Finally, the dolomite chambers reopen for public exploration after two years.
- Sterkfontein Caves reopens after a two-year closure, visitors can now explore the World Heritage Site.
- Wits University now fully owns and manages the caves.
- Visitors will now be able to interact with researchers and view fossil preparations.
On Tuesday, April 15, the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves reopened to the public after being closed in December 2022, due to flooding at the entrance of the caves. The UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the Cradle of Humankind now offers visitors the opportunity to have first-hand engagement with artefacts.
The Sterkfontein Caves house excavations are responsible for the crucial discoveries that expand our understanding of early hominin fossils. Regarded as one of humanity’s most important paleontological sites, as it has hundreds of fossils that detail the origins of man.
As you walk into the cave, you are greeted with multiple steps to reach its deepest part. The environment is moist as the temperature is 20°C, and water droplets hang on the ceiling as testament. LED lights line the passageway to assist visitors as they venture deeper into the cave. It is eerily quiet, and an echo can be heard when you speak.
After taking over the property in 1966, Wits will now fully manage the site as of April 15, 2025, under the supervision of the Faculty of Science. Professor Job Kibii, Head of Wits Sterkfontein Caves said the Caves were originally co-owned by Wits and the Gauteng Provincial Government, now it is fully owned by Wits.
Professor Dominic Stratford, the leading researcher at the caves said, “Visitors might see people working, whether they are student groups or specialist researchers working in excavations”. This has never been done before and adds into the management’s efforts to make the cave tour experience interactive and educational.
Visitors will be accompanied by a tour guide and tour the caves, reaching the lowest point, the Elephant Chambers. They will have access to the fossil preparation laboratory, where they can engage with researchers and finally enter the museum.
“Part of the role of a university is to be about research, teaching, learning and outreach and interaction in the community… it is important for a university in its role as a public good entity to play its part in the preservation of human heritage,” said Wits’ vice-chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.
The new developments make visiting the World Heritage Site a truly transformative and informative experience.
FEATURED IMAGE: From left to right: Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Professor Job Kibii, Professor Dominic Stratford, Professor Nithaya Chetty, inside the Sterkfontein Caves. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
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