AE01365V
A conservation management plan for cultural heritage sites identified at the Overlooked Colliery, Mpumalanga Province
Summary
This document entails a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for two cultural heritage
sites identified at the proposed Overlooked Colliery. This is close to Bethal in the
Mpumalanga Province. It is important to note that this is not a restoration plan, although
certain aspects regarding the restoration of the buildings and sites may receive
attention.
The methodology and terminology used with regards to management plans are
explained and the legal framework stated. International conventions regarding the
protection of cultural resources are also cited. These include the Burra Charter, the
Venice Charter and the Conservation plan of Kerr. These aspects build up to the stating
of the conservation plan for the site.
Guidelines and principles for the management of the sites are given throughout the
document. These principles give a clear way forward in this regard and are the basic
conservation and preservation principles to be used in managing the cultural resources.
The recommendations made in the document are done within the parameters of the
National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999).
In conclusion some recommendations are given. The management plan is an open
document meaning that it should be adapted and reassessed from time to time. A
continuation period of at least five years is given. However any developments done
before the expiry of the five year period should be used to re-evaluate the impact on
cultural resources and to make the necessary adaptations to the document. The five
year period ends in 2018.
In line with the recommendations of the Phase I report, it is still felt that the heritage
value of the buildings are not high enough to keep conserving it. The mine indicated
that they will use it temporarily as offices, but that they would eventually like to demolish
it in order to mine the area. Apart from the post office building, this may be allowed, but
only after receiving a permit from the Mpumalanga PHRA.
Report by
Dr. A.C. van Vollenhoven (L.AKAD.SA.)