ROVING REPORTERS: Inside the Gauteng caves where rocks reveal the mysteries of Homo naledi

Dr Tebogo Makhubela, a geologist from Soweto, has been investigating the Rising Star caves in the Cradle of Humankind for evidence of the extinct species Homo naledi. The caves have revealed clues about how the species lived, buried their dead, and ultimately disappeared. In 2019, Makhubela was involved in an expedition during which a boulder narrowly missed him as it tumbled down a rock face.

Despite the danger, Makhubela is convinced that Homo naledi deliberately buried its dead, an idea supported by his research but disputed by some colleagues. Now, Makhubela is exploring a new mystery: What drove Homo naledi to extinction? He believes that a severe climate shift, with drying rivers and shrinking food availability during harsh winters, may have played a role in their disappearance.

His research suggests that the ancient landscape of the Cradle of Humankind became increasingly hostile, with extreme heat and severe aridification making it difficult for Homo naledi to adapt or migrate. Makhubela will present his findings at the Oppenheimer Generations Research Conference on October 7th.