New archaeological site discovered inside Kruger Park

Evidence of past activities is preserved at a new archaeological site at the Kruger National Park.

Archaeology students from the University of Pretoria, led by Dr Alexzandra Antonites, have embarked on a journey to make more discoveries. 

According to research by the team, the site is yet to be excavated. It is about 200m to 450m and situated near the Letaba River. Evidence found suggest that wild animals and people occupied the area over 1,500 years ago.

Though the team could not identify which tribe lived on the site, they started studying the area in August last year .

“We don’t know which language they spoke, who they were, or what they called themselves,” said Antonites, explaining that, “the project is estimated to take at least a minimum of five years or more to examine all the findings”.

Antonites revealed that artefacts found on the site include animal bones, remains of clay pots, burnt clay houses, metal hunting arrows, marine shells and glass beads.

He said one of the most important events in South African history is the integration of SA into the large economy through the Indian Ocean.

“Indian Ocean network connected India, Arabian Peninsula and even as far as China,” said Antonites.

The Kruger National Park has partnered with team of archaeologists from the University of Pretoria with to rescue and preserve the history to inform the public of its heritage.

Archaeologist Ndoukuyakhe Ndlovu at SANParks said the sites would generate a lot of attraction and interest from tourists. He said often people associate the Kruger National Park with animals. 

“What we want is [for] people to appreciate and know that there is more to the national park than just animals,” said Ndlovu.