Since the 1924 discovery of the skull of the Taung child - a 2.5 million year old human ancestor- southern Africa, and more particularly the Cradle of Humankind surrounding Sterkfontein, has become the single richest area where fossilised remains of our earliest hominids are found. It provides compelling evidence that humankind originated in Africa.

Scientific research and exploration funding for this resource has, since 1994 been almost solely the responsibility of PAST. We continue to support these sites as well as sites across the country including dinosaur track way sites and archaeological excavations.

WHAT WE SET OUT TO DO IN 1994

PAST was established in 1994 for the specific initial purpose of assisting the University of the Witwatersrand to secure the future of palaeo-anthropological research and to prevent the shutdown of excavation and research at the renowned Sterkfontein Caves site.

Our original mission statement focused on raising funds from South African and international donors for the following purposes:

• To initiate, support and guide palaeo-anthropological projects in South Africa.
• To support the training of students in the study of palaeo-anthropology through scholarships, bursaries and grants.
• To assist and promote the education of the public, particularly school-going children, about their palaeo-anthropological heritage.
• To develop, preserve and protect South African homind sites to facilitate archaeo-tourism and assist in attracting South Africans and international tourists to these sites.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS & OUR FUTURE VISION

PAST has achieved its initial aims, and currently we support scientific research and education to the tune of nearly six million rand per annum. The Trust's mission is to ensure the continuation and expansion of education and research into the human and more ancient heritage within southern Africa and to ensure that these studies, efforts and findings are recognised world-wide.

Responsible for funding the majority of current human origins research in southern Africa, the Trust's activities for the next decade will focus on the expansion of research, the intensification of the educational programme and ensuring that as many people as possible are exposed to the intriguing account of their shared past through public lectures, fossil site tours and learner programmes, archaeological excavations,as well as scientific publications, conferences and educational programmes for young learners.

Through the provision of funding for scientific research and education, PAST is playing a leading role in showcasing South Africa's unique heritage to the world while, at the same time bringing an awareness to South Africans of the origins of humankind.