Mrs Ples on display

THE original fossils of the Taung child and Mrs Ples are on display to the public for the first time in the newly-opened Original Fossil Display in Maropeng until May 14. The four-year-old Taung child and Mrs Ples belong to the same species – the australopithecus africanus. Ples is believed to be about tow million years old and the Taung child dates back 2,7-million years ago. Says Chrissi Drunk, brand manager at Maropeng: “This is one of the rare occasions that the public will have to see the original fossil. Up until now, original fossils were available exclusively to local and international scientists for research purposes.” Maropeng, which forms part of the Cradle of Humankind heritage site, will be open at the weekend from 09h00 to 17h00 for those who would like to view the original fossils. Meanwhile, Dr Francis Thackeray, a curator from the Transvaal Museum, will present talks on May 6 and 7. Thackeray will be explaining the relevance of the fossils to humankind and its history. Mbuyisi Mgibisa (mbuyisim@nowmedia.co.za)