SANPARKS is doing research on an archaeological site whose findings may change South African history as we know it.
The site, which is near Letaba rest camp in the Kruger National Park, was discovered in the 80s but was resuscitated last year.
According to archaeologist Dr Xander Antonites, during Covid-19 they were limited on what to do in terms of practical field work.
He said they looked at some of the material again and realised there’s a lot going on than they actually thought.
Antonites said they discovered pieces of arrows, clay pots, clay huts, precious stones and iron.
The research’s trying to establish the history of people who lived on a portion of the Kruger National Park more than 1 200 years ago. For so many years, South Africans have known that some of the first people to live in the world were discovered in Mapungubwe. Antonites said: “The place was discovered in the 80s by a professor from the University of Pretoria. The last 2000 years have been associated with the arrival and migration of black farmers into the area.
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“Most modern ethnic groups of Southern Africa can trace their ancestry to the past 500 years.
“That is where oral history and written records start. The period we are now dealing with is the early iron age. That is where archaeology comes to the fore.”
He said one of the most critical events in South African history is the integration of South Africa into the larger world economy, especially through the Indian Ocean network.
Antonites and his team will continue digging for more artifacts that will be put on display in the Kruger National Park.
