Some of the 1 550 fossil specimens of Homo naledi, which represent at least 15 different individuals. (Image: National Geographic)
Johannesburg, Thursday 10 September 2015 – Brand South Africa applauds the team of scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand and other volunteers, on their discovery of a new species of human relative – Homo naledi – at the Cradle of Humankind.
Brand South Africa CEO Mr Kingsley Makhubela, reflecting upon the significance of this find, for the South African brand in particular said, “This find of approximately 1 550 fossil elements emphasizes South Africa’s position as a global leader in the field of paleo-anthropology. The discovery has been described as one which will force us to rethink the origins of humankind as whole. While we cannot claim to have created what lies in our soil, we can celebrate this as a part of our heritage and as part of South Africa’s legacy to the world.”
“South Africa is described as one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the world because of our mineral wealth. The rich fossil and archeological remains in our soil is another reason why South Africa is so valuable to the world.”
“We salute the team of scientists led by Professor Lee Berger, from the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. We celebrate you today for unearthing and bringing to light this magnificent discovery, and for its significance to humankind as a whole and South Africa in particular.”
“South Africa looks forward to welcoming the world to the Cradle of Humankind to view the fossil elements which will be on display from 11 September – 11 October 2015.”
“We look forward to and eagerly anticipate your continued work in this field and wish you well in your future endevours,” concluded Mr Makhubela.
Follow the conversation on #HomoNaledi and #AlmostHuman.
