02029V

A REPORT ON A HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT RELATED TO THE SOSHANGUVE EAST X 13 TOWNSHIP, CITY OF TSHWANE, GAUTENG PROVINCE

Purpose:

Archaetnos cc was requested by Landscape Dynamics to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the proposed development of the Soshanguve East X13 township. This is in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng Province.

 

Project description:

The project entails a residential development, including some business areas. Portion 282 will be subdivided and the township will be established on a portion thereof. The heritage study forms part of an Environmental Impact Assessment.

 

Methodology:

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:

General public consultation will be done by Landscape Dynamics. The various specialist reports will be utilized for this purpose.

 

Findings:

The survey of the indicated area was completed successfully. No visible archaeological evidence was found.

 

The following is recommended:

 

• The site is of low significance. It has sufficiently been recorded 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.
• This report is seen as sufficient mitigation and the proposed development may
  therefore continue.

 

• On the remainder of Portion 282 of the farm Klipfontein 268 JR is an existing graveyard. It is excluded from the development and will remain in situ. The developer however needs to ensure that it is not impacted on during construction activities on site and the development needs to keep a distance of at least 10 m from the site. This is similar to the distance between the existing tar road and the graves.
• It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. It 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.

 

In this regard the following ‘Chance find Procedure’ should be followed:

 

• Upon finding any archaeological or historical material all work at the affected area must cease.

·       The area should be demarcated in order to prevent any further work there until an investigation has been completed.

·       An archaeologist should be contacted immediately to provide advice on the matter.

• Should it be a minor issue, the archaeologist will decide on future action. Depending on the nature of the find, it may include a site visit.

• SAHRA’s APM Unit may also be notified.

·       If needed the necessary permit will be applied for with SAHRA. This will be done in conjunction with the appointed archaeologist.

·       The removal of such archaeological material will be done by the archaeologist in lieu of the approval given by SAHRA, including any conditions stipulated by the latter.

Work on site will only continue after the archaeologist/ SAHRA has agreed to such a matter.

 

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 Accredited member of SASCH