AE01247V

A report on a basic assessment relating to cultural heritage resources for the proposed Eskom Malelane – Khanyazwe Project, Mpumalanga Province

Summary

Archaetnos cc was appointed by Wandima Environmental Services to conduct a basic assessment relating to cultural heritage resources for the proposed ESKOM power lines between Malelane and Buffelspruit, also called the Khayazwe Project. This is situated to the east of Malelane, in the Mpumalanga Province. Two options for the route were surveyed as well as areas for new substations at Malelane and Buffelspruit.

The fieldwork undertaken revealed no sites of cultural heritage significance. The area is largely disturbed by past human activities such as different agricultural fields. However there are certain areas that need a more detailed survey once the fixed position of the power lines are known as these have natural vegetation.

From a heritage point of view it is proposed that route alternative 1 be used. This route is shorter and the chances of finding heritage sites here are therefore less. Also it covers an area more disturbed that that of route alternative 2. A detailed survey is needed once the route has been finalized.

Report by

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