Zircon SHRIMP dating confirms a Palaeoarchaean supracrustal terrain in the southeastern Kaapvaal Craton, southern Africa

► SHRIMP zircon ages confirm that the Nondweni Greenstone belt (NGB) of South Africa, is Palaeoarchaean in age. ► The NGB is similar in age to the Barberton greenstone belt, but probably formed in a different tectonic environment. ► Extensive pre-greenstone continental crust probably existed in the southeastern part of the Kaapvaal Craton. ► Zircon ages indicate that the NGB contains some of the oldest preserved stromatolite-like structures on Earth.