cradle of humankindlatest news & developments
The discovery of a new species of human relative, Homo Naledia was unveiled at The Cradle of Human Kind at Maropeng in Johannesburg, South Africa. Naledi was discovered in a hard to reach chamber in the Rising Star Cave which has led scientists to believe that the Hominids had a understanding of the finality of death. Naledi stood about 1,5m high, had a unique mix of primitive and modern features with a tiny brain about the size of an orange, a slender body and unusually curved fingers. (Photo by Denzil Maregele/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The no-prisoner Naledi wars

DREW FORREST looks at the fierce academic controversies ignited by South Africa’s most recent hominin find

  • Eyaaz
8 min read
The Elephant Chamber is one of the main chambers within the Sterkfontein Caves, known for its significant role in paleontological discoveries, including the discovery of hominid fossils. (Umamah Bakharia/M&G)

Sterkfontein Caves reopened after safety upgrades

The international landmark closed in 2023 after heavy rainfall caused soil movement that threatened safety

  • Umamah Bakharia
4 min read
Then Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Professor Lee Berger hold a replica of the skull of a Homo naledi during the unveiling of the discovery. (File photo)

The God Edition | Searching among the bones for Homo naledi’s soul

Drew Forrest uses one of South Africa’s most important hominid discoveries to debate the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in the religious doctrine of ‘ensoulment’

  • Des Erasmus
6 min read
Fresh start: Zolani Mahola, former lead singer of Freshlyground. She was one of the performers at the Concert for Love at Nirox Park, north of Joburg, last week. Photos: Aron Halevi, Alaister Russell

Zolani Mahola on music, motherhood and meaning

Reinventing herself through music, nature and purpose, she steps into her true power

  • Umamah Bakharia
7 min read
Members of The Ugly Veg Company sorting kale. Images by Derek Davey

Ugly vegetables create a beautiful story

A small agricultural miracle is transforming a community in the Cradle of Humankind

  • Derek Davey
14 min read
Efforts to get the pump station fixed by the municipality have been “fruitless”. Photo by Delwyn Verasamy

Our water crisis is a tinderbox

Sewage pollution has harrowing consequences for human health, such as waterborne pathogens like cholera, salmonella, typhoid and hepatitis

  • Eyaaz
2 min read
The Munsieville pump station, which should separate solid waste from liquids, has not worked for years, leading to raw sewage flowing through the township. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Sewage swamp: Mogale City can’t get its shit together

The pollution is making residents sick and contaminating rivers and groundwater resources in the Cradle of Humankind

  • Sheree Bega
11 min read
Human history: Sterkfontein Cave at the Cradle of Humankind outside Joburg. (Mark Harris/Getty Images)

Making no bones of science

This is an edited extract from Sarah Wild’s new book ‘Human Origins’

  • Eyaaz
7 min read