The acclaimed Wits Sterkfontein Caves, a cornerstone of human evolutionary research, officially reopened to the public on April 15, 2025.
This moment marks a significant transition in its management, now fully under the auspices of Wits University, bringing with it a renewed focus on education and active research.
Situated within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site near Johannesburg, the Sterkfontein Caves are renowned for their remarkable contributions to the understanding of human evolution.
Since the discovery of the iconic “Mrs Ples” in 1947 and “Little Foot” in 1997, the caves have yielded a plethora of fossils that have deepened global comprehension of our ancestral lineage. These findings have established Sterkfontein as a cornerstone in palaeontological research, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.
Panyaza Lesufi, the Premier of Gauteng, emphasised the profound significance of this reopening during a recent event attended by various dignitaries.
Lesufi stated, “I wish to thank Wits University for this invitation to the opening of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves. This is an invitation that one does not take lightly because the opening of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves is an event like no other. I have said to the team, and I continue to say it, that I am the chief person, and I am assigned to identify almost 18 sites where we can bring the guests of our country and the guests of our president during the G20 in November. Of the 18, Wits has already delivered two, which was the dome; now it is the Sterkfontein Caves. This is a sacred site that we need to defend and promote but, most importantly, pass it over to the next generation,” said Lesufi.
Mogale City Executive Mayor, Councillor Lucky Sele, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Sterkfontein Caves is a great way to the past, a reminder that we are all part of a large journey, a narrative woven of time that connects us to our ancestry. Honourable premiere, as we marvel at this unparalleled significance, we must confront the pressing environmental challenges that threaten the integrity of this heritage. We must invest in this infrastructure and champion its improvement, for it represents our commitment to safeguard not just the Sterkfontein Caves but the entire ecosystem.”
Traditionally serving primarily as a tourist attraction, the newly reimagined Wits Sterkfontein Caves are set to provide visitors with an immersive educational experience. Prof. Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Wits Faculty of Science, commented, “This reopening represents a significant evolution in how we share the story of human origins. Visitors now have unique opportunities to engage with active live science and research, all happening in real time.”
The commitment to bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding of science is further emphasised by Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Wits University. He stated, “The reopening of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves represents an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the public’s understanding of science. By making science more accessible, we hope to inspire the next generation of researchers while helping everyone connect more deeply with our shared human story.”
Wits University has been at the forefront of palaeoanthropological research since it assumed management of the Sterkfontein site in 1966. The university boasts the world’s largest repository of hominin fossils, many of which were unearthed from these significant limestone caves. Formed millions of years ago, the caves have preserved critical evidence of our ancestors, who fell into their depths, creating a fossil record spanning several million years of human evolution.
It is revealed that under the new management structure, Dr Job Kibii will head the Wits Sterkfontein Caves, overseeing daily operations and visitor experiences, while Professor Dominic Stratford will maintain focus on research. Together, they will collaborate with the Cradle of Humankind Management Authority and the South African Heritage Resources Agency to ensure the proper preservation of this vital natural and cultural site.
The opening of the Wits Sterkfontein Caves dovetails perfectly with Wits University’s commitment to excellence in research and education, building on the esteemed legacy of renowned palaeoanthropologists like the late Prof. Phillip Tobias and Prof. Ronald Clarke, whose pivotal work at the Wits Sterkfontein Caves fundamentally advanced the understanding of human origins.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
