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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)
CHAOS CHAMBER

Unearthing Leti, the child of darkness

The first partial skull of a Homo naledi child, which is believed to be 250 000 years old, has been found in the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg

  • Sheree Bega
6 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)
HOMO NALEDI

Homo naledi discovery a triumph for open access and education

The discovery has been a social media sensation, recording an extraordinary number of views – more than 170 000 – for a scientific paper.

  • John Hawks
5 min read