01904V

A REPORT ON A CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED REZONING OF THE PROPOSED PORTION B OF THE REMAINING EXTENT OF HOLDING 398, WITHOK ESTATE AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS, CLOSE TO BRAKPAN, GAUTENG PROVINCE

Archaetnos cc was requested by Landscape Dynamics to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for a proposed petroleum depot and truck stop with ancillary facilities on the remaining extent of portion 238 of the farm Mooiplaats 367 JR. This is within Pretoria, City of Tshwane, Gauteng Province.

The HIA study forms part of a Basic Assessment for Environmental Authorisation.

The methodology for the study includes a survey of literature and a field survey. The latter was conducted according to generally accepted HIA practices and was aimed at locating all possible objects, sites and features of cultural significance in the area of proposed development.

If required, the location/position of any site was determined by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS), while photographs were also taken where needed.  The survey was undertaken by doing a physical survey via off-road vehicle and on foot and covered as much as possible of the area to be studied. Certain factors, such as accessibility, density of vegetation, etc. may however influence the coverage.

All sites, objects, features and structures identified were documented according to the general minimum standards accepted by the archaeological profession. Co-ordinates of individual localities were determined by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The information was added to the description in order to facilitate the identification of each locality.

During the survey no sites of cultural heritage significance were identified. No comments were received during public consultation.

The following is recommended:

  • This report is seen as ample mitigation.
  • The development may however only continue after receiving the necessary comments from the Gauteng Provincial Heritage Resources Authority and implementing their decision.
  • It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. It may only become known later on. Therefore, operating controls and monitoring should be introduced, aimed at the possible unearthing of such features. Care should therefore be taken when development commences that if any of these are discovered, a qualified archaeologist be called in to investigate the occurrence.

It is also important to take cognizance that it is the client’s responsibility to do the submission of this report to the relevant Heritage Resources Agency. No work on site may commence before receiving the necessary comments from them

Report by:

Prof. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)

Accredited member of ASAPA (Accreditation number: 166)

Accredited member of SASCH (Accreditation number: CH001)

Report by