AE01638V

A report on a cultural heritage impact assessment for the proposed housing development at Zandspruit X10, City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province

Summary

Archaetnos cc was requested by GIBB Engineering & Architecture to conduct a cultural heritage impact assessment (HIA) for a proposed housing development called Zandspruit X 10. This is in the western side of the City of Johannesburg in the Gauteng 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.
During the survey no sites of cultural heritage significance were identified. The area, however, is mostly disturbed by current informal and formal housing and other infrastructure and therefore it is what was expected.
This report serves as ample mitigation for the site. The proposed development may therefore continue.
It should be noted that the subterranean presence of archaeological and/or historical sites, features or artifacts is always a distinct possibility. It therefore is possible, although unlikely, that some sites may only become known later on. 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 Accredited member of SASCH