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Mrs Ples back at the Sterkfontein Caves for the first time in 58 years
28 September 2005
The real Mrs Ples fossil, first discovered on 18 April 1947 at the Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, will return for a special once-off appearance on the day of the official opening of the new facilities and hominid exhibition at the Sterkfontein Caves.
The new facilities will officially be opened at 10h30 on 29 September 2005 by the Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, accompanied by Premier Mbazima Shilowa and other dignitaries, including Prof Phillip Tobias, who will be celebrating his 80th birthday in October.
Mrs Ples will be accompanied by an additional three original fossils.
The new facilities form part of the Gauteng government's commitment to preserve the World Heritage Site, promote tourism and contribute to economic growth, poverty alleviation and job creation.
Details are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 29 September 2005
Time: 10h30
Venue: Cradle of Humankind, North-West of Gauteng
For more information contact:
Trish Hanekom
CEO of the Cradle of Humankind Project
Cell: 082 373 7720
Chrissi Drunk
Maropeng a'Afrika Leisure (Pty) Ltd
Tel: (011) 668 3201
Cell: 082 346 2681
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
28 September 2005