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Did You Know?

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, located in Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1999 for its exceptional fossil hominid remains. The site covers approximately 47,000 hectares and includes the Sterkfontein Caves, where the famous 'Mrs. Ples' (a 2.1-million-year-old Australopithecus africanus skull) was discovered in 1947 by Robert Broom. The year 1936 is significant as it marks the discovery of the first adult Australopithecus africanus fossil at Sterkfontein by paleontologist Robert Broom, which confirmed the site's importance in human evolution. The Maropeng Visitor Centre, opened in 2005, serves as the main museum and exhibition space for the site, showcasing hominid fossils and interactive displays on human origins.

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