Introduction to the Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a vast area covering approximately 470 square kilometres across the provinces of Gauteng and North West. It is home to numerous fossil sites, including Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and the Rising Star Cave system. These sites have yielded some of the most important discoveries in the field of paleoanthropology, providing insights into the evolution of humans over millions of years.
Key Fossil Sites
Sterkfontein: Known for the discovery of Australopithecus africanus, including the famous fossil "Mrs. Ples" and the nearly complete skeleton "Little Foot." These finds have been crucial in understanding early human evolution.
Swartkrans: Famous for evidence of early human-made fires, dating back about 1.3 million years. This site also contains fossils of various hominins and other animals.
Rising Star Cave System: Home to the Dinaledi Chamber, where over 1,500 fossils of Homo naledi were discovered. This species is believed to have lived as recently as 236,000 years ago, overlapping with early Homo sapiens.
Significant Discoveries
Mrs. Ples and Little Foot: These are among the most famous fossils found in Sterkfontein. Mrs. Ples, initially thought to be a female, is now believed to be a male Australopithecus africanus skull, while Little Foot is a nearly complete skeleton of an early hominin.
Homo naledi: Discovered in the Rising Star Cave system, this species is remarkable for its mix of primitive and modern traits. The extensive number of fossils found suggests a deliberate burial practice, which is a significant finding in understanding human evolution.
Australopithecus sediba: Found in Malapa Cave, this species is thought to be a transitional phase between earlier Australopithecus species and more advanced hominins.
Tips for Exploring the Cradle of Humankind
Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre: This is a great starting point for understanding the history and significance of the Cradle of Humankind. It offers interactive exhibits and a comprehensive overview of human evolution.
Guided Tours: Consider going with a guided tour to the fossil sites to gain deeper insights into the discoveries and their implications.
Respect the Sites: Remember that these are protected areas, so it's important to follow guidelines and respect the natural and historical environment.
The Cradle of Humankind is not just a historical site; it's a window into the origins of humanity. For South Africans, it's a source of national pride and a reminder of the country's significant contribution to the field of paleoanthropology. By exploring this region, visitors can gain a profound understanding of human evolution and the fascinating stories behind these ancient fossils.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
