A brief history of mankind
Mrs. Ples, today you’re one of the most popular South Africans! How did that happen?
In 1947 when Dr. Robert Broom did excavations at Sterkfontein, we first met. I received the name “Plesianthropus Transvaalensis”, which was shortened to “Mrs. Ples” by his employees. It has been my nickname to this day.
Normally we wouldn’t ask a woman for her age. Can we be indiscreet this time?
Of course, if you keep it private. The scientists are saying that I’m about 2,15 million years old and that‘s why I am providing considerable indications to the origin of mankind. But, you know, you’re just as old as you feel, and today I feel more attractive than ever before!
Which indications are these?
Well, the oldest finds of hominid fossils were made on the African continent. In 1871 Charles Darwin assumed early on that mankind had its origin in Africa. This was quite simply because chimpanzees and gorillas lived there, which are the most closely related species to humans. Currently there are two different presumptions about the spread of the genus Homo Sapiens: The theory of a regional continuity is assuming from an isolated evolution in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Out of Africa model implies, that the evolution of the modern human only started in Africa. Both theories have in common that the cradle is in the south of Africa.
The first theory is very controversial. Why?
It isn’t only controversial, but also dangerous in my opinion. It gives opportunity to divide mankind into races and many racists in the past and in the world today misuse this theory. To get to a point: There aren’t any races, no selected or privileged humans. The differences are not genetic, only of a cultural nature and created through different environmental influences. In genetic tests people of the San have been examined – including Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu as his origin is also from the San people. The results prove that genetic differences within the San people are bigger than between a European and an Asian, for example.
So all of us are South Africans?
Yes, in a way – we all have the same roots and all our ancestors lived here on this continent. The wonderful thing is, that we really could end all racist conflicts, because every racial ideology is without any scientific substance. The problem actually is the acceptance of some scientists, who claim the opposite despite all the proof, as well as the high and mighty people, who believe they are superior to others.
How can you resist against them?
There is a rather simple answer. Many people who travel to Africa get seized with the feeling of returning home. This sense of home is deep-rooted. Isn’t that proving the scientific theories on an emotional level?
Thank you for the interview, Mrs. Ples.
Those who want to get to know Mrs. Ples personally, a visit to Sterkfontein caves and Maropeng – “The Cradle of Humankind” is recommended. By the way that is also the place where the photos for this interview were taken.