2005 Media release

In an ongoing campaign to highlight South Africa's world-class research and scientific contributions, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) declared September 2005 African Origins Month.

In September South Africans will also celebrate Heritage Day (24 September).

"South Africa is the only country in the world with the oldest evidence of life on Earth, the oldest animals, the most primitive land-living plants, the most distant ancestors of dinosaurs, the most complete record of the more than 80 million year ancestry of mammals, a remarkable record of human origins, and so the list goes on," says Dr. Tshepo Seekoe, Director: Science Platforms at DST.

He continues: "Yet, very few people know this! For example, we have some
15 000 documented rock art sites in South Africa, compared to about 300 in Europe. International researchers regularly refer to South African rock art studies for guidance and often adopt our methods of analysis.

African Origins Month aims to engage the public in South Africa's rich fossil, cultural and genetic heritage extending back more than three billion years, and excite learners about following careers in the sciences - a growth sector in South Africa.

The month will be celebrated under the theme African Origins - it all started here! and activities will include field trips to fossil parks, World Heritage Sites and museums, public lectures and open days at research institutions. Information about these will be made available through the media.

African Origins Month is a DST-initiative, implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), through partners such as PAST (Palaeontological Scientific Trust) and participating science centres.

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