From Maropeng to Shanghai: Chinese delegates in the Cradle of Humankind
Today saw a group of Chinese delegates visit Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves as part of a special tour for the promotion of Gauteng-China cultural relations.
At the same time, in Shanghai, Professor Lee Berger announced the recent discovery of the new Australopithecus sediba fossils found inside a rock from the Malapa fossil site, and gave details of the laboratory that will be set up at Maropeng to accommodate the removal of the fossil from the rock.
Back at Maropeng, the delegates reached the end of their tour, addressed the group gathered in Shanghai via Skype, and spoke of their time in the Cradle of Humankind.
(All photos and video footage courtesy Anthony Paton)
At the Sterkfontein Caves: Professor Francis Thackeray (left) and Professor Ron Clarke (right) recount the history of Mrs Ples as a delegate holds a replica skull
Maropeng Curator Lindsay Marshall (far left) leads the delegates through the Market Place
Outside the Tumulus: The delegates included the Chairperson of the Committee for Learning, Cultural and Historical Data, Mr Guanglin Chen, members of the Chinese embassy, and several visitors from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
The delegates enjoyed a trip through time on Maropeng's boat ride
The technical team prepare to link live to Shanghai