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From Langa to the World:

Iziko Museums’ fossil preparator unearths Giant Tetrapod Fossil!

In celebration of National Science Week, we shine a spotlight on an extraordinary journey from Cape Town’s Langa Township to the forefront of palaeontological discovery. Sibusiso Mtungata, a dedicated research assistant at Iziko Museums of South Africa, is breaking new ground. His participation as part of a team of international palaeontologists, has led to a groundbreaking discovery of a giant tetrapod fossil in Namibia, the first of its kind in the Southern hemisphere.

Sibusiso Mtungata in Iziko Karoo Palaeontology Laboratory, using an air scribe to remove the surrounding rock and expose the fossil skull bones to sunlight for the first time since they were buried 280million years ago. Image credit: Roger Smith

Raised in a community where palaeontology is a relatively unknown field, Sibusiso’s path is as remarkable as the fossil he helped unearth. Langa Township, which celebrated its centenary in 2023, provided the backdrop for his extraordinary journey. Starting his career at Iziko Museums as a packer, his curiosity was ignited by colleagues who introduced him to the world of fossil preparation.

Fuelled by a growing passion for the prehistoric, Sibusiso immersed himself in fieldwork that eventually led to his participation in a significant expedition to Namibia. Alongside a team of palaeontologists, they unearthed vertebrae followed by a skull, finishing in the discovery of a giant tetrapod fossil, under the tutelage of Iziko collections managers and Professor Roger Smith.

Roger Smith and Sibusiso Mtungata who together recovered the skull and most of the skeleton
of what is now the type specimen of Gaiasia jennyae. Image credit: Leandro Gaetano

In 2018, the remarkable skeleton was transported to the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town, where it underwent painstaking preparation in the Karoo Fossil Laboratory, led by Sibusiso Mtungata. Over the course of two years, Sibusiso’s meticulous work was crucial in revealing the delicate details of this ancient fossil. “Every cut is important and must be done with patience, as you never know what lies beneath the dust,” he reflects, emphasizing the precision and care needed to unearth the secrets hidden within the fossilized remains.

Following this intricate preparation process, the fossil underwent an additional three years of in-depth study. This rare find, still incomplete with only its upper part revealed, has scientists eager to learn more. Early analyses suggest it may have been an amphibian or reptile, indicated by underdeveloped limbs and crocodile-like teeth, though whether it had fins, or a tail remains a mystery.

The discovery of the giant tetrapod fossil from Namibia is monumental, not just for Sibusiso but for the field of palaeontology globally. Unearthed in a previously unexplored area of Namibia, the fossil’s significance was quickly recognized, earning it a feature in the July 2024 issue of the esteemed science journal Nature.

The fully prepared stem tetrapod Giasia jennyae with a close-up of the intricate ornamentation of the skull roof bones. Image credit: Roger Smith

Although the fossil has returned to Namibia for display at the Geological Museum of Namibia in Windhoek, Sibusiso’s contributions have been invaluable, playing a crucial role in advancing our understanding of this rare fossil. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about future discoveries within the Karoo collections, where many fossils await exploration and preparation.

Beyond his contributions to research, Sibusiso is committed to education and outreach working tirelessly to break down stereotypes surrounding science in his community with his friends in various initiatives.

As we celebrate National Science Week, Sibusiso’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting how passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements that bridge communities and expand our understanding of the natural world.

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Dear Visitors,

 

Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and

will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.

 

Additionally,  Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,   

26 December 2024.

 

Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.

 

Thank you

Iziko Management 

Dear Visitor

Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iziko Management

Dear Visitor 

 

Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update. 

 

Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted. 

The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.

 

Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery, 

Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge. 

 

Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00

Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery. 

 

By order 

Iziko Management. 

 
Iziko South African National Gallery

Dear Visitors,

Please note that the Iziko South African National Gallery is closed to the public today, 18 December 2024, for maintenance.

It will reopen on Thursday, 19 December 2024

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Iziko Management