Black News
Africans Discovered Dinosaur Fossils Long Before the Term ‘Palaeontology’ Existed
Credit for discovering the first dinosaur bones usually goes to British gentlemen for their finds between the 17th and 19th centuries in England. Robert Plot, an English natural history scholar, was the first of these to describe a dinosaur bone, in his 1676 book The Natural History of Oxfordshire. Over the next two centuries dinosaur palaeontology would be dominated by numerous British natural scientists.
But our study shows that the history of palaeontology can be traced back much further into the past. We present evidence that the first dinosaur bone may have been discovered in Africa as early as 500 years before Plot’s.
We’re a team of scientists who study fossils in South Africa. Peering through the published and unpublished archaeological, historical and palaeontological literature, we discovered that there has been interest in fossils in Africa for as long as there have been people on the continent.
This is not a surprise. Humankind originated in Africa: Homo sapiens has existed for at least 300,000 years. And the continent has a great diversity of rock outcrops, such as the Kem Kem beds in Morocco, the Fayum depression in Egypt, the Rift Valley in east Africa and the Karoo in southern Africa, containing fossils that have always been accessible to our ancestors.
So it wasn’t just likely that African people discovered fossils first. It was inevitable.
More often than not, the first dinosaur fossils supposedly discovered by scientists were actually brought to their attention by local guides. Examples are the discovery of the gigantic dinosaurs Jobaria by the Tuaregs in Niger and Giraffatitan by the Mwera in Tanzania.
Our paper reviews what’s known about African indigenous knowledge of fossils. We list fossils that appear to have long been known at various African sites, and discuss how they might have been used and interpreted by African communities before the science of palaeontology came to be.
Bolahla rock shelter in Lesotho
One of the highlights of our paper is the archaeological site of Bolahla, a Later Stone Age rock shelter in Lesotho. Various dating techniques indicate that the site was occupied by the Khoesan and Basotho people from the 12th to 18th centuries (1100 to 1700 AD). The shelter itself is surrounded by hills made of consolidated sediments that were deposited under a harsh Sahara-like desert some 180 million to 200 million years ago, when the first dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
This part of Lesotho is particularly well known for delivering the species Massospondylus carinatus, a 4 to 6 metre, long-necked and small-headed dinosaur. Fossilised bones of Massospondylus are abundant in the area and were already so when the site was occupied by people in the Middle Ages.
In 1990, archaeologists working at Bolahla discovered that a finger bone of Massospondylus, a fossil phalanx, had been transported to the cave. There are no fossil skeletons sticking out the walls of the cave, so the only chance that this phalanx ended up there was that someone in the distant past picked it up and carried it to the cave. Perhaps this person did so out of simple curiosity, or to turn it into a pendant or toy, or to use it for traditional healing rituals.
Read more: Dinosaur tracksite in Lesotho: how a wrong turn led to an exciting find
After heavy rains, it is not unusual that the people in the area discover the bones of extinct species that have been washed out of their mother-rock. They usually identify them as belonging to a dragon-like monster that devours people or even whole houses. In Lesotho, the Basotho call the monster “Kholumolumo”, while in South Africa’s bordering Eastern Cape province, the Xhosa refer to it as “Amagongqongqo“.
The exact date when the phalanx was collected and transported is unfortunately lost to time. Given the current knowledge, it could have been at any time of occupation of the shelter from the 12th to 18th centuries. This leaves open the possibility that this dinosaur bone could have been collected up to 500 years prior to Robert Plot’s find.
Early knowledge of extinct creatures
Most people knew about fossils well before the scientific era, for as far back as collective societal memories can go. In Algeria, for example, people referred to some dinosaur footprints as belonging to the legendary “Roc bird“. In North America, cave paintings depicting dinosaur footprints were painted by the Anasazi people between AD 1000 and 1200. Indigenous Australians identified dinosaur footprints as belonging to a legendary “Emu-man“. In South America, the notorious conquistador Hernan Cortes was given the fossil femur of a Mastodon by the Aztecs in 1519. In Asia, Hindu people refer to ammonites (coiled fossil-sea-shells) as “Shaligrams” and have been worshipping them for more than 2,000 years.
Claiming credit
The fact that people in Africa have long known about fossils is evident from folklore and the archaeological record, but we still have much to learn about it. For instance, unlike the people in Europe, the Americas and Asia, indigenous African palaeontologists seem to have seldom used fossils for traditional medicine. We are still unsure whether this is a genuinely unique cultural trait shared by most African cultures or if it is due to our admittedly still incomplete knowledge.
Also, some rather prominent fossil sites, such as the Moroccan Kem Kem beds and South African Unesco Cradle of Humankind caves, have still not provided robust evidence for indigenous knowledge. This is unfortunate, as fossil-related traditions could help bridge the gap between local communities and palaeontologists, which in turn could contribute preserving important heritage sites.
Read more: Rock stars: how a group of scientists in South Africa rescued a rare 500kg chunk of human history
By exploring indigenous palaeontology in Africa, our team is putting together pieces of a forgotten past that gives credit back to local communities. We hope it will inspire a new generation of local palaeoscientists to walk in the footsteps of these first African fossil hunters.
Julien Benoit, Senior Researcher in Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand
Cameron Penn-Clarke, Senior Researcher, University of the Witwatersrand
Charles Helm, Research Associate, African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University
Black News
South Africa: Unsuccessful Nsfas Applicants Urged to Lodge an Appeal
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has encouraged students whose application for financial aid has been rejected or withdrawn, to lodge an appeal with the scheme.
Rejected students must submit an appeal by logging on to the myNSFAS website and supplying all the required information within 30 days of receiving their application results.
“Unsuccessful applicants will have an appeal option appear on their myNSFAS accounts and they can click on to it to start the appeal process,” NSFAS said.
The scheme noted there are a number of reasons why an application is rejected, and this includes a household income of more than R350 000 per annum, failing to meet academic eligibility, and an incomplete application, among others.
NSFAS emphasised that students or applicants must provide all the necessary documents, warning that failure to do so, may affect or derail the outcome of the appeal.
“To strengthen your appeal, gather all relevant documentation that supports your case. This may include academic records, financial statements, affidavits, or any other documents that demonstrate your need for financial assistance,” NSFAS said.
The scheme also noted that the appeal decisions are subject to budget availability.
How to submit NSFAS Appeal
· Visit the myNSFAS portal https://my.nsfas.org.za
· Log into your myNSFAS account
· Select the ‘Track Funding Progress’ option
· Check the application progress tabs
“If your application status shows that you are unsuccessful, you may submit an appeal by clicking on the ‘Submit Appeal Tab.’ Once you are on the ‘Application Appeal’ page, you can look for the reason for your unsuccessful application status.
“You will then be able to choose the appeal reason. Upload certified supporting documents to support your reason [and] Click ‘Submit Appeal,” NSFAS explained.
When submitting an appeal letter, NSFAS advised applicants to compose a compelling appeal letter addressing the reasons for their application’s rejection.
“Be concise yet detailed, explaining any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your application. Personalise your letter to highlight your unique situation and commitment to your education.
“Ensure you adhere to NSFAS’s guidelines for submitting appeals. Pay attention to deadlines and submission methods to avoid any delays or complications in the process.
“Once you have submitted your appeal, patiently await NSFAS’s review process. This may take some time, so remain proactive and responsive to any requests for additional information,” NSFAS said.
Applications for funding officially closed on 15 February 2024.
NSFAS has made upfront payments of R2.8 billion to universities and R580 million to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to cover student accommodation and book allowances for the month.
Black News
Uganda: MPs Dismayed After Police Moves to Sell Idle Shs28b Chopper
Members of parliament have tasked the Attorney General and the office of the IGG to investigate what they termed as wasteful expenditure by police when it purchased a nine -seater fixed wing aircraft.
The aircraft cost taxpayers a whooping USD 7,480,000 million (approximately shs28 billion ).
The development followed information that the aircraft has been put up for sale after failure to realise the intended goal.
It has been reported that the aircraft is not designed for non-tarmacked runways, not suitable for police operations since it is designed for luxury travels, police continues to pay expensively to maintain it while the aircraft parts are very expensive given its nature and category of luxury classification.
A section of MPs have since expressed concern over unnecessary procurement without due diligence by the police which has left billions of taxpayers’ money put to waste.
The concerns follow new revelations by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja on the floor of parliament that the police force is looking at the possibilities of leasing out the grounded aircraft.
The legislators are now calling for an inquiry into the procurement of the 9-seater 5XPEF/P180 PIAGO AVANTI to ascertain whether it was not just another fraud that Uganda landed itself into.
Information Nile Post is privy to indicates that the 28bn fixed wing craft has only made journeys totaling to 116hours ever since its purchase in 2019 and this has been due to operational limitations including its expensive spare parts.
Currently, Uganda police force is in the process of acquiring a new compatible aircraft but only if their burden is purchased off.
In May 2019, the Uganda police force purchased the 9-seater fixed wing aircraft 5X – PEF/ P180 PIAGGIO AVANTI 2 EVO that cost government shs28 billion from Piaggio aeroscope, an Italian company.
The purchase brought excitement as it was an addition to the the aircraft of the force including a 14seater Sokio and the two 107sp choppers.
The Deputy Police spokesperson Polly Namaye is quoted to have said that “the aircraft would help ease transport for officers in addition to air surveillance, rescues and faster response to emergencies among others.”
Four years later, the craft is in the news headlines, with the government said to be selling it, but still grappling with who to buy it.
The sale of the aircraft was discussed in 2022, and was cleared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
After evaluation, it’s cost depreciated to 4,271,709 USD amounting to Shs16.8 billion.
Black News
Tanzania: Uncdf Stresses Local Financing for Project Execution
Tanga — The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has stressed the importance of local institutions to seek local financing rather than international financing to carry out development programs.
Speaking at the launch of a ten-year 53bn/ Tanga UWASA Water Infrastructure Green Bond, UNCDF Representative Peter Malika referred to the green bond as a National Alternative Financing Template that government entities could use to access significant capital to achieve national development goals.
The UNCDF supported and guided the negotiations that culminated in the setting up of the Tanga UWASA sub-national water infrastructure green bond. ” Borrowing in local currency makes a lot of sense. It has brought on board strategic partners to help with the venture,” Malika added, highlighting the fund’s commitment to improving the local financing system.
Tanga UWASA Managing Director, Engineer Geoffrey Hilly, explained why they sought alternative financing to carry out their massive 53bn/- rehabilitation and expansion project, which will increase water supply to 60 million liters per day and serve consumers in Tanga City and parts of Muheza and Mkinga districts.
“By June 2023, the water supply had declined by 30 per cent. The funds would help to increase water supply, and we expect Tanga water coverage to reach 100 percent within 24 hours,” he remarked.
He stated that some of the project’s major innovations include the installation of prepaid meters, with the facility beginning with 4,000 and plans to install 10,000, as well as the expansion of the Mowe water treatment plant, which will include the installation of larger pipes and the construction of a larger tank to store water, allowing city consumers to have access to water 24 hours a day.
Jumaa Awesso, Minister for Water, complimented Tanga UWASA for exploring alternative funds to accelerate the goal of providing water in conformity with the CCM Election Manifesto.
According to Awesso, the success of the approach will encourage other institutions to seek alternate finance rather than relying on the government or foreign donors.
“Water facilities should operate autonomously. I encourage other facilities in the country to follow Tanga UWASA’s lead and seek alternative financing to implement water projects,” he said.
Tanga Regional Commissioner Waziri Kindamba said the alternative finance idea was approved in 2021, and he was happy that Tanga is the first to adopt it.
“We chose, last year, to set standards, and preliminary sales indicate that the green bond is reportedly oversubscribed. This demonstrates Tanga’s readiness for business, and we will not turn away investment,” he said.
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