum of Natural History website.

Discovered at Sterkfontein Caves in 1936 by Dr Robert Broom, TM 1511 was the first adult Australopithecus cranium ever found and became a landmark discovery in the history of palaeoanthropology. The article reflects on the fossil’s discovery, scientific importance, and lasting contribution to our understanding of human evolution and the Cradle of Humankind.

A remarkable milestone celebrating 90 years of one of South Africa’s most important fossil discoveries. Stay tuned for more as we approach this important anniversary later this year.

Read article below:
https://ditsong.org.za/en/90th-anniversary-of-the-first-discovery-of-an-adult-australopithecus-cranium-tm-1511-at-sterkfontein-caves-south-africa/

11/05/2026

🚨 New Feature Alert! 🚨
Proud to see Sterkfontein fossil technician Abel Molepolle featured in the the Sunday Times for his extraordinary contribution to South African palaeoscience. From being born at Sterkfontein to spending decades preserving its fossils, his story is inseparable from the history of the Cradle of Humankind itself.

Abel played a vital role in the recovery and preservation of “Little Foot”—one of the most remarkable Australopithecus skeletons ever discovered—dedicating years of patient and meticulous work to excavating, cleaning, moulding, and casting the fossils.

He’s now retired, but his legacy endures. A true legend whose work now reaches museums and research institutions across the world.

Wishing him a well-deserved retirement and celebrating an incredible legacy.

Realeboga Ntate Kgame!

Read article below:
https://times-e-editions.pressreader.com/1107/20260510/281479283038889

29/04/2026

🎟️🌌🦴 From the stars to our roots!

To celebrate Africa month in May, experience the journey of humanity like never before with a special combo featuring "!AITSA" at the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, WITS University and a visit to the Origins Centre Museum

✨ Bringing together ancient spiritual knowledge and cutting-edge science, !AITSA is a transcendental film about humans in the Great Karoo desert of South Africa seeking meaning in the infinite darkness surrounding us all.

(Please note, !AITSA is not a fulldome show (i.e. it is not a 360 degree experience), and does not include an interactive night sky viewing. The duration of this documentary is about 90 minutes and is suitable for ages 13 and above.)

🗿 With the same ticket, step into the Origins Centre (full access to the museum) to uncover the story of humankind through remarkable heritage and scientific discovery - anytime in the month of May!

Two experiences. One powerful story.
🎟️ Combo tickets now available.
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1583524226

!AITSA show times at the
📅Saturday, 16 May: 14:00 (combo tickets: R150)
Wednesday, 27 May: 18:00 (combo tickets: R120)

Origins Centre Museum opening hours (please note, these combo tickets are only valid here for May)
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 16:00

Perfect for anyone curious about where we come from.
📍

27/04/2026

🇿🇦 Freedom Day

Today we celebrate South Africa’s journey to freedom and democracy — and reflect on the values that continue to shape our nation.

From all of us at Wits Sterkfontein Caves, we wish you a meaningful Freedom Day.

18/04/2026

79 years ago today, one of the most iconic fossils in human history was brought to light.

On 18 April 1947, Robert Broom and John T. Robinson uncovered “Mrs Ples” (STS 5) at the Sterkfontein Caves—a remarkably preserved skull of Australopithecus africanus that would reshape our understanding of human origins.

Discovered in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, Mrs Ples remains a powerful symbol of our deep past, offering a glimpse into a time when early human ancestors walked this landscape millions of years ago.

Today, we celebrate not just a fossil, but a legacy of discovery, science, and the ongoing journey to understand where we come from.

Mrs Ples (STS 5): A timeless face of human evolution.

18 April 1947 — 18 April 2026

17/04/2026

Congratulations, Dr Tammy!!!

Congratulations to Dr Tammy Hodgskiss Reynard, known as the ‘Ochre Lady’, on her appointment as Head of the Origins Centre as it marks 20 years. 💙🏛️

A Wits-trained archaeologist and heritage professional, her leadership ushers in an exciting new chapter for the Centre.

Read More: https://ow.ly/crJT50YJu4J

17/04/2026

IN CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR DOMINIC STRATFORD ON SCIENCE WISE

Listen in 🎙️ as VOW FM’s Science Wise sits down with Professor Dominic Stratford — geoarchaeologist and Director of Research at the Sterkfontein Caves — for a compelling deep dive into the world of palaeoanthropology.

As we mark one year since the reopening of this iconic heritage site, Professor Stratford reflects on groundbreaking discoveries, the science behind excavation, and how Sterkfontein — and research across the broader Cradle of Humankind — continue to shape our understanding of human evolution.

Importantly, the conversation also shines a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes of the caves, the technicians, whose expertise and dedication are central to every discovery. Following a recent tribute publication, their critical role in excavation, preservation, and research takes well-deserved centre stage.

🔬 From fossils to fieldwork, this is the science and the people behind the discoveries.

Real science. Real stories. Real people.