01951V
A REPORT ON AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A CEMETERY AND ACCESS ROAD CALLED THE WARD 7&9 CEMETERY, FOR STEVE TSHWETE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, CLOSE TO MIDDELBURG, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
Summary
Archaetnos cc was requested by Geovicon to conduct an archaeological impact assessment (AIA) for the proposed establishment of a cemetery and access road called the Ward 7&9 Cemetery, for Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This is situated between Middelburg and Belfast in the Mpumalanga 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.
No sites were dentified. The following is recommended:
- Since no sites of archaeological nature or any historical buildings were found, the proposed development may continue.
- However, this report needs to be submitted to the relevant heritage authority for comments. Only after receiving these, the proposed development may continue.
- It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. 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 via the SAHRIS System on the SAHRA website. No work on site may commence before receiving the necessary comments from SAHRA.
Report by:
Prof. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)
Accredited member of ASAPA
Professional member of SASCH
&
Daniël Viljoen, BA (Hons)