The 1997 action movie “Dante’s Peak,” starring Pierce Brosnan, offered Tebogo Makhubela, a 35-year-old geologist from South Africa, more than just amusement; it served as a significant source of inspiration that shaped his professional trajectory.
Makhubela, a recipient of a prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder Award, now leads a research team dedicated to uncovering ancient secrets related to human evolution.
His work takes him deep into the limestone caves of South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg.
Speaking from inside the Rising Star cave, one of many in the region, Makhubela stated that he and his colleagues have merely “scratched the surface” of the five-million-year-old site. This unassuming cave, hidden beneath a rocky patch of grass, was where scientists discovered Homo naledi in 2013, an ancient human relative that lived around 300,000 years ago.
“With this cave, we’ve only studied 30 per cent… To do the remaining 70 per cent, we need, I would say, 20 years minimum,” explained Makhubela, dressed in dark green overalls and a headlamp-equipped helmet.
Given the numerous other caves awaiting study, he anticipates his research will far outlast his career. “I will retire before we finish. Hence, I need to train a lot of students to, of course, take over from me.”
Chasing Dreams and Inspiring Future Scientists
Makhubela, who also lectures at the University of Johannesburg and supervises four PhD students, hopes to attract more young scientists to his mission.
He believes this work is critical for understanding the history of humankind and its environment. “Geology helps us understand Earth, our planet, how it works, how it was formed, its composition, and its processes,” he said, surrounded by his research tools.
Credit: allAfrica.com
His specific expertise lies in geochemistry and geochronology, which involves dating fossils and tracking environmental changes over time.
One challenge, he noted, is the limited awareness of geology among young people, who often prefer to “chase what is popular.”
He advised, “You don’t have to run and go study computer science or IT because you want to be relevant to the times. If you’re more passionate about natural science, go for it. Because if you do it well, there will be a place for you.”
Born and raised in Soweto, where he was the first in his family to attend university, Makhubela overcame personal hurdles. His mother had no formal schooling and worked as a street vendor, and his father left when he was 10. As a bright student, he faced pressure to pursue engineering and enter South Africa’s lucrative gold mining industry. However, driven by a deep sense of “curiosity,” he chose a different path.
A decade after that pivotal decision, Makhubela expressed humble pride in his achievements, stating, “I’ve got a very thriving, fulfilling career, one that is winning me international awards.”
His commitment to inspiring children about science has even led to him being featured as a superhero character in a South African comic book and animation series.
