01935V
A REPORT ON A CULTURAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A SCHOOL AT OLIFANTSNEK, RUSTENBURG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, NORTH WEST PROVINCE
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Hydro Science to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for a proposed development of a school 62 of the farm Commissiedrift 327JQ. The location of the site is at Olifantsnek, close to the town of Rustenburg in the North West Province.
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.
Public consultation was handled by Hydro Science. This is a full public participation process and is dealt with as per NEMA requirements.
No sites of heritage significance were located in the surveyed area.
The following is recommended:
- The proposed development may continue only after approval of this report by SAHRA and after mitigation has been done.
- Sites 1 and 3 has low cultural significance. The description in this phase 1 heritage report is seen as sufficient recording and it may be granted destruction at the discretion of the relevant heritage authority without a formal permit application, subjected to the granting of Environmental Authorisation.
- Site 2 is of medium cultural significance. It should be included in the heritage register. Mitigation is subject to a permit application lodged with the relevant heritage This means that the stone can be removed if approved by the heritage authority.
- After mitigation had been done, the development may proceed. The necessary authorization can therefore be given.
- It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. Due to the density of vegetation, it also is possible that some sites may only become known later on. Operating controls and monitoring should therefore be 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.
Report by:
Prof. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)
Accredited member of ASAPA (Accreditation number: 166)
Accredited member of SASCH (Accreditation number: CH001)
&
Johan Smit, BA (Hons)