Wits: Prof Berger’s Fossil Named “Karabo”

Prof Lee Burger with Sediba Skull

The fossil dicovered by Professor Lee Berger’s son Matthew, has been officially named by a 17-year-old pupil of St Mary’s school in Waverley.

Karabo means “answer” in Setswana was chosen from more than 15 000 submissions. The name was submitted by Omphemetse Keepile of Johannesburg as a representation of the importance of Austrolapithicus Sedibe as a link in human evolution.

The naming competition was sponsored by Standard Bank and Paleontological Scientific (PAST) and competition was held in association with Wits University and the Department of Science and Technology.

The paleontological discovery of a hominid skeleton of between 9 and 13 years old was revealed in March. Along with an adult skeleton, this latest, significant finding dates back 2 million years and has projected a spotlight on Wits University in recent months.

Matthew Berger, the son of Professor Lee Berger, found the skeletal remains in the cradle of humankind and was also one of the judges in the naming competition

Source: Vuvuzela