ANNUAL REPORT. Bošwa jwa Setšhaba. Letlotlo la Setjhaba. Ilifa Lesizwe. Lifa Lesive. Erfenis vir die Volk. Ifa la Lushaba.

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1 Bošwa jwa Setšhaba South African Heritage Resources Agency Letlotlo la Setjhaba ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008 Ilifa Lesizwe Lifa Lesive Erfenis vir die Volk Ifa la Lushaba Ilifa Lesizwe Ilifa Lesitjhaba Ndzhaka ya Rixaka Bohwa bja Setšhaba Heritage for the Nation

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It would have been impossible for the South African Heritage Resources Agency to achieve what has been reported in the proceeding pages without the cooperation of various State Departments, associations, organizations and many interested individuals. This continued support and guidelines are appreciated by the Council and its staff. Finally, the Council would like to thank its dedicated staff at the Head Office and Provincial offices for the enthusiasm and initiative during the year.

3 CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE CHAIRPERSON 5 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER S MESSAGE 6 COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP 8 APPLICABLE ACTS & OTHER INFORMATION 8 CORPORATE AFFAIRS 9 Human Resources Management 10 Information & Auxiliary Services 24 Inventory of the National Estate 26 HERITAGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 29 Head Office Units 29 Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorite Unit 30 Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit 34 Architectural Heritage Landscape Unit 40 Grading & Declarations Unit 42 Heritage Objects Unit 46 Burial Grounds & Graves Unit 50 Provincial Offices 54 Eastern Cape 55 Free State 61 Gauteng 65 KwaZulu Natal 69 Limpopo 73 Mpumalanga 77 Northern Cape 81 North West 85 Western Cape 89 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 103 SAHRA OFFICES AND STAFF LIST 140

4 SAHRA s Vision Vision - To provide leadership in the management and development of heritage resources through identification, conservation, protection and awareness of siwavikele begodu silemukise abantu ngeensetjenziswa ezihlukeneko zamagugu wesewula Afrika kiwo woke amasewula Afrika South Africa s diverse heritage resources for all South Africans Ponelopele Ho fana ka boetapele tsamaisong le ntshetsopeleng ya mehlodi ya Ponelopele - Go aba boetapele bja taolo le tlhabollo ya di diriswa tsa bohwa ka kgethisiso, pabalelo, tshireletso le temoso ya di diriswa tsa bohwa tse di mafa ka ho supa, ho boloka, ho sirelletsa le ho tsebahatsa bobatsi ba mehlodi ya mafa a Afrika Borwa bakeng sa Maafrika Borwa kaofela fapanego tsa Afrika Borwa go maafrika Borwa ka moka Visie - Om leierskap te verleen in die bestuur en ontwikkeling van Umbono - kuniketa buholi ekuphatseni nasekutfutfukiseni tinsita kutemafa ngekukhombisa,konga, kuvikela kanye nekwatisa iningizimu Afrika erfenishulpbronne deur die identifisering, bewaring, beskerming en bewusmaking van Suid-Afrika se verskeidenheid erfenishulpbronne vir alle Suid-Afrikaners ngekuhlukana kwetinsita kutemafa kubo bonkhe bantfu base Ningizimu Afrika Xivono Ku nyika vurhangeri eka malawulele ni nkuriso wa swihlovo swa Boitlhomo - Go naya ketelelopele mo tsamaisong le tlhabololong ya metswedi e e leng boswa ka go tlhaoloa, go boloka, go sireletsa le go lemotsha Maaforika ndzhaka, hi ku tiva, ku hlayisa, ku sirhelela na ku lemukisa swa ku nava ka swihlovo swa ndzhaka ya Afrika-Dzonga, eka ma Afrika-Dzonga hinkwavo Borwa otlhe metswedi e e farologaneng ya boswa jwa Aforika Borwa SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY UMbono - Ukunika ubunkokeli kulawulo nophuhliso lwemithombo yolwazi lwemveli ngokuchonga, ukugcina, ukukhusela nokwazisa ngemithombo yolwazi lwemveli yasemzantsi Afrika kulungiselelwa bonke abemi bomzantsi Afrika UMbono - Kunikela ngoburholi bokuphatha nokuthuthukiswa kweensetjenziswa zamagugu wesitjhaba ngokabana siwaveze, siwathlogomele Bono U netshedza vhurangaphanda kha ndangulo na mveledziso ya zwiko zwa v v vhufa nga u topola, londola, tsireledza na u dzhiela ntha zwiko zwa vhufa zwo fhambanaho zwa Afrika Tshipembe kha Vhadzulapo vhothe vha Afrika Tshipembe Inhlosombono ye - SAHRA ukunikeza uholo ekuphathweni nasekuthuthukisweni kwamagugu esizwe ngokuthi ahlonzwe, alondolozwe, avikelwe kanye nokusabalalisa ulwazi ngamagugu ahlukahlukene abobonke abantu baseningizimu Afrika v v 4

5 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRPERSON ACCOUNTING AUTHORITY OF SAHRA 111 Harrington Street CAPE TOWN 8001 The Minister of Arts & Culture Oranje Nassau Building 188 Schoeman Street PRETORIA March 2008 Dear Sir LETTER OF THE CHAIRPERSON I have done a review of the financial statements of SAHRA for the 2007/8 financial year-end and have pleasure in presenting them to you. Yours faithfully Phill Mashabane Chairperson of Council ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

6 THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER S MESSAGE SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY I preface this, the eight annual report of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) by bestowing my personal gratitude and thanks to the organization of SAHRA, and its council, for affording me the opportunity to lead SAHRA for a brief period (as Acting- CEO). SAHRA is currently enduring its most exciting moments, leaving no doubt that the organization is making serious inroads in the heritage resources sector. This can only be attributed to the astute leadership of my predecessor, Mr Phakamani Buthelezi and naturally, Council chairperson, Mr Phill Mashabane, and the entire Council for their consistent guidance and support. SAHRA, authorized through the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999 (NHRA), retains the noble mandate to identify, protect and manage South Africa s heritage resources. Guaranteeing responsibility to ensure uniformity in the identification, protection, conservation and management of heritage resources in South Africa, SAHRA discharges the management of heritage resources as the final arbiter. This is delivered through strategic and valuable stakeholder relations that include partnerships with the Ministry and Department of Arts and Culture, and various members of provincial executive councils whose support undeniably promotes the smooth execution of our duties and consultation with communities and members of the public. Testimony to this is SAHRA s achievement of receiving our third unqualified financial report ( ) from the Auditor-General (AG); accorded to SAHRA in recognition of the organisation s ability and capability to manage public funds. The AG s positive endorsement of SAHRA s expenditure of funds allocated from the Department of Arts and Culture demonstrates SAHRA s effectiveness in financial and human capital expenditure - key requirements in heritage management. Despite that, the heritage sector remains hugely under funded and challenged, it is necessary that statutory bodies, such as SAHRA, demonstrates its effectiveness, which must encourage our political principals to consider the pressing need to increase funds to the heritage sector. I commend their efforts, and their input but caution against the capacity issues which hampers the gains SAHRA has made thus far. Such an important role has to be enhanced by adequate resources and proper functioning systems like fully functioning Provincial Heritage Resources Authorities (PHRAs). SAHRA has identified fifty Grade One sites, some of which have already been declared as National Heritage sites. Once a site receives Grade One status, its declaration as a national heritage site is to be anticipated. However, it must be appreciated that the grading process and the ultimate declaration of National Heritage sites is on occasion, painstaking. SAHRA relies on its competent staff to clearly comprehend the need to expedite the declaration of sites of national significance by initiating mechanisms that would ensure a seamless process of identifying and declaring sites of national significance. This would involve consulting with the most important role-players, viz., civil society. One of the most important elements of the NHRA is the opportunity it will provide for communities to participate in the identification, conservation and management of our cultural heritage resources. In order to develop the skills and capacities of communities, heritage resource agencies must empower and promote public involvement in the identification of heritage resources. The recording of living heritage associated with heritage and oral history is a crucial 6

7 element, because much of our past is undocumented and skewed. SAHRA is mandated by an Act of parliament to promote good management of the national estate, and to enable and encourage communities to nurture and conserve their legacy so that it may be bequeathed to future generations. Our heritage has the power to build our nation. It has the potential to affirm our diverse cultures, and in so doing shape our national character. Our heritage celebrates our achievements and contributes to redressing past inequities. It educates, it deepens our understanding of society and encourages us to empathise with the experience of others. It facilitates healing and material and symbolic restitution and it promotes new and previously neglected research into our rich oral traditions and customs. (NHRA Preamble). In expanding its footprint from national to international interests, SAHRA has in the past financial year contributed towards heritage development in Africa and other parts of the (developing) world through information sharing and relationship building. Our Step Ahead Heritage Vision strategic plan can only expand in the future through the continued support of our investors, co-operation of our stakeholders and partners and dedication from our staff. This report contains the work of the Archaeology, Paleontology and Meteorites, Underwater Cultural Heritage, Architectural Heritage Landscape, Heritage Objects, Burial Grounds and Graves, Inventory of the National Estate, Grading and Declaration, Provincial Offices, Library Services, Archives, Information Technology, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Finance units Once again, whilst it is commendable for these units to have delivered on their core areas, there is still an urgent need to address capacity constraints facing SAHRA. SAHRA s Step Ahead Heritage Vision strategic plan has identified five priority areas, viz., conservation enhancement, cultural and natural integration, heritage tourism, transformation and global initiatives. These priority areas has allowed for SAHRA to identify the aforementioned 50 sites with the relevant criteria to be nominated towards national heritage status and declaration. The sites comprise a mixture of values including the struggle and liberation, living heritage and the role of women themes. This year has once again indicated that SAHRA continues to promote heritage resources and making the South African public aware of their unique heritage. This has resulted in a number of people contacting SAHRA with regards to the conservation of sites in their areas and how they could help and become more involved. Our web site has also had an increase in hits with regards to people, nationally and internationally, enquiring about South African heritage. Despite SAHRA s limited resources and capacity, we have managed to perform our conservation function admirably as is evident by the amount of heritage sites prioritized and identified. Our participation as heritage practitioners in other countries is an indication of our commitment to advancing the NEPAD initiatives and is testimony to the professional credibility with which SAHRA is regarded internationally and locally. SAHRA was involved in the rehabilitation of victims of conflict graves in Tanzania and also participated in the development of heritage legislation in Lesotho. SAHRA officials are in the process of conserving and managing sites associated with the SS Mendi and O Tambo outside South African borders. We continue to provide professional advice to various organizations from local, provincial and national government departments to interested and affected heritage bodies and communities. SAHRA has also provided input to the Department of Arts and Culture regarding the legislative review of the National Heritage Resources Act and has participated in the international consultation on the ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Thus far, phase one of our National Inventory project has been completed and this will prove to be an important tool in the protection and conservation of our unique and valuable heritage objects. With the help of continuous improvement, it remains our ambition to progressively develop our mandated responsibility. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present to you, SAHRA s eighth Annual Report. Dingaan Ngomane Acting Chief Executive Officer ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

8 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Council Membership NAME STATUS 1. Mr Phill Mashabane Chairperson 2. Ms Laura Robinson National 3. Dr Mpilo Pearl Sithole National 4. Dr Amanda Beth Esterhuysen National 5. Mr Edgar Neluvhalani National 6. Mr Henk Smith National PHRAs 7. Dr Mthobeli Phillip Guma Western Cape 8. Adv. Justice Bekebeke Northern Cape 9. Mr Monde Coline Mkunqwana Eastern Cape 10. Mr Seripiti Jeremiah Monyobo Free State 11. Mr Arthur Konigkramer KwaZulu-Natal 12. TBA Gauteng 13. Ms Nomvula Motloung Mpumalanga 14. Ms Phuti Joyce Tsipa Limpopo 15. TBA North West Applicable Acts & Other Information NAMA INTERVIEWEES. This report is submitted in compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1999 (Act 108 of 1996) read with sections 4 and 20 of the Public Audit Act, 2004 (Act No. 25 of 2004); the Public Finance Management Act 1999 (Act 1 of 1999 amended by Act 29 of 1999); the Standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (Standards of GRAP); Treasury Regulations, 2001; the Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998); the Skills Development Act (Act 9 of 1999) and other applicable Acts and Regulations. In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999), the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) was officially established together with its Council to co-ordinate and promote the management of heritage resources at national level; to set norms and maintain essential national standards for the management of heritage resources in the Republic and to protect heritage resources of national significance; to control the export of nationally significant heritage objects and the import into the Republic of cultural property illegally exported from foreign countries; to enable the provinces to establish heritage authorities which must adopt powers to protect and manage certain categories of heritage resources; to provide for the protection and management of conservation-worthy places and areas by local authorities; and to provide for matters connected therewith. 8

9 CORPORATE AFFAIRS Human Resources Management Information & Auxiliary Services Inventory of the National Estate ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

10 Human Resources Management 1. EXPENDITURE TABLE 1.1: PERSONNEL COST FOR TOTAL EXPENDITURE PERSONNEL EXPENDITURE TRAINING EXPENDITURE CONSULTANCY SERVICES PERSONNEL COST AS A % OF TOTAL AVERAGE PERSONNEL EXPENDITURE COST PER EMPLOYEE TABLE 1.2: SALARIES, HOUSING SUBSIDY, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, PENSION FUND CONTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER ALLOWANCES, LEAVE GRATUITIES, BONUSES AND STATUTORY LEVIES FOR SALARIES HOUSING ALLOWANCE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PENSION FUND Amount Salaries as a % of Amount Housing Allowance Amount Medical Assistance as a % Amount Pension Contributions as a Personnel Cost as a % of Personnel Cost of Personnel Cost % of Personnel Cost % % % OTHER ALLOWANCES LEAVE GRATUITIES BONUSES STATUTORY LEVIES (Car and Cell Phone) (UIF and WCA) Amount Allowances as a % of Amount Leave Gratuities as a % Amount Bonuses as a % Amount Statutory Levies as a % of Personnel Cost of Personnel Cost of Personnel Cost Personnel Cost SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY % % % REMUNERATION SYSTEM SAHRA embarked on the development of a remuneration system that will provide the organisation with a salary structure and a remuneration policy that is legally justified, sound and perceived as fair. The project consisted of the following components: A job analysis phase that consisted of the development of job profiles (including job descriptions and competency statements) for the 40 identified job roles within SAHRA; and A job evaluation and equity analysis phase, resulting in the development of a salary structure and remuneration policy. By the end of the review period, the job analysis and job evaluation phases were completed. The equity analysis will be completed by the end of May 2008 during the next review period. In order to ensure that the outcome is accepted as legitimate and fair by the majority of SAHRA employees, consultation and involvement of relevant staff members took place at various stages of the project. This was done within the context of the time frames 10

11 and financial resources available for the speedy and successful completion of the project. The development of the remuneration system generated valuable information that can serve as a primary input in other Human Resource related processes such as skills development, performance management and recruitment. 3. EMPLOYMENT CHANGES The implementation of the approved SAHRA organogram could not be implemented as envisaged due to insufficient funds available during the review period. However, new appointments were made as a result of resignations and dismissals. The organization experienced an unusual number of resignations within the middle management level. This can partially be attributed to higher salaries offered by other organizations within the heritage sector, which poses a threat with regards to effective service delivery for an organisation such as SAHRA with limited resources to retain skilled staff members. TABLE 2.1: ANNUAL TURNOVER RATE BY SALARY LEVELS FOR 1 APRIL 2007 UNTIL 31 ST MARCH 2008 OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS NUMBER EMPLOYEES APPOINTMENTS OF TERMINATIONS TURNOVER RATE NUMBER AS AT AS AT 1 ST APRIL ST MARCH 2008 Top Management Senior Management Professionally qualified and experienced specialist and middle management % 18 Skilled technically & academically qualified workers, junior management, supervisors, foremen and superintendents % 29 Semi-skilled and discretionary decision making % 18 Unskilled and defined decision making TOTAL PERMANENT EMPLOYEES % 80 NON-PERMANENT EMPLOYEES % 4 TOTAL % 84 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

12 Note: Given the fact that SAHRA functions as a separate public entity, transfers from other government departments do not apply to the organisation. As indicated in Table 2.2, a number of terminations took place during the review period for the following reasons: TABLE 2.2: REASONS FOR TERMINATIONS TERMINATION TYPE NUMBER % OF TOTAL RESIGNATIONS 11 13% EXPIRY OF CONTRACTS 4 5% DISMISSAL - MISCONDUCT 1 1% TOTAL % SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY 4. EMPLOYMENT EQUITY The development of an Employment Equity Plan was finalised during the year under review in consultation with the Employment Equity Forum. In addition to the plan, an Employment Equity Report was submitted to the Department of Labour in October The analysis of the workforce has shown that since April 2000 when SAHRA replaced the National Monuments Council, the organization underwent major transformation in terms of the representation of designated groups. As a result by the end of 2006, of the total staff component, 84.42% was black (i.e. African, Coloured and Indian) and 15.58% white. Of the total number of males in the organization 90.6% was black compared to 9.37% of whites. With regards to females, 80% was black, compared to 20% of whites. Although Africans have increased significantly with about 35% since 2000, they are still under represented compared to their representation of 74.88% of the Economic Active Population. African males were over represented in higher levels and under represented in lower levels, while African females were under represented in higher levels and over represented in lower levels. To achieve Employment Equity goals alternative recruitment methods to the existing practice of advertising in the public media may have to be considered. An analysis of existing human resource policies within SAHRA resulted in the conclusion that there were very few instances of obvious discrimination or barriers to the advancement and development of SAHRA s staff. However, an audit of staff attitudes and perceptions to policy implementation should be done to provide a true reflection of the impact of current employment practices on the achievement of employment equity within the organisation. A number of barriers to disabled people in terms of accessibility of SAHRA s Head Office building were identified that need to be addressed. 12

13 TABLE 3.1: TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS SAHRA WORKFORCE PROFILE - MARCH 2008 OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS DESIGNATED NON- DESIGNATED MALE FEMALE WHITE MALE FOREIGN NATIONAL TOTAL A C I A C I W W MALE FEMALE Top management Senior management Professionally qualified and experience specialist Skilled technically and academically qualified Semi skilled and discretionary decision making Unskilled and defined decision making Total Permanent Non-Permanent GRAND TOTAL Employees with Disabilities ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

14 TABLE 3.2: TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES SAHRA WORKFORCE PROFILE - MARCH 2008 OCCUPATIONAL CATERGORIES DESIGNATED NON- DESIGNATED MALE FEMALE WHITE MALE FOREIGN NATIONAL TOTAL A C I A C I W W MALE FEMALE Legislators, Senior Officials & Managers Technicians & Associated Professionals Clerks Service Workers, shop & market sales workers Skilled agricultural and fishery workers Craft & Related Trade Workers Plant & Machine operators and assemblers Elementary occupations Total Permanent Non-Permanent SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY GRAND TOTAL Employees with Disabilities

15 TABLE 3.3: RECRUITMENT FOR THE PERIOD 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SAHRA WORKFORCE PROFILE OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS DESIGNATED NON- DESIGNATED MALE FEMALE WHITE MALE FOREIGN NATIONAL TOTAL A C I A C I W W MALE FEMALE Top management Senior management Professionally qualified and experienced specialist Skilled technically and academically qualified Semi skilled and discretionary decision making Unskilled and defined decision making Total Permanent Non-Permanent GRAND TOTAL Employees with Disabilities ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

16 TABLE 3.4: PROMOTION FOR THE PERIOD 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SAHRA WORKFORCE PROFILE OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS DESIGNATED NON- DESIGNATED MALE FEMALE WHITE MALE FOREIGN NATIONAL TOTAL A C I A C I W W MALE FEMALE Top management Senior management Professionally qualified and experience specialist Skilled technically and academically qualified Semi skilled and discretionary decision making Unskilled and defined decision making Total Permanent Non-Permanent GRAND TOTAL SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Employees with Disabilities Note: No promotion took place during the current reporting period. 16

17 TABLE 3.5: TERMINATIONS FOR THE PERIOD 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SAHRA WORKFORCE PROFILE OCCUPATIONAL LEVELS DESIGNATED NON- DESIGNATED MALE FEMALE WHITE MALE FOREIGN NATIONAL TOTAL A C I A C I W W MALE FEMALE Top management Senior management Professionally qualified and experienced specialist Skilled technically and academically qualified Semi skilled and discretionary decision making Unskilled and defined decision making Total Permanent Non-Permanent GRAND TOTAL Employees with Disabilities Note: In all the above tables non-permanent employees refer to staff members appointed on a one year contract and less. TABLE 3.6 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS - 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SAHRA WORKFORCE PROFILE DESIGNATED NON- DESIGNATED MALE FEMALE WHITE MALE FOREIGN NATIONAL TOTAL A C I A C I W W MALE FEMALE Disciplinary Action ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

18 5. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Bursaries were awarded to staff members for courses in Internal Auditing, Accounting Science, Bookkeeping and Human Resources Management. Various additional training and development initiatives were undertaken during the reporting period. In order to improve performance management in the organisation, Provincial Managers, Unit Heads and other supervisors attended a course in Performance Management, offered by the Centre for Open Learning of the University of Cape Town on 11, 12 and 13 September Another group training intervention was an Office Management Course for Administrative Assistants, presented during November 2007 by the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University. It covered topics such as the essence of customer service, telephone etiquette and business communication skills. Another learning intervention that occurred during the reporting period was a four week heritage exchange program to Germany for three SAHRA staff members at the invitation of Professor Nicholas Conard, Head of the Institute for Prehistory at the University of Tubingen. The programme enabled SAHRA staff members to participate in field excavations at Hohle Fels in the province of Barren Wurtenburg. Other training interventions addressed individual training needs as identified during normal performance discussions to increase skills competency within the organisation. These included short courses presented by external training providers in inter alia report writing and minute taking, event management and computer literacy, such as Advanced Excel, Microsoft Access and Accpac. An Induction Workshop took place during September 2007 with the intention to ensure that new staff members settled with ease into their new positions and the organisation as a whole. TABLE 4.1: TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED TRAINING FROM 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES MALE FEMALE TOTAL A C I W A C I W Legislators, senior officials and managers Technicians and associate professionals SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Clerks Service and Sales Workers Skilled Agricultural and Fishery Workers Craft and Related Trade Workers Plant and Machinery Operators Elementary Occupation TOTAL

19 6. LEAVE UTILIZATION 6.1 Sick leave Staff members are entitled to 36 sick leave days over a three year period as determined by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, No.95 of TABLE 5.1: SICK LEAVE - 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SALARY BAND TOTAL DAYS % DAYS WITH MEDICAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES % OF TOTAL EMPLOYEES AVERAGE DAYS PER ESTIMATED COST CERTIFICATE USING SICK LEAVE USING SICK LEAVE EMPLOYEE Lower skilled 21 48% 5 50% Skilled % 19 95% Highly skilled production 81 56% 20 63% Highly skilled supervision % % Senior management % 4 100% Total % 62 70% Disability Leave Two staff members required extended sick leave in addition to the normal sick leave entitlement of 36 days per three year cycle. In addition to this, the previous Assistant Director: Administration was on permanent disability leave during the year under review. TABLE 5.2: DISABILITY LEAVE - 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SALARY BAND TOTAL DAYS % DAYS WITH MEDICAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES % OF TOTAL EMPLOYEES AVERAGE DAYS PER ESTIMATED COST CERTIFICATE USING SICK LEAVE USING SICK LEAVE EMPLOYEE Lower skilled Skilled % Highly skilled production Highly skilled supervision % Senior management Total % R ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

20 6.3 Annual leave Staff members are entitled to 22 vacation leave days per annum with the exception of those staff members that have been with the organization for more than ten years, who receive 26 leave days. Leave days that are not taken within the six months following the previous annual leave period are forfeited in terms of the organisation s leave policy. TABLE 5.3: ANNUAL LEAVE 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SALARY BANDS TOTAL DAYS TAKEN AVERAGE PER EMPLOYEE Lower skilled 66 7 Skilled Highly skilled production Highly skilled supervision Senior Management Total TABLE 5.4: CAPPED LEAVE 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SALARY BANDS TOTAL DAYS OF CAPPED LEAVE TAKEN AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS TAKEN PER EMPLOYEE AVERAGE CAPPED LEAVE PER EMPLOYEE AS AT 31 MARCH 2007 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Lower skilled Skilled Highly skilled production days 13 Highly skilled supervision Senior management Total Note: Capped leave refers to leave accumulated before the adoption of the new leave policy in April 2005 that requires staff to take all accumulated leave within six months after the previous annual leave period. 20

21 TABLE 5.5: LEAVE PAYOUTS 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 REASON TOTAL AMOUNT NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AVERAGE PAYMENT PER EMPLOYEE Leave payout for 2007/08 due to non-utilisation of leave for the previous cycle Capped leave payouts on termination of service for 2007/ Current leave payout on termination of service for 2007/08 R R Total R R HIV/AIDS AND HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMMES SAHRA continued to promote a non-discriminatory work environment in which employees living with HIV/Aids can be able to openly acknowledge their status without fear of being discriminated against. 8. LABOUR RELATIONS 8.1 Disciplinary Actions There were three disciplinary actions that were taken during the reporting period due to gross misconduct, as indicated in Table 6.1. One resulted into a dismissal and two led to a written warning and final written warning. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

22 TABLE 6.1: DISCIPLINARY ACTION 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES MALE FEMALE TOTAL Legislators, Senior Officials and Managers A C I W A C I W Technicians and associate professionals 1 1 Clerks 1 1 Service and Sales Workers Skilled agriculture and fishery workers Craft and related workers 1 1 Plant and machine operators Elementary occupations Total Permanent Grievances lodged TABLE 6.2: GRIEVANCES LODGED 1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY NUMBER % OF TOTAL Number of grievances resolved Number of grievances not resolved % Total 1 22

23 RED LOCATION EASTERN CAPE. 8.3 Disputes and Strikes There was one dispute lodged with the CCMA as a result of a dismissal. The staff member argued that he was unfairly dismissed. However, a solution was reached by both parties in the early stages of the process. 9. INJURY ON DUTY There was one injury on duty reported during the period under review. 10. UTILISATION OF CONSULTANTS Deloitte was the successful bidder after adverts were placed by SAHRA, inviting interested parties to tender for the development of the Remuneration System. 11. POLICY DEVELOPMENT SAHRA s disciplinary policy was reviewed during the reporting period. Other existing human resource policies and systems will be reviewed and outstanding policies developed during the next reporting period after the appointment of a Principal Officer of Human Resource Management. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

24 Information & Auxiliary Services SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY THE SAHRA REGISTRY The Archives of the South African Heritage Resources Agency contains a wealth of heritage conservation records. This information was generated by SAHRA and its predecessors over a period dating back to almost 100 years ago. It contributes to the cultural identity and collective memory of the nation. The SAHRA Archives are renowned in South Africa to be an excellent resource for cultural heritage conservation information and had been frequented prolifically over the past year by researchers, students and general public for research purposes. Visits to SAHRA Provincial Offices in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the Satellite Office in Gauteng, were undertaken during the year under review by the Senior Registry Clerk. These visits were to monitor the successful use of the SAHRA Filing Systems and to provide ongoing training to administrative staff in these offices. A presentation on filing and registry practice was also delivered by a Registry official at the Induction Workshop for new staff in September Registry officials also conducted a stocktaking exercise of the approximately seven thousand files in the custody of the Archives during October and November 2007, the purpose being to ensure the continuous availability of information. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY During the review period the Information Technology section focused on enhancing security and accessibility and the effective maintenance of SAHRA s information technology systems. The IT section provides a service to approximately 80 permanent users, a number of interns and temporary users at Head Office, the Gauteng satellite office and the nine provincial offices. It delivers technical support services through a variety of methods, including on-site support by technicians, as well as by means of the telephone, web, , and remote systems management. The installation of a remote access system has had a considerable decrease in the cost of on-site support, as well as having provided the IT staff with the tools required to do regular checks on the 11 servers which it is responsible for. The two IT staff members dealt with an average of 130 helpdesk related calls per month, which come in from the more than 80 users. The IT section has strong and reliable partnerships in place with relevant service providers, as well as hardware and software vendors and consultants. Regular contact with Internet service providers across the country also ensures that the IT section stays abreast of bandwidth problems or scheduled down times and network improvements. During the review period the IT section visited the nine provincial offices, as well as the Gauteng Satellite Office to provide technical support. These visits provided for valuable on-site support, as well as first hand contact with the users at the various offices. Onsite training on various areas was also provided during these visits, as well as the opportunity to evaluate equipment. An amount of R was spent on upgrading hardware and software within the organisation. Each of the nine provincial offices, as well as members of Executive Management was provided with upgraded notebooks, whilst each provincial office received a new digital projector. Digital cameras in each of the provincial offices were reviewed and where necessary, replaced by newer cameras which are capable of taking wide-angle photographs. Various faulty printers and scanners were replaced at Head Office to provide adequate tools for staff, whilst a number of new desktop computers were purchased for new positions which were filled at Head Office. In order to further improve responsiveness to the needs of SAHRA users, the IT staff is required to stay abreast of changing technologies. This was accomplished by attending new and innovative product launches, workshops and training sessions related to the various network and system applications in use. Both members of the IT section attended a Novell Network 6.5 Administration course at Torque IT in Cape Town during November It provided the staff with insight into the newer version for Novell system software, which resulted in more effective implementation of tasks. The members of the IT section were also fortunate to attend the annual Novell BrainShare 2008 conference in Salt Lake City, USA, in March An opportunity to learn first hand about products and systems, as well as about future plans for various applications proved to be most beneficial in terms of planning ahead and applying best practices. Networking and interacting with Novell users, administrators, technicians and vendors from across the globe, whilst attending various training sessions and talks related to matters such as security, ICT regulations, best practices, back-up and recovery scenarios were found to be most valuable. Continued compliance with auditory requirements and guidelines ensured that SAHRA information technology systems remained secure. As members of the SAHRA Crisis Support Team the IT staff put considerable time and effort into the development of a Business Continuity Plan for SAHRA that would enable the 24

25 organization to effectively respond to a disaster that may result in the complete or partial destruction of its Head Office building. In line with this, a contingency server was purchased and set-up. Regular off-site storage of data is also part of SAHRA s continuity planning which will ensure that data is secure and retrievable in the event of a disaster. SAHRA s website continued to attract a large number of both international and national visitors. Visitors are always impressed by the content of the site, which provides for a very informative experience. SAHRA officials also continue to make use of the access they have to internal information via the SAHRA Intranet. THE SAHRA LIBRARY The SAHRA Library is well-known in South Africa as an excellent research resource for heritage conservation literary material. It has been regularly frequented over the past year by researchers, students and the general public. Eight hundred and twenty-six of these requests were attended to. The SAHRA Library has experienced a productive year with the acquisition of 549 books relating to the various heritage resource conservation disciplines. In total, books and journal articles which are relevant to SAHRA s diverse specialised fields of interest, were catalogued and indexed. Literary and audio-visual materials were purchased after a selection process by the Senior Librarian and with the approval of the Book Review Committee. In order to render cataloguing less complicated and more accurate the Library acquired the 22nd edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification System. This acquisition proved very useful in cataloguing books relating to the information technology, business and heritage sectors. The SAHRA Library uses the INMAGIC recording and monitoring system and newly acquired records are regularly exported to the SAHRA website. This information is therefore available via the Internet to a wide variety of interested users. Two Library Science students from the University of Fort Hare did their mid-year experiential learning in the SAHRA Library. In late November 2007, as part of a Department of Arts and Culture Internship Program, Ms Nolubabalo Matikane was appointed as an intern in the SAHRA Library for a period of one year. Another regular activity has been the setting-up of internal book displays to coincide with major national commemorative days such as Heritage Day, Youth Day, Women s Day, Freedom Day and Africa Day to create awareness about literary resources in the Library. Library officials have attended regular INMAGIC training courses and a course on People Management. The Assistant Librarian also attended the Day of Celebration of Heritage at Pollsmoor Prison. Library staff also made a presentation during the SAHRA Induction Workshop for new staff members, held in September A Library official visited the Free State Provincial Office, as well as the Gauteng Provincial and Satellite Offices in order to set up literary resource centres in these offices and to provide basic training in maintaining these book selections. Library officials have been instrumental in assisting with the drafting of a Library Policy, its purpose being to ensure optimum accessibility to and protection of literary resources in the custody of the Library. AUXILIARY SERVICES Staff in the Auxiliary Services has rendered commendable service to ensure that the SAHRA Head Office premises is adequately maintained and secure. This also entails the provision of the necessary infrastructure. During the review period the building was painted in its entirety externally, as well as selected sections of the interior. Other maintenance aspects included the refurbishing of the parking area, as well as the repair of a historical staircase internally. In addition, the SAHRA boardroom was fitted out with a new carpet and high standard audio-visual equipment for the purpose of recording meetings and the screening of PowerPoint presentations. In terms of safety and security, all electrical wiring and installations on the premises were inspected, after which remedial repairs were carried out. The major deliverable in this regard was that an Electrical Compliance Certificate was awarded on completion of the repairs. In addition, the building was inspected by the local Fire Chief to verify that the fire fighting equipment within the building is adequate and fully functional. A document stating a clean bill of safety was issued accordingly. Several staff members attended a Wardens Training Course at the Disaster Management Centre of the City of Cape Town. Subsequent to this training, a Safety Workshop was held at the SAHRA Head Office on 8 August 2007 to ensure greater awareness among staff with regards to matters concerning safety and security. During the period under review a Service Level Agreement was entered into between SAHRA and the travel agency, Harvey World Travel Manor. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the facilitation of more cost effective travelling of SAHRA officials in the execution of their duties. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

26 The Inventory of the National Estate INTRODUCTION The year under review has been marked by the completion and consolidation of the work done on the first phase of the SAHRIS and National Audit Project. The aim of the project, approved by Parliament, is the inventorisation of movable and immoveable state-owned heritage resources, as required by Section 39 of the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of The development of the South African Heritage Resources Information System (SAHRIS), as a repository for heritage information and a tool for the management of heritage resources, forms part of the project. HIGH PRIORITY AUDITS Considering the scope of the National Audit, the importance of carrying out a pilot audit project before embarking on the roll out of the entire audit was identified. Therefore five high priority pilot audits were done within the following State-owned sites: Grootte Schuur Estate, Parliament, Tuynhuys, Union Buildings and Bryntirion, as reported on during the previous review period. The Site Audit Programme was developed to enable effective and comprehensive inventorying and building of digital databases of the heritage objects housed in these localities. This could be used at each audit site to collect and manage the inventories of heritage objects. Phase 1 which would form the basis of Phase 2, was broken into the following five stages, each of which has delivered detailed volumes of documentation that report on progress and completed products at the end of each interval: Part A: High-priority pilot audits of movable objects DEVELOPMENT OF THE SAHRIS SYSTEM The work that commenced previously with regards to the design of the SAHRIS System was continued during the period under review. This included the finalisation of the Data Coding Standard that defines the data requirements for the representation of heritage resources, as well as the processes, associated with the management of these resources. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Part B: Review of status of heritage sector in terms of its inventorisation and available skills, resulting in the development of stakeholders and collections databases (reported on during the previous review period) Part C: Review and development of appropriate data coding standards Part D: Assessment of technology and information management systems with recommendations for the development of the SAHRIS System Part E: Development of a Project Plan for Phase 2 A number of database models were developed on which the Phase 2 SAHRIS System Specification could be constructed, including: The Site Audit Programme Database: for the audits conducted at the high-priority sites. The Exemplars Database: to support the capturing of specific heritage resources as a way in which to check the approach for the data codification. The Controlled Vocabulary Database: to hold the initial versions of each of the thesauri identified within the scope of Phase 1 of the project. The System Specification that provides a high-level vision of the system expected to be in place for SAHRIS, was also delivered during the review period. FANIE ELOFF, POT WITH HORNS. PROJECT PLAN FOR PHASE 2 OF NATIONAL AUDIT PROJECT The final outcome of Phase 1 of the SAHRIS and National Audit Project was the development of a project plan for Phase 2 which will consist of the ongoing development of the various components of the SAHRIS System and the roll-out of the audit to other heritage custodians. EXISTING DATABASES SAHRA and other heritage custodians have databases used for recording, monitoring and 26

27 CANON AT SIMONSTOWN NAVAL BASE. management purposes. To incorporate and to use these databases the Migration Programme was developed. This programme moves the data collected within the Site Audit Programme into the Central Audit Database on SQL Server. While this exercise was done for the high priority audits mentioned above, more work is still needed to migrate other existing databases into the Central Audit Database on the SQL Server. The National Inventory Unit has continued with the capturing and updating of data associated with heritage resources, previously declared as national monuments. During the review period the work on the SCULPTURE NARA MAMBASA. FAR RIGHT: BEAKER. digitisation of the gazette notices was completed, and another project was started to capture the information concerning the cadastral data for each heritage site. This data will be used in the GIS component of the SAHRIS. Once this project is completed, this information will be prepared for uploading to SAHRA s website for access by interested parties. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

28 WOMAN. JUG WITH THREE FIGURES. SELWYN PEKEUR TOWNSHIP SCENE. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY DUTCH PROPOSAL A proposal for a financial contribution towards the inventorisation and digitisation of heritage objects in National Museums was developed during the review period and submitted to the Dutch government. This was a result of a visit of a South African delegation of representatives of SAHRA, Iziko and the Northern Flagship Institution to the Netherlands in March The ongoing bilateral negotiations between South Africa and the Netherlands will determine the outcome of this proposal. If successful, a plan for the project will be presented for implementation during the 2008/2009 financial year. WAY FORWARD The focus during the next review period will be on the launching of Phase 2 of the SAHRIS and National Audit Project. The first step would be the development of Terms of Reference for the construction of the SAHRIS System and the appointment of a suitable service provider to execute the work. Consultation with relevant stakeholders in the heritage sector would be an essential component of the planning and implementation of the SAHRIS system development and roll-out of the National Audit. This process will ensure sustainability, skills development and skills transfer beyond the project life-cycle. 28

29 HERITAGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: HEAD OFFICE UNITS Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorite Unit Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit Architectural Heritage Landscape Unit Grading & Declarations Unit Heritage Objects Unit Burial Grounds & Graves Unit ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

30 Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorite Unit APMHOB PERMIT COMMITTEE SAHRA is grateful to the members of the Archaeology, Palaeontology, Meteorite, Heritage Objects and Burials (APMHOB) Permit Committee, who have served an unusually long period and have continued to advise us while awaiting the establishment of the new SAHRA Council. We thank Dr. Janette Deacon (Chairperson and Council Member), Dr. Ciraj Rassool (Council), Dr. Otsile Ntsoane (Council), Mr. Jaco Boshoff, Dr. William de Klerk, Mr. Frank Ledimo, Ms. Irene Mafune, Mr. Makgolo Makgolo, Mr. Siyakha Mnguni, Ms. Nicky Rousseau and Professor Bruce Rubidge for their stalwart service. Professor Peter Mtuze served until he retired. Dr. Uwe Reimold served as the representative for Meteorites until he moved abroad. Prof. Izak Rust was nominated by the Geological Society. The next permit committee will serve from 1 June THE SITE INSPECTION TEAM OF SAHRA, THE COH MANAGING AUTHORITY AND GDACE, BESIDE THE SWARTKRANS BRECCIAS, MONITORING GRAFFITI IN THE PUBLIC AREA STERKFONTEIN. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Permit applications for the past three financial years were as follows: PERMIT APPLICATIONS Archaeology & Burials Archaeology Export Palaeontology: Research & Export Meteorites Shipwrecks Heritage Objects TOTAL =Issued by APM Unit 2=Issued by APM Unit on behalf of Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit 3=Issued by Heritage Objects Unit The increase in heritage objects permits is notable and the unit has looked into the possibility of splitting the permit committee so that a greater number of expert advisors may be appointed for heritage objects. A slight decrease in archaeology permits suggests a possible decline in research and in Phase 2 work. However, as a considerably larger number of permit applications have been received in mid-2008 than usual, this may merely have reflected a temporary shift. All permit applications are circulated to permit committee and their comments are assessed and a decision negotiated. Some permits can be issued within a week or two and once the permit report is reviewed and recorded, SAHRA staff members are not involved in any further action. Other permit applications however have occupied staff for very much more time, sometimes for as long as six years after the initial application. Prestwich Place The Prestwich Place Memorial for the human remains from Prestwich Place built by the City of Cape Town and overseen by the City, SAHRA and the Prestwich Place Project Committee (PPPC) was finished in late 2007 and the remains were taken to their final resting place at the end of April They were to have been moved in December 2007 but after an appeal by traditional leaders to be included in the process this was delayed. An event to celebrate this is planned for September Regular meetings with the City and PPPC regarding the process to be followed and the development of the Ossuary and the interpretive centre; regular inspections of the mortuaries; cleaning; restoration after theft (a geyser and copper pipes were stolen from the Somerset mortuary and the resultant flooding necessitated replacing and repacking of some boxes.), as well as fixing of locks and security doors, all of which occupied the APM Unit on a regular basis. 30

31 evaluation site inspections at the Fossil Hominid Sites and establishes the process for reporting. In 2007 Mrs. Leslie and Jennifer Kitto from the Gauteng office attended site inspections with the Managing Authority in May and October. In October the annual COH Scientists meeting was held at Sterkfontein. The APM Unit plans to initiate a similar site inspection monitoring and evaluation meeting at Taung in June 2008 in co-operation with the SAHRA North West office and relevant stakeholders. CRADLE OF HUMANKIND SCIENTIST S MEETING: A) DR LEE BERGER, MR JOHN SIBANYONI (COH MANAGING AUTHORITY) AND MR NEO JANUARY (SAHRA GAUTENG), B) DR JUDY MAGUIRE (CONSULTANT) AND MRS MARY LESLIE. PHOTOS: A. SALOMON. Finally, on 24 April, around 1500 human remains from the Somerset mortuary and, on 25 April, around 500 human remains from Woodstock mortuary were relocated to the Ossuary, thus fulfilling the instruction of the Minister. The move was managed by the APM Unit and the Archaeology Contracts Office. It was accomplished with the help of volunteers from SAHRA, the City, District Six, the PPPC and interested parties, who formed a human chain conveying the boxes from the mortuaries to the transport and then from the transport to the Ossuary. We were accompanied by members of the religious group forum, who have been involved in the process throughout. Particular thanks need to go to Father Oliver of the Interfaith Group who made himself available so often. Transfer of Responsibility for Burial Permit Applications The APM Unit has been overloaded as it is responsible not only for national issues in terms of the Act but also for the APM concerns in seven provinces in terms of agency arrangements. The Unit has found burial permit applications for the relocation of burial grounds and graves particularly time-consuming, it has requested the Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit to take over the management of permit applications for burials dating between 60 years and AD Over the past year discussions have taken place with Mr. Troy Phili and Mr. Ndukuyakhe Ndlovu. It is expected that a member of the BGG will spend some time in the APM Unit in mid-2008before taking over the management of these applications. Monitoring and Evaluation of Sites In August 2007 a memorandum of understanding was signed between SAHRA and the Managing Authority of the Cradle of Humankind that among other things endorses the current twice yearly monitoring and A site inspection was also conducted at Bloeddrift in October 2007 by Dr. Jerardino and Mr. Salomon. The visit was a joint project by SAHRA, the Transhex Mine and the McGregor Museum of Kimberley. The intention was to advise on parameters for a Site Management Plan for the rock engraving site and to initiate a photographic site monitoring survey of the site which will be undertaken by the McGregor Museum. Provincial Heritage Resources Authorities (PHRAs) As indicated in previous Annual Reports, until the PHRAs appoint qualified archaeologists to manage heritage resources in the provinces, as required by the legislation, it will not be possible to manage our archaeological and palaeontological heritage as well as South Africa s rich heritage deserves to be managed. The hands-on management of these resources by Heritage Western Cape and AMAFA has shown the advantage of management at a provincial level when authorities have the requisite capacity. Dr. Jeradino has given help with the process of declaration of Baboon Point by Heritage Western Cape and made a presentation in April 2007 at the public meeting associated with the declaration ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

32 process. The SAHRA Unit Manager, Mrs. Mary Leslie, attends monthly permit meetings of the HWC APM Unit and receives notifications of the permit applications for comment from AMAFA. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF IMPACT ASSESSMENTS The increase in the number of impact assessments undertaken in South Africa in the past decade is illustrated in this report and indicates that we should expect to receive in the order of 400 Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) reports in The increase has resulted in part from unprecedented economic development and in part from the requirements that have been established by various legislations to ensure that Impact Assessments are done. These AIA reports record the significance of sites threatened by development and they allow heritage authorities to arrange for their protection, excavation, dating and recording, and then to approve their destruction. The impact assessment process means, therefore, that even when heritage sites are destroyed, information about the lives of the people who lived there can be saved. Where Provincial Heritage Resources Authorities have not yet appointed archaeologists, the Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorite (APM) Unit contributes to this process, wherever possible, by sending Review Comments (or records of decision) on these Archaeology and Palaeontology Impact Assessment reports to developers and stakeholders. The Unit has provided 277 Archaeological and Palaeontological Review Comments in the past year. General correspondence associated with these reports includes hundreds of responses to notifications of intent to develop, a number of exemptions and a number of ROCK ENGRAVING FROM THE BLOEDDRIFT SITE, ABOUT 30 KM INLAND FROM ALEXANDER BAY ALONG THE SOUTHERN BANK OF THE ORANGE RIVER. transfers to Heritage Western Cape and AMAFA. It is clear that SAHRA is not receiving all reports and an attempt will be made to redress this through communication with the environmental and mining authorities in the provinces. Palaeotechnical Reports SAHRA has contracted various palaeontologists to prepare two technical reports the Palaeontological Heritage of the Northern Cape and the Palaeontological Heritage of the Eastern Cape. It is hoped that similar reports will be done for all the provinces for which SAHRA is currently responsible. These reports will provide a tool that can be used by heritage managers, in conjunction with published geological maps, to assess the potential significance of proposed developments and to take appropriate action. They will also provide a description of the heritage significance of the palaeontological resources of various provinces that can be used as a source for pamphlets and other MOVING THE HUMAN REMAINS FROM THE MORTUARIES TO THEIR FINAL RESTING PLACE IN THE OSSUARY BUILT IN GREEN POINT AS INSTRUCTED BY THE MINISTER. educational documentation. They may even become a resource for palaeontological researchers and indicate areas where there is currently insufficient knowledge. Archaeological Survey Mapping Project The APM Unit has continued with the Archaeology Survey Mapping of archaeological and palaeontological Impact Assessment reports, while waiting to see how the Archaeological Register Site Database will interface with the National Heritage Resources Inventory System project (SAHRIS). Mr. Steven Walker has established and managed a database of all reports that SAHRA APM Unit receives. Ms. Mamakomoreng Nkhasi mapped over 1000 Archaeological Impact Assessment or Phase 1 AIA reports before she had to return to the National Museum in Bloemfontein. Ms. Roxsanne Dyssell has assisted with the management of the reports and is learning to map them. The unit is currently sending all archaeologists 32

33 NUMBER OF REPORTS CRM PROJECTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORTS AS MAPPED BY END OF MARCH DATE OF PUBLICATION Western Cape and AMAFA at about this time. Mrs. Leslie gave a presentation at the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists CRM (contract archaeology) meeting in May Mr Andrew Salomon attended the Museum Archaeologists Workshop in Bloemfontein in June 2007 and delivered a presentation entitled: Preventive Conservation Collections Care. A paper was delivered by Steven Walker, M. Leslie, and M. Nkhasi in March 2007 at the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists conference, which was essentially a progress report on the Archaeology Survey Mapping Project. Dr. Antonieta Jerardino attended the 73rd annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology in March 2008 and gave a paper on Shellfish gathering and marine palaeoecology during the Middle and Late Pleistocene: perspectives from Cave 13b, Pinnacle Point, South Africa. OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND TRAINING Mrs. Vhonani Ramalamula joined the Tübingen University excavation in July 2007 in Germany led by Professor Nicholas Conard at the sites of Hohler Fels and Vogelherd in the province of Baden-Württemberg. These sites form part of the Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology project. In October-November 2007 Mrs. Colette Scheermeyer studied in the United States of America at the invitation of Professor Lynn Meskell of the Department of Anthropology at Stanford University. The APM Unit staff, under leadership of Mrs. Colette Scheermeyer, prepared information about key archaeological sites for the Western Cape history teachers and has offered to continue to do this. lists of the reports that SAHRA currently has with a request to send us all the reports we do not have. In this way, we hope to produce fairly comprehensive maps of each province indicating the location of Archaeological Impact Assessments, which will be identified by author, date and title so that heritage authorities, developers and practitioners can ascertain where impact assessments have been done and how to obtain copies. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS The Unit hosted a mini-workshop in January 2007 as part of regular annual meetings between SAHRA and the PHRAs and the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists to discuss and set policy and standards in archaeology. It was not possible to include the Provincial Heritage Resources Authorities in these meetings as in the past as there was a changeover in archaeological unit staff both at Heritage ARCHAEOLOGY, FOSSILS AND THE LAW The pamphlet Archaeology, Fossils and the Law, first printed last year has been particularly successful and has had to be reprinted this year. HERITAGE AT RISK AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM There is a desperate need to rehabilitate many of our major archaeological sites and at the same time to make them available to visitors and to tourists. As previously indicated these sites are an un-renewable and fragile resource and, for sustainable use, it is important that adequate interpretations, infrastructure, conservation measures, and professional management and monitoring are put in place. To do this properly requires funding. We have again sought funding for this important task because many sites even sites currently nominated for world heritage status are in urgent need of infrastructure and conservation. The Unit hopes to apply for a post for a young archaeologist to develop material for the transformation and dissemination of archaeological materials and intends in this way to make available to the public and especially to young students, much of the scientific data store at SAHRA. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the unit has continued to work hard to meet the demands placed on it. The factor that would make the most difference to the successful management and protection of archaeological and palaeontological remains and meteorites would be the appointment of specialists, and the establishment of Archaeology Palaeontology and Meteorite Units and Permit Committees in the provinces that currently do not have these. A crucial issue therefore, for these resources, is that a decision be made very soon about the future capacity of provincial heritage resources authorities that have not yet appointed archaeologists. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

34 Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit INTRODUCTION In 2006/7, the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit at the South African Heritage Resources Agency began to develop strategies for the management of underwater cultural heritage through a shifted philosophical mindset. Instead of merely listing sites of cultural significance, the members of the unit looked more closely at the interpretation and meaning of the sites in the South African context. The unit attempted to adopt a holistic and seamless view of heritage management that examined the influence of the underwater sites on their terrestrial backdrops and vice versa. By adopting this philosophy, it was possible for the unit to better understand the influences of heritage on society and to make better decisions for heritage management in 2007/8. The unit set out to complete several major projects during the year. These included: SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Declaration of sites: The unit is in the process of compiling information to be included in a submission for declaration of pre-colonial, stone walled fish traps along the south coast between Cape Agulhas and Mossel Bay. The unit also offered assistance to the declaration process for Lake Funduzi. International co-operation: The unit had already started developing international ties with both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Joint projects with the United Kingdom revolved around the protection and management of the Mendi wreck site. This included further recording of the site, development of management and protection strategies and the collection of research for future study. Policy Development: In light of recent public meetings on SAHRA s historic shipwreck policy and the WRECK SURVEY, DURBAN: PREPARING TO INSPECT POSSIBLE WRECK SITES. UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, the unit involved itself in the development of new policies that will serve to better manage Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites for all South Africans. Public Initiatives: Apart from day-to-day education initiatives incorporating public lectures, schools programmes and the dispersal of educational materials, the underwater cultural heritage unit continued to produce signage that is to be erected at important wreck sites. IDENTIFICATION AND FORMAL PROTECTION OF NATIONAL HERITAGE SITES The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit is tasked with the identification, protection and management of the underwater cultural heritage along South Africa s coastline and in South Africa s internal waters and rivers. In order for this task to be successfully completed, it has been necessary to begin by identifying sites which broadly represent the full spectrum of South African society and which serve the national 34

35 WRECK INSPECTIONS, TABLE BAY. heritage interests of all South Africans. The goal of this process is that these sites be declared as National Heritage Sites. In 2006/7, three separate sites were identified for future protection. These were: Stone walled pre-colonial fish traps between Cape Point and Mossel Bay, Western Cape; Arniston/Waenhuiskrans/Cassiesbaai, Western Cape; and The wreck of the Mendi, United Kingdom and Memorials, South Africa These sites have been identified as potential National Heritage Sites in that they are widely representative and relevant. The sites incorporate the seamless heritage management approach of the unit in that they combine a number of spheres related to Underwater Cultural Heritage including shipwrecks, human exploitation of marine resources, related terrestrial structures and development, related living heritage and two way international influence. The sites are also representative of South Africa s cultural diversity and demonstrate the relevance of Underwater Cultural Heritage to all South Africans. Stone Walled Pre-Colonial Fish Traps When the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit identified these sites as potential National Heritage Sites, little was known regarding their origin and age. Research seemed to indicate that these structures were built and used long before European and Arab explorers ventured into southern African waters. The first historical evidence of the traps came from descriptions by early Dutch settlers who were expanding their territories north-east along the coast. Added to this, research into effective use of the traps indicated that their use is limited by tides and phases of the moon. The walls of the traps are most deeply covered by rising tides during the full and new moon phases (spring tides). The increased depth of water over the walls allows larger fish over the walls. When the tide recedes, the fish are trapped behind the stone walls and are more easily caught. Modern users of the traps have further suggested that the traps are most effective at night during new moon spring tides or during full moon spring tides where the moon is hidden by overcast conditions. The reason for this appears to be that the fish can see the walls when illuminated and can thus avoid being trapped. The use of these traps is, therefore highly dependant on sea levels. Although the South African Heritage Resources Agency is not a research organisation, it is necessary to carry out certain research to better understand potential heritage sites and their significance. To this end, the unit has gathered as much data as possible regarding the traps for inclusion in a nomination document. Although minimal information was available, it seemed that nomination would be a relatively simple process. As the document approached completion, however, new research in the form of an as yet incomplete Master s thesis undertaken through the University of Cape Town s Archaeology Department brought fresh evidence to light. For the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, this meant that further research would be required before submitting nomination documents for these sites. The research process also suggested that future archaeological investigation is imperative. Various other challenges to nomination and declaration of the fish trap sites have been identified and addressed. Those traps that fall within heritage landscapes such as the Cassiesbaai Heritage Landscape will nominated as part of the broader site. In order to facilitate management of sites, representative clusters of traps have been chosen for initial nomination. Other sites may be incorporated into future nomination strategies. Finally, because the sites span a variety of management disciplines within the South African Heritage Resources Agency it has been necessary to consult and work closely with other units within the organisation. For example, the traps are still used in some instances meaning that the associated Living Heritage components must be included and their association with terrestrial communities means that and archaeological elements also play a role. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

36 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY SS Mendi On the 21 st of February 1917, the ss Mendi was rammed by the steamer Darro in the dark fog of the English Channel. The Mendi sank within 25 minutes taking almost 650 men with her. The vessel carried 823 members of the 5 th Battalion South African Native Labour Corps destined for duty in France in World War One. Stories of bravery and acts of selflessness on the part of those aboard the vessel abound. The wreck of the Mendi, the memorials to the ship and her men, and the symbol of struggle, injustice and unity that they represent make this one of the most significant events in South Africa s history. The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has, therefore, identified the wreck and associated memorials as potential National Heritage Sites. During 2007/8 the Unit began gathering information regarding the wreck site and associated memorials both in South Africa and in the United Kingdom. In this regard, the South African Heritage Resources Agency developed partnerships with English Heritage and Wessex Archaeology. These partnerships allowed for extensive research abroad and enabled information and expertise sharing at a high level. Furthermore, the partnerships meant that larger projects could be undertaken. The unit, together with John Gribble, a project manager at Wessex Archaeology, visited memorial sites in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and the United Kingdom in order to assess their condition and the feasibility of including them as part of a national heritage site nomination. In many of the South African cases, it was found that the memorials required extensive renovation or repair. It is important that a detailed conservation management plan be developed for these memorial sites. An assessment of the memorial site in the United Kingdom has determined that it must be kept separate from any nomination or protection strategy. The site commemorates not only those lost during the sinking of the Mendi, but also members of other foreign corps who were lost at sea. It is fortunate that the site is well maintained and that the stone panels engraved with the names of the men lost with the Mendi have been recently re-installed and updated with corrections to misspelled names. The South African Heritage Resources Agency and English Heritage jointly funded a multi-beam sonar assessment of the Mendi wreck site. Wessex Archaeology was contracted to carry out survey operations and produce a report on the condition of the site. The survey results seem to indicate that the wreck has deteriorated significantly in the last two to three years. The cause of deterioration is, however, not known. It has been suggested that an ROV survey of the site be undertaken to better understand the site dynamics and to determine the structural integrity of the wreck. Members of the unit were invited to attend a commemoration for the men of the Mendi in the United Kingdom in July 2007 and participated in a wreath laying ceremony over the site of the wreck. Arniston/Waenhuiskrans and Kassiesbaai The Western Cape office of the South African Heritage Resources Agency has proposed the Arniston/ Waenhuiskrans and Kassiesbaai area for nomination and protection. Although the nomination focuses largely on terrestrial sites, the area also contains numerous maritime structures, such as fish traps, and important shipwrecks. Because of this, the Western Cape office and the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit have co-operated to finalise this ongoing project. During the course of 2007/8, members of the Unit visited the area to asses the sites and continue building local relationships in order to assist in the monitoring and protection of the sites. The visits again included contact with local community members who currently utilise resources such as fish traps, local law enforce- WREATH LAYING CEREMONY ABOARD THE SAS AMATOLA AT THE WRECK SITE OF THE MENDI (1917). 36

37 ment officers in the South Africa Police Force, SAN Parks, Sea Fisheries and harbour administrators. OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has committed itself to a strong outreach, education and awareness programme. The combined functions of the Unit within the South African Heritage Resources Agency and its National Survey of Underwater Heritage have allowed unprecedented opportunities to take underwater cultural heritage to communities and stakeholders. This year the Unit shifted its focus from school learners to resource users and educators. The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit took the opportunities offered this year to actively promote underwater cultural heritage through a series of lectures and talks to groups and individuals who are responsible to education in their broader environment or organisation. This year lectures have been presented to: Museum Educators from all coastal provinces Port Owen and Laaiplek community meetings Edgemead Club U3A Probus Old Boys of the SAS General Botha Various interested clubs and societies The unit reaches the diving community by regularly contributing articles to Submerge magazine. Promotion of awareness of underwater cultural heritage must be extended beyond direct users of the resources. It is important to create consciousness of the goals and practices of conservation and protection amongst educators, managers, interested parties and local communities. This year, this was largely achieved through co-operation with the maritime archaeology section at IZIKO Museums. A Nautical Archaeology Society course was arranged by Jaco Boshoff at IZIKO and was aimed at promoting maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage amongst teachers and museum educators. The South African Heritage Resources Agency and Iziko have co-operated on several other projects during 2007/8. These include two wreck projects. The first of these was a survey and identification project in Gansbaai. Local fishermen discovered a previously unknown wreck behind the sand dunes north of the village. The unit, together with the maritime archaeologist from Iziko were called to establish the extent of the remaining wreck, its age and a possible identity. The team visited the site and surveyed the remaining ship structure. Some test pits were dug around the outside of the hull to determine the extent of buried timber. The site was not disturbed in any way and was covered following investigations. Early results indicate that the wreck may be a late 19 th or early 20 th century vessel. As yet its identity has not been established. The location of the vessel behind the dunes and a good distance from the water remains a mystery. Iziko Museums have, for a number of years, been undertaking a slave ship programme revolving around the wreck of the Dutch vessel Meermin, beached near Struisbaai in Since the start of this project, the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has assisted wherever possible. In 2007/8 the project was expanded and the unit has become more deeply involved. The expansion of the project has included a remote sensing survey in Camps Bay aimed at locating the wreck of the Portuguese slave vessel Sao Jose (1794). The survey also brought in the Council for Geoscience as a partner and they have contributed equipment, personnel, expertise and time free of charge. Initial survey work has been completed and the results will be forthcoming. Promotion of underwater cultural heritage can be further achieved through tourism initiatives. Awareness projects that were started in the previous year have come to fruition in 2007/8. Such projects include the erection of Wreck Route boards at shipwreck sites and museums as well as at slipways from which divers launch boats to visit sites are an invaluable tool to raising awareness of the underwater resource. Boards give historical information about the sites, making dives more interesting, and also give information relating to legislation and best diving practice as applied to wreck sites. During 2007/8 a board detailing the wreck of the HMS Sybille a Boer War era naval vessel wrecked near Lamberts bay on the South African West Coast was erected at the Sandveld Museum in Lamberts Bay. Signs erected previously at Hout Bay were replaced as their exposure to the harsh maritime environment had left them faded and illegible. Advancement of tourism potential and promotion of underwater cultural heritage was further achieved through securing a stand at the Cape Town International Boat Show at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. As with previous years, strong national and international ties have been developed over the past year. Some of these have been mentioned above and have resulted in the development of a strong international network of individuals willing to invest their expertise into the management of our underwater cultural heritage. On a local level, the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has continued to develop its strong ties with ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

38 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY communities in the St Helena Bay area. Various constraints meant that it was not possible for unit members to directly continue with the survey project aimed at locating the wreck of the Gouden Buys (1693). Despite this, co-operation with the local community resulted in a large-scale search programme being undertaken by people living in the area. The community has responded enthusiastically to the unit s past efforts and have assisted the project with personnel, equipment, time, research and management to undertake a land, air and sea based search of a large portion of the eastern sore of St Helena Bay. Boats, micro-light aircraft and vehicles were mobilised at spring low tides in an attempt to visually identify wreckage on the beach or in the shallow waters of the bay. Several wrecks were located during this survey, although none of them the Gouden Buys. Although the wreck itself was not located, the efforts of the community went a long way to assisting in locating and monitoring wreck sites in the area and further developed the coastal management network that the unit is striving to create. Their efforts are greatly appreciated. The unit has also forged important co-operation programmes with the National Port Authority. Two large port development projects are currently underway and the unit has been involved on an administrative level in both. In June 2007, the unit travelled to Durban and carried out a survey of the Salisbury Channel and part of the Container Terminal of the Port of Durban. Expansion of the Terminal and deepening of the Channel with have a direct consequence for any cultural remains that might exist in these areas. It was therefore necessary for the unit to determine the extent of material and advise the Port Authority on procedures and possible mitigation. The same applies to the Port of Cape Town, where the Ben Schoeman Dock is being dredged in order to allow it to handle larger vessels. Although a remote survey has already been done, the unit will continue to act in monitoring activities. Important strides have been made with the development of international partnerships and co-operation. Important developments regarding cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands should be highlighted. Early in 2007, initial work was done on developing a proposal to jointly develop maritime archaeology in South Africa. Robert Parthesius, director of the Centre for International Heritage Studies together with the Dutch Consulate in Cape Town assisted and advised the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit in developing a final draft of the Maritime Archaeology Development Programme proposal for submission to the Dutch Embassy in Pretoria and the South African Department of Arts and Culture. The proposal was well received and high level agreements are now being considered in order to establish the project and ensure that it will be sustainable in the future. HERITAGE MANAGEMENT Heritage management forms the core of the South African Heritage Resources Agency s function. The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has devoted a good deal of its time to this aspect in the past year. A number of heritage management concerns have been tackled in the past year and will be discussed here. These include the international consultation on the ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage by developing nations, a review of underwater cultural heritage legislation, a review of the South African Heritage Resources Agency s shipwreck policy and the application of policy and legislation on a day to day basis. Members of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit were invited to attend a meeting in Paris organised by UNESCO regarding the implementation of the Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Several points where discussed: 1. Strategies for fostering a broader ratification of the Convention; 2. The nature and role of a future Scientific and Technical Advisory Body; 3. The implementation of the State Cooperation System; 4. Strategies for awareness-raising; and 5. Training in underwater archaeology. Discussions revolved largely around the imminent coming into force of the Convention. Because many of the nations that have ratified the convention are from the developing world, it was hoped that countries with better developed maritime archaeological infrastructure and expertise would be able to assist where necessary. The dominant issue of 2007/8 has, however, been a shipwreck policy review. The South African Heritage Resources Agency, together with the Department of Arts and Culture and other interested parties agreed that the policy that banned commercial salvage of historic shipwrecks should be repealed until such time as a new legislation and resultant policy can be developed. This meant that the South African Heritage Resources Agency would again consider applications for commercial projects. Numerous applications have since been received. Concurrently, the Department of Arts and Culture, with assistance from South African Heritage Resources Agency have been working to develop new policy which they hope will translate into stronger legislation in the future. The policy is currently reaching a final draft stage and will be presented in the coming year. 38

39 The unit has carried out its management roles throughout the year. Administration of permit applications, identification of underwater cultural heritage sites and site management has been ongoing. New sites such at the SAS General Botha that came under the jurisdiction of the National Heritage Resources Act in 2007 have been commemorated with lectures, functions and the laying of plaques on the site. CONCLUSION In determining its programmes and activities, the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit has endeavoured to align itself with the South African Heritage Resources Agency s five strategic priorities namely: Conservation Enhancement Cultural and Natural integration Heritage Tourism Transformation Global Agenda The initiatives reported on above relate strongly to these priorities and to the development of the South African Heritage Resources Agency as a leader in African Heritage Management. The role of the South African Heritage Resources Agency s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit is developing and expanding as greater understanding, awareness and capacity of underwater cultural heritage is developed. The importance of the resource to all South Africans is becoming clearer and the South African Heritage Resources Agency s responsibility as resource manager is becoming increasingly significant. Development of strategies that are protective, inclusive and unifying will ultimately determine the success of the Agency in the protection this nonrenewable resource for future generations. SEARCHING FOR THE WRECK OF THE SLAVE SHIP MEERMIN (1766). ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

40 Architectural Heritage Landscape Unit SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION Mentoring relationships are a significant factor in succession planning, career development, skills development and employment equity plans. They are an effective vehicle for transferring knowledge through the organisation from the people who have the most experience and knowledge to those who are entering the heritage field. South Africa, through the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the provincial and local heritage agencies, needs people to survey our heritage, issue permits, write policy and procedures, compile proposals for heritage matters, evaluate heritage sites and objects and advise on heritage issues. Through this process, mentor and mentee learn different viewpoints, perceptions, beliefs and attitudes from each other. EARTHEN ARCHITECTURE The manager of the unit attended Terra 2008, the 10th International Conference on the Study and Conservation of Earthen Architectural Heritage, organised by the Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Culture of Mali, held in Bamako, Mali in February The themes of the conference were Earthen Architecture in Mali; Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites; Conservation of Living Sites; Challenges and Opportunities of Conservation and Development; Local Knowledge Systems and Intangible Aspects of Earthen Architecture; Standards and Guidelines for New and Existing Structures; Seismic and other Natural Forces; and Advances in Research. Tours to Mopti, Djenné, the archaeological site of Djenné-Djeno, Ségou, Timbouctou, Sirimou and the Dogon country, and discussions with local masons and conservationists, were organised. The conference confirmed that, internationally, heritage practitioners experience the same challenges as South Africa. The conference explored the growing interest in conserving culture in a climate of increasing globalisation and homogenisation, which threaten the values and expressions of communities cultural identities. It demonstrated that we, as architects and heritage practitioners, must contribute to the reviving and revaluing of these cultural practices and foster the continuance of the tradition of building with earth and keeping the traditions alive and documented. Indigenous Building Systems form the core of much of the world s architectural knowledge and must be reincorporated into our daily lives. The importance of education and training was emphasized as well as the importance of disseminating information about standards and guidelines for building with earth. HERITAGE SURVEYING, INTERVIEWING AND MAPPING Having identified the urgent need to survey sites for a South African inventory, a succinct, accessible, community-based identification and management method, set out in a Conservation Surveying Kit, was produced in This kit has been revised, expanded and updated to form the Heritage Surveying, Interviewing and Mapping Kit (HSIMK), which is freely available from SAHRA for heritage and provincial and local authorities and community groups to carry out the identification process. One of the key responsibilities of SAHRA is to create a community-based identification and management system for the heritage landscape that is integrated into regional and local planning. Working with communities is part of the process of uncovering our neglected heritage and plays an LARGEST EARTHEN MOSQUE IN THE WORLD IN DJENNE. essential role in building human values and situating ourselves within a cultural context. The effectiveness of heritage management is compromised because it is separate from planning. The National Heritage Resources Act places responsibility on local authorities to carry out heritage management functions, providing for more holistic and efficient management of our local heritage resources. These requirements include identification and grading and management of the Heritage Inventory and the presentation and promotion of places of heritage significance. The onerous catch net of the 60-year clause in the NHRF, requiring a permit for the alteration or demolition from heritage resources authorities, may be lifted once a 40

41 EO OF HRM WITH HERITAGE SURVEYING STUDENTS IN MCGREGOR. heritage survey has been carried out, and those sites worthy of conservation are placed on the register or declared national or provincial heritage sites. This is a huge incentive to ensure that surveys are carried out. It will meaningfully reduce the number of plans needing heritage scrutiny. Funding received from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), for a SAHRA National Heritage Surveying, Oral History Interviewing and Mapping Programme has been used in the first of a series of programmes to be carried out in all the provinces. The first village in which the Heritage Surveying, Interviewing and Mapping Kit has been used to train and create jobs for communities to play a role in compiling the national inventory of heritage resources in South Africa, was McGregor in the Western Cape. Seven students have been trained to identify, document and record living traditions and environments of heritage importance; produce a Heritage Management Plan and be capable employment by other municipalities for this purpose. Included in this programme is the recording of traditional earth building practices in McGregor. The importance of this work is that once places are identified as having heritage significance, decisions about their protection can be made and a full inventory and heritage register can be generated, which are then available to be consulted by developers, owners, planners, architects, environmental and planning authorities. This enables cooperation between local and provincial planing authorities and the integration of environmental and heritage management into development planning. This NLDTF programme is based on the use of the Heritage Surveying, Interviewing and Mapping Kit for the systematic surveying of South Africa s rich heritage. The Kit provides people with the skills needed to conduct research into our history and environment, and to map the places which contribute to the definition and affirmation of our cultural identity. Any grouping within universities, technikons, municipalities, provincial heritage agencies, community heritage committees, can obtain copies of the Heritage Surveying, Interviewing and Mapping Kit from SAHRA to carry out surveys. NATIONAL HERITAGE SITES BUILT ENVIRONMENT PERMIT COMMITTEE There is a continuous threat to heritage and a committee of members of the Heritage Resources Branch and Provincial offices of SAHRA evaluates Heritage Impact Assessments, Heritage Management Plans, proposals for their destruction, damage, disfigurement, excavation or alteration and conditions for the development of national heritage sites and provides permits for these submissions to SAHRA. In order for us, over time, to bring to light a larger history of South Africa as embodied in places and environments, it is necessary for SAHRA to declare national heritage sites. A committee comprising staff members evaluates proposals submitted to SAHRA for the declaration of national heritage sites, which are of special national significance in terms of criteria set out in our Act. We work closely with provincial heritage agencies, local authorities, planners and community organizations. Some of these sites are of world heritage value and are also declared World Heritage Sites, like the Cradle of Humankind, Robben Island, etc. INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE The advice of the unit is continuously sought by the public and heritage practitioners and agencies throughout South Africa on a range of subjects, such as requirements of the National Heritage Resources Act, conservation and restoration, earthen architecture, Heritage Management Plans and planning. Ongoing appraisal of international and national integrated heritage management processes, current debates and colloquiums on the subject inform our branch. Development of a SAHRA methodology for Integrated Heritage Management is in process. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

42 Grading and Declarations Unit INTRODUCTION Management of the grading and declaration was aligned to the strategic objectives of the South African Heritage Resources Agency for the financial year ; existing operating systems have been improved and updated to ensure maximum efficiency regarding the nomination of National Heritage Sites. All stakeholders have also been made aware of the existence of the Grading and Declarations Unit and the functions that are being performed by the unit. CHALLENGES A number of challenges have been identified during the year under review. The unit needs to correct and update the National Heritage List to ensure accurate information is available to staff and all stakeholders. The list is also used as an effective management tool. Currently external stakeholders are engaged in the process, for example, the South African Local Government Association. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY A list needs to be compiled of sites, which was rejected by the Grading and Declarations Review Committee for nomination. This list will be circulated to all SAHRA Provincial offices, Head Office Units and the Provincial Heritage Authorities. The unit must ensure that sites that have been graded as Grade 1 sites are declared as National Heritage Sites within a certain time period. A time frame guideline needs to be put in place from the initiation of the process of nomination to its conclusion into formal declaration (gazetting) and the assigning of a SAHRA badge/ plaque. A process of streamlining the grading and eventually declaring sites should be implemented that ensures that there is no backlog on the list of identified and graded sites at SAHRA. However this is contingent upon the completion of Conservation GRADING AND DECLARATIONS UNIT POSTER. Management Plans (CMP) for sites that have been identified and graded. This is a particular challenge since there are between 20 and 40 that have been graded but as of yet have not been declared as National Heritage sites. An increased operations budget is also needed to ensure that sites that have been graded get declared as National Heritage Sites, since consultants and service providers have to be employed to do conservation management plans and plaques. It is essential that a projected budget be submitted with the each nomination document, since this will indicate how much a CMP, plaques and interpretive signage will cost. In line with provisional protection, a process for urgent submissions should be available but this should only be used in an event when the heritage resource is threatened. The unit must promote a standard format for nomination dossiers with concise statements of significance 42

43 which encapsulate the essence and significance of a heritage resource. Submissions contain the relevant and significant information and have been completed using the correct format. It is important that consultations with all relevant stakeholders take place from the start of the identification process to actual declaration. Procedure and guidelines must be developed for sites which form part of serial nominations located in different provinces, in consultation with the SAHRA provincial offices, Provincial Heritage Resources Authority and existing local authorities. CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI GRAVESITE. Site Name Grading Unit Grading Committee Council Decision Current Status Recommendation Recommendation 1 O.R. Tambo Serial nomination for 1.1 Grave To grade as Grade I To grade as Grade I Approved 23 September 2006 Grade I 1.2 Birthplace at Nkantolo, To grade as Grade I Approved Grade I Eastern Cape 3 Chief Albert Luthuli Serial nomination Sites (see Figure). Nelson Mandela Sites- Eastern and Western Cape and Gauteng CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI HOUSE. 3.1 Solomon Mahlangu To grade as Grade I To grade as Grade I Approved Grade I Freedom Square 23 September House in Mamelodi To grade as Grade I To grade as Grade I Approved 23 September 2006 Grade I We also need to identify gaps in research, nomination process and heritage legislation. The Grading and Declarations Review Committee may give conditional approval for grading or declaration, but nominations will not be submitted until the committee s requirements have been met. Provision must be made for the acceptance of draft conservation management plans for declaration due to resource and capacity. REVISION OF GRADING AND DECLARATIONS PROCEDURES In order to streamline the revision of grading and declaration procedures, the unit has separated the grading and declarations process and continued to expand the existing list of themes drafted by the national inventory manager to provide for more specific categories and for serial nomination. A new format of draft nominations now incorporates themes and specific categories. The terms of reference for the Grading and Declarations Review Committee have been amended to provide for changes in SAHRA and gaps in the nomination process. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

44 CMP GROUPWORK MAMANGINA DRIVE MOMBASA. CMP MAMANGINA DRIVE MOMBASA. SITESURVEY KHADISTWENE, NORTHWEST. SITE IDENTIFICATION AND NOMINATIONS STRATEGY FOR SAHRA PROVINCIAL STAFF Cross provincial strategy was started by drafting a procedure for serial nomination related to the liberation struggle. The Committee agreed that each liberation site on its own should qualify for National status but as a whole the activities of people, for instance Chief Albert Luthuli, in the different provinces of South Africa would ensure an effective conservation strategy. Identification Sites on the South African tentative list for World Heritage Status were identified. The aim was to ensure National Heritage status prior to World Heritage Status being obtained. A list and information synopsis of identified sites, tentative sites, sites already graded by committee and council, sites submitted for declaration, sites approved for declaration and management plans was updated from a list drawn up by the Head of the Archaeology unit in Assessment An assessment and review of the status quo of all sites on the National Heritage List was done. After careful consultation, the Sarah Bartmann burial site was gazetted in April 2008 as a National Heritage Site. The Deeds office was informed the same month of the gazetting REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Grading and Declarations Review Committee which consist of unit heads and provincial managers made recommendations to SAHRA Council regarding Grade 1 sites and sites that should be declared as national heritage sites. 44

45 SITE INSPECTION CRADLE OF HUMANKIND GAUTENG. ROCK ART RECORDING DRAKENSBERG. KHOI BURIAL GROUND HANKIES NORTHERN CAPE. COOPERATION AND TRAINING In May-June the unit facilitated a DEAT Youth Workshop regarding World Heritage Sites in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the end of August and beginning September 2007, the unit head was a teaching assistant for the 9 th Africa 2009 regional course on immovable heritage, which was held in Mombasa to compile a Conservation Management Plan for Mama Ngina Drive. In November the unit head attended a workshop in Namibia to help the Namibian Heritage Council Establish a national inventory of al Namibian Heritage Resources. In addition, the unit attended a course on rock art recording in the Drakensberg end of November 2007 hosted by the University of Witwatersrand Rock Art Institute and the French Institute in South Africa. The manager of the Grading and Declarations unit represents SAHRA on the Robben Island Museum (RIM) Academic Review Committee, which has been tasked with reviewing the RIM Teaching Programme s curriculum for 2007, while planning the curriculum for The unit did a site survey and recording of Khadistwene in conjunction with SAHRA staff and a heritage practitioner from Zambia. WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS AND MEETINGS The unit did a presentation regarding EIA/HIA/AIA at the Heritage Resources Branch meeting in Bloemfontein, conducted site inspections of the Cradle of Humankind to assess where plaques should be positioned in conjunction with relevant unit head and provincial manager, and the Khoi and Nama gravesite at Hankries, Northern Cape. The unit also attended the National Heritage Council s workshop regarding the establishment of a Heritage Charter in October and a repatriation workshop in early 2008, and a meeting with Nama community regarding Declaration of the Nama Church and did a site survey as well as interviews. SERIAL NOMINATIONS Three new serial nominations for grading were successfully processed by the unit in consultation with the SAHRA Provincial Managers for Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. CONCLUSION The Grading and Declarations Unit continues to identify new heritage resources, while managing and conserving existing heritage resources through the National Heritage List and the processes of consultation and community participation, thus enabling SAHRA to fulfill its obligation towards nation-building as defined in the government imperatives. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

46 Heritage Objects Unit INTRODUCTION Heritage objects that form part of the national estate are managed according to the legislative framework prescribed in the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of Unfortunately, the Heritage Objects Unit (HOU) lacks capacity and resources to effectively manage South Africa s heritage objects. Therefore, HOU was pleased to participate in the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) internship project that resulted in the employment of Mr Phaphama Yekani from November 2007 to November Mr Yekani is an invaluable addition to the two person team in managing the nation s heritage objects. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY REGULATING THE EXPORT OF HERITAGE OBJECTS SAHRA regulates the export of heritage objects, for which we rely on the cooperation of various experts. The NHRA stipulates criteria along which these experts advise us whether an object may be exported or not. This informs the decisions of the Permit Committee. In addition, in terms of the NHRA, Customs officials form an important link in the chain to ensure that protected heritage is not exported without a permit. During the period under review, fifty-six permit applications were processed by HOU. This is the first time that so many permit applications had been received. However, if all the mechanisms were in place, SAHRA would receive a lot more permit applications. In total the unit issued thirty six permits for the permanent export of heritage objects. Loans The Johannesburg Art Gallery, William Humphreys Museum and Museum Africa applied for permits to loan CHIEF FADANA VIEWING PORTRAITS OF CHIEFS. artworks to Spain for an exhibition entitled Local Racism, Global Apartheid from September 2007 to the end of April Artworks by, among others, Gerard Sekoto, Irma Stern, Ernest Cole, William Kentridge, Gerard Bhengu and Gavin Jantjies are currently on loan. The purpose of the exhibition is to focus on immigrants in Europe whose experiences can be likened to apartheid in South Africa prior to Upon request, the loans were extended to 31 August In addition to the above, eleven permits were issued for the temporary export of other heritage objects. Prohibited Export Objects that comply with criteria as set out in the NHRA may be prohibited from being exported. The applicant may, within 30 days after such refusal, request the compulsory purchase of that object. The following artworks were prohibited from being exported during the year under review: Three artworks were prohibited from being permanently exported to the Bonhams auction T.W Bowler watercolour depicting the laying of the foundation of the slipway to the west dockyard by the Governor of the Cape Colony Sir George Grey on 14 July 1859 A chair and chessboard associated with prisoners of war during the Anglo-Boer War Export of Stamps Stamps, by virtue of their size and the fact that they can be exported in large quantities, are not described in the same detail as other objects. In addition, they are fixed to a board and the customs official checks 46

47 HO UNIT WITH MR. C PETER AT IRMA STERN MUSEUM. these when they are loaned and does so when they are returned. However, there is no mechanism of knowing whether a significant stamp may have been left behind. In addition, stamps can easily be hidden in suitcases or form part of hand luggage and thereby be illegally exported. Stamp collectors are often dealers and this poses a conflict of interest when expertise is required to assess stamps. Bonhams Auction of South African Art in London The Bonhams Auction House in London held two successful auctions of South African art and a third auction is scheduled for September The Bonhams representative in SA applied for permits on behalf of owners of artworks in South Africa to export these for sale. The first auction took place in May Seven permit applications were processed and eleven art works were exported. The second auction took place in January Twenty-four permits were processed for this auction and thirty artworks were exported. These auctions proved to be the biggest challenge concerning the regulation of heritage objects, among them: a) Although we processed the permit applications received from Bonhams and have records of these, SAHRA doesn t know whether some owners illegally took artworks out of the country as part of domestic goods for sale at the auction. b) There is no obligation on buyers to declare South African art and therefore, there is no record of what was bought on the auction. c) Not a single South African museum was in a position to bid on significant artworks at the auctions due to their small acquisition budgets and the rand-pound exchange. Even if they did, they would have been subjected to the same costs included in these sales as well as taxes when the artworks were brought to SA. The Bonhams auction, more than any other, has highlighted the lack of funds that museums have to acquire significant artworks and the fact that despite the requirements of the NHRA, South Africa does not have a fund to retain artworks, nor are there tax exemptions for those who buy South African heritage objects. Pre-sale Assessment On a few occasions, auction houses and private individuals requested SAHRA to assess the heritage value of objects intended for sale overseas. In one such instance, the Stephan Welz auction house requested SAHRA to identify and assess Oceanic and African Art objects intended for export. The unit requested assistance from Iziko in this regard, and was able to identify several objects of national heritage values, whose export was therefore prohibited. Neither SAHRA nor a museum had the funds to purchase the object concerned. This matter has been brought to the Minister and DAC s attention. Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape A collection of objects associated with the Mapungubwe landscape was declared and is housed at the University of Pretoria. Gold objects (some specifically declared, others not) are currently being conserved. The University of Pretoria, South African National Parks and SAHRA have started discussions to pave the way for a heritage agreement that will clarify the roles and responsibilities of the three institutions regarding the management of the heritage objects that form part of the Mapungubwe cultural landscape. In the process, other institutions that have objects from the Mapungubwe landscape will also be identified. CHIEF BIDS FOR SIGNIFICANT ARTWORKS Fleur Way-Jones from the Albany Museum informed SAHRA of the sale of portraits depicting King Sandile, Chief Pato, Chief Maqoma and Chief Siyolo as well as Chief Mqhayi at a Stephan Welz auction in Cape Town. The HOU staff, accompanied by the Executive Officer: Heritage Resources, met with the auctioneers to inform them of the significance of these artwork and that these must be handled sensitively. The asking price for the artworks by far outweighed the estimated price. SAHRA did everything in its power to intervene to ensure that Chief Fadana, accompanied by Mr Silinga, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

48 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY who represented the Royal House in the Eastern Cape, could obtain the funds to purchase the artworks. We are pleased that it was made possible for the Royal House to purchase the artworks concerned. SAHRA appreciates the sensitivity with which the Stephen Welz auction house handled the matter. This sale again highlighted the plight of communities, including museums who do not have access to adequate funding to purchase significant heritage objects and who have to rely on the goodwill of individuals and/or institutions. In addition, heritage objects that are significant to communities and museums are a commodity to be competed for on the open market and in most instances, such objects are acquired by those with money for their intrinsic investment value. OBJECTS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS The NHRA does not make provision for the protection of types of objects owned by public institutions even if these may form part of the national estate. There have been instances where unique and significant objects were destroyed. In order to combat this, SAHRA developed guidelines that state institutions may apply when faced with the responsibility of writing off objects that they no longer require. SAHRA is pleased that Parliament and the Public Works Department, as well as Transnet applied the guidelines and consulted SAHRA in the process. MILITARY HERITAGE In South Africa, military history and heritage resources are politically charged and highly emotive because these are steeped in separate development as a result of apartheid. The African Ex-Servicemen s League, SA Cape Corps Regimental Association and SA Legion arose out of these circumstances. However, these organisations have integrated and are cooperating to close the gaps created by apartheid. SA CAPE CORPS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION (SACCRA) HOU held meetings with the SACCRA because it was established that it had documents and photographs in storage dating back to the 1940s. Experts such as Johan Maree (paper conservator), Prof Bill Nasson (military history) and Lesley Hart (archivist), were prepared to assist the organisation in conserving the history and documents that give insight to the formation of this institution. DEACTIVATION OF FIREARMS In terms of the Firearms Control Legislation, SAHRA has to approve the deactivation of firearms. This is a moot point because SAHRA is in principle opposed to deactivation because it affects the heritage value of a firearm. However, the question arises, if SAHRA is not involved in the process, which other organisation should do so? SAHRA does not have the capacity to perform this function and has been fulfilling this role with the aid of SAAACA members such as Stephan Fourie, Carvell Webb and Chris Baragwanath, as well as John Keene from the Military Museum, among others. These experts make their services available free of charge. This function is currently being performed on an ad hoc basis, because SAHRA does not have the capacity to put in place the infrastructure that this function requires. SAHRA has had a number of private owners, policemen and gunsmiths requesting deactivation. Destruction of Firearms Director Botma from the SAPS Firearms Control Unit requested SAHRA to identify and assess firearms of heritage value among those handed in for destruction. Due to lack of capacity, SAHRA performs this function with the aid of experts as mentioned above. FIREARMS INSPECTIONS. The destruction and deactivation of firearms poses several challenges, namely, what should be done with identified firearms of heritage value; what kind of procedure should there be for formal appointment of Heritage Inspectors; and who should draw up a code of conduct for Heritage Inspectors. GUIDELINES During the year under review HOU drafted a procedure to process a permit application; guidelines for the identification of artworks that require a permit; criteria to aid experts on advising the Unit as to whether an object may be exported; and guidelines to aid public institutions faced with scrapping excess objects or those no longer in use that may be of heritage value. MOVABLE HERITAGE OBJECTS Under the previous dispensation, movable objects were declared as national monuments and in some instances these national monuments became specifically de- 48

49 Heritage Railway Association of South Africa (HRASA); a meeting with the curator of the Navy Museum in Simons Town; a presentation on preserving heritage objects: Museum Security in Port St John s; and two meetings (one at SAHRA and another in Claremont) with Giles Graggs and Penny Culverwell from Bonhams to discuss their and our concerns regarding the auction of South African art in London. HOU staff member Azola Mkosana attended the ICOM Conference in Vienna. He was fortunate to have obtained a bursary from ICOM in order to do so. ECG MACHINE. clared heritage objects. Institutions who are the custodians of the monuments have been contacted to establish whether these monuments are movable, in use and who is responsible for their conservation. This information will determine whether these monuments will also become specifically declared heritage objects. TRANSLATION OF BROCHURE With the assistance of colleagues, HOU translated the Heritage Objects Brochure into Xhosa, Sotho, Afrikaans, Zulu and Isiswati. We are very grateful to our colleagues for providing this service free of charge. EXCESS OBJECTS AT THE ADLER MUSEUM OF MEDICINE SAHRA has been informed by the Adler museum of Medicine at the University of Witwatersrand that it was in the process of removing excess objects from its collection for a number of reasons. These included NO CLASS 24 TABLEBAY GLASGOW1948 GREG SMITHEM. severe space limitations, duplication of objects, irreparable damage to objects, objects not appropriate to the museum s core collection and harmful and dangerous items, such as unstable or toxic laboratory chemicals. The manner in which the museum managed the alienation of excess objects and consulted SAHRA in the process of doing so was an example of cooperative governance in managing heritage objects. This is also an example of the kind of exercise that many museums may have to undertake as part of the process of feeding into the national inventory that SAHRA is responsible for. ENGAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS In the last twelve months the unit attended more than a dozen meetings, conferences and workshops, including the ICOM Symposium at Maropeng; A meeting concerning firearms in Pretoria; a meeting with Transnet Heritage Foundation; meetings with the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Heritage Objects Unit expresses sincere appreciation to: members of the public for informing SAHRA of sales, illegal export and neglect of heritage objects that form part of the national estate and hope that they will continue to fulfil this role; customs officials who alert us to illegal export even though the mechanisms are not yet in place for Customs to fulfil this role as intended by the NHRA; Organised Crime, Interpol, Border Police, Director Botma and his team, local policemen who take the time to inform the Unit of concerns they have regarding firearms of heritage value and or other heritage objects; Museum officials, curators, conservators, collection managers, directors, etc; Government departments, particularly the National Department of Public Works and the Western Cape Department of Land Affairs; Historians, conservators; and Lawrence Posniak, Brian Johnson Barker, Marilyn Martin, Rayda Becker, Hayden Proud, and the many other experts without whose input, the Unit would not able to effectively manage our country s heritage objects. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

50 Burial Grounds & Graves Unit SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY TRANSFORMATION The final report on the Collection of Names project, piloted within Gauteng, recommended among others, the implementation of symbolic reparative projects as a follow up with an objective of further creation of public awareness of SAHRA s mandate on Victims of Conflict that fell in the liberation struggle. June 16, 1976: National Names Verification The list of names of the 1976 deaths, circumstances and causes of death had been originally sourced from the apartheid government Cillie Commission and has never been previously verified with affected families for correction of names, additions and confirmations of deaths. The purpose of the project, implemented in partnership with the Hector Pieterson Museum, June 16 Foundation and the Freedom Park Trust, was to conduct a feasibility study for further project rollout based on incidents that fall within different periods of apartheid repression and resistance politics. A list of names as per Cillie Commission was launched on Saturday 16 th June 2007, by SAHRA CEO, Mr Phakamani Buthelezi at the morning session of the official Commemoration held at the Hector Pieterson Museum and published in City Press of the 17 th June Follow up meetings and SAHRA Data Collection forms have been submitted to the Hector Pieterson Museum and the collaborative efforts are ongoing as part of a serial nomination of important sites within the heritage trail. East Rand Zero Hour Incident This youth commemorative project was initiated in Duduza where eight youths were killed in a booby trap hand grenade training incident conducted by an apartheid state agent provocateur (askari) at midnight on 25 June 1985 (the eve of the 30 th commemoration of Kliptown Congress of the People, where the Freedom Charter had been adopted). The project was launched in partnership with the Ekurhuleni Municipality, local council and the KwaTsaduza Heritage Committee set up by the survivors of the incident, and from KwaThema, Tsakane and Duduza. A memorial to the incident and a commemorative plaque were built at the Duduza historical cemetery, depicting the history of the proclamation of the township for resettlement of the forcibly removed community of Charterston. A consensus was reached that names of other victims were to be collected and listed on the Memorial as part of a broader reconciliation initiative within the community. An unveiling was held at Duduza on 26 June, presided by the Mayor of Ekurhuleni Honourable Councilor Duma ka Nkosi. The Kwathema community requested assistance with rehabilitation of four graves of victims of the incident and following various community meetings, an unveiling was held on 23 September. Alexandra Six Days War The twenty six graves of the victims of the Alexandra Six Days War were rehabilitated and a postponement of the unveiling and commemorative event was recommended, pending a verification process of a disputed burial due to a renewal of grave markers that took place subsequent to the burial. Assistance and advice have been sought from the Missing Persons Task Team based within the National Prosecuting Authority. The plenary sessions for the Commemorative event and community consultations have been restarted and an event is planned for February SA VICTIMS OF CONFLICT IN TANZANIA. Ex-Combatants Projects The Gauteng provincial conference of umkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) held a conference to elect new leadership at NASREC in April 2007 and SAHRA had been approached for a donation and to make a presentation on the Repatriation and Memorialisation Policy Initiatives. SAHRA was invited to the exhibition for the Disappeared held on the 31 October 2007 at the Constitution Hill to celebrate the International Day of the Disap- 50

51 that they would be stored at the Cultural History Museum. SAHRA participated in the National Heritage Council s plenary sessions for the Conference on Repatriation of Cultural Objects and Human Remains that culminated in the conference held on 15 March 2008 at the Caesar s Place. Oudtshoorn Memorial In October 2007the community of Oudtshoorn unveiled a Memorial stone in honour of local heroes and heroines who fell during the mid 1980s, following a grant from the National Heritage Resources Fund and a further donation from the Western Cape SAHRA provincial office. A request was made to the Burial Grounds and Graves Unit that further assistance was to be solicited for the identification of graves of executed liberation struggle heroes and possible repatriation from Pretoria for a reburial in Oudtshoorn. MEETING WITH AMBASSADOR MFENYANA IN TANZANIA. peared. The exhibition was opened by Justice Albie Sachs, while families whose relatives disappeared in police custody and in exile donated various artifacts of the deceased for exhibition displays. Subsequently, a workshop on memorialisation and excombatants was convened by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation on 15 November, and a presentation was made by SAHRA on the role the excombatants can assume with the collection of names and identification of graves project, extending to the reconstruction of the liberation struggle heritage trail, and documenting all places of significance associated with routes into exile. The Freedom Park Trust and the National Prosecuting Authority s Missing Persons Task, invited SAHRA for a discussion with families of the Mamelodi 3, abducted and executed by apartheid state agents in the 1980s, whose remains were exhumed. The families had expressed an interest in donating the clothing items and unidentifiable remains for display at the Freedom Park and advice was sought from SAHRA on the ethics of displaying human remains. It was decided Colesberg Massacre and Andrew Mabitja The Northern Cape office received a request from the Azanian People s Organisation for a contribution for a headstone for Andrew Mabitja, a young Black Consciousness Movement leader who was killed in police custody in Consultations were also held with the Colesberg community where four youths were killed by the police during a rent boycott demonstration in The erection of four headstones and an unveiling event was facilitated by the Northern Cape office in March Memorandum of Understanding with the CRL Commission The Commission for the Protection and Promotion of Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communi- ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

52 GRAVE OF NKOSINKULU. SHAKA MEMORIAL - STANGER. SIMONSTOWN KRAMAT-GRAVESITE. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY ties has been inundated with referrals of submissions from the Human Rights Commission and other government agencies. The contents of submissions are requests for arbitration on disputes over denial of access and destruction of ancestral graves of farm tenants and land claimants by current landowners. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed and subsequent inspection trips and referrals of cases for legal advice were jointly undertaken by SAHRA and CRL, some of which are still underway and a consultative workshop with interested parties would be held during the current financial year to deliberate on similar cases and reach a consensus on legislative procedures for amicable settlement and resolution of disputes. CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT The restoration of headstones and other sites is based on conservation principles, seeking to retain the original character of the site and headstones, with particular reference to culturally significant graves of royal family members and pioneer leaders, which is also in line with Section 34 of the National Heritage Resources Act No 25 of Mamone Royal Burial Grounds In May 2007 SAHRA was invited to discussions on the unveiling of Chief Mampuru s headstone whose remains were repatriated from Zambia where he died in 1987 at the age of 82, and reburied at his ancestral home in Mamone Royal burial grounds outside Jane Furse, in Limpopo. SAHRA committed to make a donation through Batho Batho Cultural Organisation, for the restorative work on the royal graveyard in Mamone in preparation for the unveiling which was held on the 3 September

53 ONE OF THE OLDEST GRAVES AT MAKWETENG IDENTIFIED DURING THE CLEANING CAMPAIGN. Graves of JL Dube, SEK Mqhayi and Dr. W. R Rubusana The graves of leading and celebrated sixhosa literary icons, Dr W. Rubusana and SEK Mqhayi located at the King William s Town Municipal Cemetery and Berlin Mission were identified for restorative work. Dr JL Dube s family approached SAHRA for advice and assistance towards the preservation of Dr. Dube s legacy as a pioneer educator, journalist and author through the conservation of his headstone. GLOBAL INITIATIVES Tanzania In August 2007 SAHRA joined an initial delegation of the Freedom Park Trust to Tanzania for the briefing of the High Commissioner s office on the rehabilitation of gravesites of South African exiles in Tanzania and a proposed Cleansing and Healing Ceremony. Inspections and courtesy calls were made to the Kinondoni Cemetery where most of graves of fallen combatants of the Pan Africanist Congress are located, as well as to the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College and Dakawa, both associated with the African National Congress, located in Morogoro district. In September 2007 conservation work was carried out in Kinondoni Cemetery, Dar es Salaam and the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College. However, it proved impossible to find granite markers in Tanzania within a short space of time. The assistance of Colonel RK Jele, Defense Advisor to the South African Mission, was enlisted for conducting an inspection of gravesites and the compilation of a report identifying conservation needs and their cost. Granite markers were subsequently procured from South Africa and shipped to Tanzania as standard markers for all South African graves. Botswana, Mozambique and Uganda SAHRA was requested to participate in discussions for a drafting of a DAC coordinated bilateral agreement with the Republic of Mozambique based on observations of sites visited in July The Freedom Park Trust also coordinated discussions requested by the Public Works Department regarding assistance with the rescue of four South African graves located in Kampala, which are currently under threat from agricultural development expansion. The South African High Commission in Botswana, in partnership with the Northwest provincial government, has initiated a Gateway Project aimed at memorialising sites associated with the liberation struggle in Botswana. Discussions are ongoing regarding the conservation of graves and erection of memorial markers at specific sites. CAPITAL PROJECTS Alexandra 99, Colesburg 27, Grahamstown (Lobengula) 29, Andrew Mabitja 9, Mamone Royal Graveyard 42, Queen Nandi 112, Duduza 76, KwaThema 42, Vilakazi 99, June 16 91, MKVA Conference 25, Policy Development 24, Rescue of Human Remains 5, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following organisaitons and bodies for their support and cooperation: South African High Commission-Tanzania Sokoine Agricultural University- Tanzania Dar es Salaam- Kinondoni Cemetery Missing Persons Task Team- National Prosecuting Authority Batho Batho Cultural Organisation APLA Military Veterans Association DoD Military Veterans Administration Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation Commission for Cultural, Linguistic and Religious Communities Mamone Mampuru Royal Family ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

54 HERITAGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: PROVINCIAL OFFICES SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Northern Cape North West Western Cape 54

55 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

56 INTRODUCTION The Eastern Cape Provincial SAHRA office carried out a number of activities during the year under review, one of the major ones being the declaration of the Sarah Bartmann site. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY DECLARATION OF SARAH BARTMANN The South African Heritage Resources Agency in the Eastern Cape hosted four public participation workshops with the community members in Hankey and government organs. The public participation meetings were held in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture. At these public meetings, community involvement was solicited for the co-management of the Sarah Bartmann Heritage Site, working with communities and collaborating with municipalities in the preservation and declaration of the burial place of Sarah Bartmann. As the majority of the residents in the surrounding communities were unemployed, they expected jobs to be created for them with immediate effects. The aim of public participation meetings was to: 1. Involve local communities in the management of Sarah Bartmann heritage sites; 2. Amplify the voices of indigenous communities in the preservation of Sarah Bartmann s legacy and memory; 3. Create collaboration and partnerships with immediate communities, including municipalities, (Kouga and Cacadu District Municipalities); 4. Include National Heritage Sites in the Integrated Development Plans of municipalities; and 5. Make sure that the rights and responsibilities of communities are respected in the declaration and development of the burial space. The burial place of Sarah Bartmann has been declared a National Heritage Site and has been gazetted in the HERITAGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP. Government Gazette. The story of Sarah Bartmann has touched many societies and communities across the world. The grading and declaration unit in co-operation with SAHRA EC managed to declare the Sarah Bartmann burial place as the National Heritage Site. Recognising the burial place as national heritage site will celebrate the triumph of human spirit over colonialism. The site will continue to be part of the human rights cause, celebrate the women in struggle in South Africa and amplify their voices. HERITAGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS Heritage Resources Management workshops were held with government departments, local municipalities and traditional leaders. The traditional leaders workshop was held in Port St John s, organised by the OR Tambo District Municipality and Department of Sports LOBENGULA OPENING. Recreation Arts and Culture (DSRAC). SAHRA facilitated the workshop and provided legal framework on preservation of rural heritage. As the heritage resources impact on rural communities, local heritage forums are established in order to manage heritage locally. These workshops were also part of an educational drive and provided information about the work done by SAHRA in the province. These workshops, which form part of outreach programmes, create expectations of smooth heritage management. As a result of these workshops communities become confident about their heritage resources; some municipalities create local heritage units and budgets to manage heritage; and local heritage forums begin to play an integral part in the preservation of heritage resources and act as heritage law enforcers. Finally, the workshops create opportunities for heritage management at the municipal level through traditional leadership. The central tenet of the work- 56

57 of heritage management and the conservation of all its aspects. LOBENGULA BURIAL PLACE RESTORATION. PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY EVENT. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP SAHRA EC conducted a workshop with developers, DEDEA and DME in order to establish sound relations with these stakeholders. This workshop was held in Bisho in order to introduce the significance of Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA). As a result of the workshop, developers and government departments are considering the HIA whenever there is insensitive development. Each development that takes place is subject to HIA if it is likely to affect heritage resources. The workshop with stakeholders on HIA resulted in improved cooperation within state organs and an increase in communication channels. shops is to find innovative strategies and cooperation at the local level on managing heritage resources. Workshops promoting awareness and clarifying the legal imperatives of heritage management were also conducted with the following municipalities: a Sunday River b Chris Hani c Mhlontlo d Kouga e OR Tambo The aim of the workshops was to: 1. Educate the municipalities about the National Heritage Resources Act (No.25 of 1999), their responsibilities and legal expectations; 2. Manage heritage resources locally; 3. Involve local communities and municipalities in heritage management; 4. Collaborate and partner with local municipalities on heritage management; and 5. Foster the culture of managing heritage locally. In most cases municipalities are keen to manage heritage resources locally. However, local authorities face a number of challenges, such as lack of human resources to manage heritage resources at the local level; limited capacity of staff; lack of expertise at local level; inclusion of heritage into local municipalities (IDP s) Integrated Development Plans and creation and establishment of local heritage surveys and databases. This adversely affects municipalities in their auditing of historic assets as prescribed by Municipal Finance Management Act and Municipal Structures Act. These challenges can only be addressed by empowering municipalities and creating budgets for them. The momentum and strong links with local municipalities need to be strengthened for the benefit MEETINGS WITH CHIEF MANDLA MANDELA Numerous meetings were held by SAHRA and other institutions with Chief Mandla Sizwe Zwelivelile Mandela regarding the preservation Mvezo Site ruins, the birthplace of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This came after the Chief presented plans for a large scale development programme of the site, radically changing the character of the site and its rural setting. With the destruction of the ruins likely to be permanent, the Nelson Mandela Museum informed the relevant heritage institution of a need for action. Subsequently, several meetings were held in order to: Open communication lines between heritage institutions and Chieftaincy. Assess the needs of the Mvezo Community. Coordinate the development with heritage management. Advise and educate the Chief on heritage issues. Find collective solutions in the imminent reconstruction of the site. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

58 Unfortunately development plans were never shared with SAHRA despite the promises given during several meetings with stakeholders. Soon after the meetings, development started without resolutions of the meetings being implemented. In the light of that, SAHRA went on a site visit, took photographs and met with Chief Mandla. During the site visit SAHRA came to the conclusion that the site has been indeed radically changed and that the Chief was determined to continue the development. The development in the site without a relevant permit is unfortunate because it is identified as a Grade 1 site. Negotiations are still continuing with an aim of finding an amicable solution. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTER-GOVERNMENT RELATIONS The National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has been funding heritage related projects in the Eastern Cape. As a result of SAHRA s strategic position, SAHRA EC has been serving in the advisory committees of the following projects: Bulhoek Massacre Mvezo Egazani These projects aim to preserve the memories of indigenous communities through heritage management. All the sites are identified as Grade 1 sites with imminent declaration. Finally, SAHRA EC assisted the Makana Municipality with fundraising and the development of heritage concepts for the Egazini project. HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS SAHRA EC is normally involved in the heritage day celebration in the Eastern Cape. Every community is asked to participate in different ways, including cultural activities and indigenous poetry. The role of SAHRA is to exhibit and display the work it performs in the province; create pamphlets and booklets for educational purposes; inform communities about heritage management. PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY EVENT. FAR RIGHT: SHELL OPENING FESTIVAL. OR TAMBO BOOK LAUNCH SAHRA EC in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has launched the OR Tambo book written by Dr. Sendi Baai. The book launch was held in Port Elizabeth, Red Location Museum and attended by community members and dignitaries. Conservation of memories of OR Tambo in terms of book launches is critical in the heritage management as these activities contribute directly to the preservation of OR Tambo legacy and memory. SHELL FESTIVAL Shell Festival is an initiative of Kouga municipality in Jeffery s Bay. This festival is about showcasing the cultural activities of Kouga municipality. SAHRA was for the first time invited to the Shell Festival to showcase the work it does in the Eastern Cape, in particular with regard to conservation of Sarah Bartmann s burial place. Shell Festival opened an opportunity for SAHRA to market and rebrand the cultural heritage of Kouga. This partnership is contributing to heritage management within Kouga municipality. MALOTI DRAKENSBURG TRANSFRONTIER PROJECT The cultural strategy and plan for Lesotho cut across three provinces: Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwa- Zulu Natal. This project (MDTP) is funded by the World Bank, and SAHRA is a key strategic partner in its implementations. The role of SAHRA in the project is to advise the Lesotho government on heritage issues; participate in the review and amendment of Lesotho Heritage Legislation; and be involved in the public participation and workshops about the legislation. MDTP and SAHRA collaborated in order to develop the Lesotho cultural strategy. Because of generally poor standards of cultural heritage management in Lesotho SAHRA s involvement was necessary to consolidate it. 58

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60 S.E.K MQHAYI AND DR. W B RUBUSANA PROJECT The objective of the project is to restore and affirm the memory of Dr. W.B. Rubusana and S.E.K. Mqhayi in the Eastern Cape. The process of restoration is about to start as the public participation with families has been completed. The process of forming partnerships with relevant stakeholders is underway. Although this project is not without its challenges we hope to overcome them in time. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SAHRA EC office has been involved in preparatory meetings and the Provincial Heritage Workshop with the Department of Education. The workshop aimed to inform subject advisors and educators on issues of heritage in the wake of the introduction of the New Curriculum Statement (NCS). Most of the declared and identified sites are included in the NCS. This is an ongoing relationship with the Department and it is viewed as instrumental in building corporate governance and production of knowledge for learners and educators. MILITARY MUSEUM SAHRA is involved in the concept of a Military Museum. This project started in 2004 by MK veterans whose dream was to preserve their experiences in exile for the present and future generations. The museum is to showcase a replica of their daily routine in exile. Several steps are to be undertaken until completion of the project, such as the research on the viability on this kind of institution. This research has started and various institutions across the country have been visited by the local organising committee. Another step will entail a buy-in from other relevant state organs and the political sector in the country and the rest of the ISINUKA, HEALING WATERS. continent. The repatriation process of the veterans belongings left behind in exile is to be undertaken, as they are viewed as part of the national estate due to their historical significance within a broader framework of a National Resolution Unit (unit dealing with heritage objects). It is also important to form strategic partnerships that will ensure the sustainability of this project. MGALI CULTURAL VILLAGE POLICY DEVELOPMENT The South African Heritage Resources Agency and the Amatole District Municipality are spearheading the development of a policy for the Mgwali Cultural Village. The project is at inception stage and several plenary sessions were held thus far. PLENARY MEETING ON THE FORMATION OF A JOINT PROVINCIAL FORUM This programme is spearheaded by the provincial Safety and Security Department and its goal is to prevent the theft of heritage objects in the province. A joint provincial steering committee is proposed to deal with such criminal activities. The process of setting up such a committee is still underway. SAHRA was invited to make a presentation on illicit trafficking of heritage objects at the Provincial SAMA Conference in Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape office was accompanied by the Unit on Heritage Objects to this conference. SAHRA s participation in the conference was viewed as extremely important, given the level of theft of heritage objects in the province. 60

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62 FREE STATE OFFICE STAFF TRAINING YOUTH TO SUPERVISE THE MACUFE EXHIBITION STALL. HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION IN QWAQWA. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION The Free State provincial office of SAHRA was engaged in a number of activities during the financial year under review in line with the organisation s strategic objectives. IDENTIFICATION AND FORMAL PROTECTION OF HERITAGE SITES Potential Heritage Sites Three potential Grade I sites have been identified, namely: Mooderpoort (Natural and Cultural mix site), President Brand Conservation Street (Built environment) and Florisbad (Palaeontological site). The Mooderpoort submission was tabled in 2007 and the grading review committee suggested that more information was required. President Brand street nomination will be tabled before the grading committee in Florisbad is provisionally protected and together with the National Museum SAHRA is drafting the relevant document. All legal requirements for the declaration of the Vredefort Dome as the National Heritage site have been completed. The site is expected to be finally declared before the end of Challenges and Successes The main challenge the Free State office has been facing is with regard to the declaration of the Vredefort Dome as a National Heritage Site. All legislative requirements in terms of Section 27 have been completely fulfilled, and the office has engaged all relevant stakeholders through workshops and discussion forums. Furthermore, both print and electronic media were used to ensure that all property owners were contacted and invited to attend these sessions. In spite of these and other efforts there seem to be a number of property owners who still object to the declaration of the site. But irrespective of these unexpected objections by property owners against the declaration of the Vredefort Dome as National Heritage Site, the Free State office continues to engage with all the affected parties in order to listen to their concerns so that an amicable solution can be reached OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Public Awareness Public awareness remains the core project for the Free State office, with HIV/AIDS awareness presentations also forming part of these public awareness initiatives. The first youth heritage awareness workshop was held on 16 August 2007 in Bethulie, while the second one was held on 24 August 2007 with the MUCPP youth, Bloemfontein. The third and the last youth heritage awareness workshop was held in Tumahole, Parys on 22 November All these workshops were divided 62

63 TABLE 1: STATUS OF IDENTIFIED SITES TABLE 2: FORMAL PROTECTION AT NATIONAL LEVEL Name of landscape, valley/site Grading Committee Council Review Current Status Name Protection & Decision St. Augustine Anglican Mission Station Florisbad Palaeontological site President Brand Conservation Street Recommendations Not graded because of nonexistence of criteria dealing with mission stations A document is to be drafted for grading A document is to be drafted for grading Not yet tabled before the council Not yet tabled before the council Not yet tabled before the council Only Rock Art site declared National Monument Formerly declared National Monument Only identified as potential Grade 1 site 1 2 Vredefort Dome Florisbad Palaeontological site To be declared a National Heritage Site and Gazetted (2008) The site is protected and it is a potential Grade I site. Needs further investigations to acquire National Heritage Site status into three sessions, namely: presentation, group discussions and heritage site excursion. The ultimate objective of these workshops was to make youth aware of the importance and value of heritage and also to identify the role of the community in the conservation of heritage resources. On 15 September 2007 SAHRA Free State and Heritage Free State organised a heritage Indaba that was attended by 300 people. On 20 September 2007 a heritage awareness presentation was given at Comtech Comprehensive School in Bloemfontein and on 21 September 2007 a similar presentation was given at Intuthuko Secondary School in Vrede. From 28 September until 7 October 2007 SAHRA held a heritage exhibition at Macufe. Heritage Management The Free State office managed to establish a strong working relationship with the FS Department of Tourism, Environment and Economic Affairs, as a result of which the.department funded a media awareness campaign about the declaration of the Vredefort Dome as a National Heritage Site. On 20 September 2007 the provincial staff had a meeting with the Department of Public Works officials to discuss the demolition of Elrich House which was planned for 26 September The house was built in the late 1800s and the Department wanted to demolish it without a permit. As this falls within the competency of the PHRA whose activities have been suspended, the office had to intervene to safeguard the building. Furthermore, a press statement was released regarding legal requirements pertaining to buildings which are more than 60 years old. On November 2007 the Free State SAHRA office hosted other provincial officers in Bloemfontein for an annual heritage resources workshop. Site inspections also played an important role in heritage management in the province with a number of sites located in different districts being visited and inspected. The Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for developments were received and commented on. The office has also established a good working relationship with the Free State Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and with Heritage Free State. The office also MUCPP YOUTH AWARENESS WORKSHOP. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

64 continues to be invited to workshops organised by other relevant stakeholders such as PanSAlb, Free State House of Traditional Leaders, National Museum and DTEEA. GLOBAL INITIATIVES On November 2007 SAHRA Free State officials visited Lesotho for a plenary session to develop the Lesotho National Heritage Strategy. On November 2007, SAHRA was visited again to Lesotho to assist the Ministry of Culture and Environmental Affairs in facilitating a stakeholder consultative meeting. LEFT: NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION IN BOTSHABELO. TOP: YOUTH AWARENESS EXCURSION TO FLORISBAD PALAEONTOLOGICAL SITE. BOTTOM: DELEGATES ATTENDING HERITAGE INDABA. The CEO of SAHRA held discussions with Lesotho National University representatives (Department of Historical Studies) and the Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Culture and Environmental Affairs on 15 February 2008 to formalise SAHRA s working relationship with our Lesotho counterparts. CONCLUSION The SAHRA Free State provincial office has successfully managed to attain its annual objectives. All the success of the office can be attributed to the commitment and hard work by the SAHRA Provincial office staff. The strong relationship the office has with other stakeholders such as Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the provincial Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs, and Heritage Free State has also helped us to attain our objectives. 64

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66 DRILL HALL. PRESS CLUB CONFERENCE. SITE VISIT STERKFONTEIN. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION During the year under review the Gauteng Provincial office was engaged in its annual programmes, which included different projects, as well as the monthly publication of HIAs & EIAs. IDENTIFICATION, NOMINATION AND DECLARATION OF NATIONAL SITES The office aimed to co-ordinate the nomination and declaration of the following identified sites: Solomon Mahlangu (which was declared successfully), Nelson Mandela family house (the nomination form was completed, however the project has been broadened into a serial nomination incorporating other sites associated with President Mandela), Hector Pierterson memorial (which was graded, given Grade 1 significance and will be tabled before the Council for declaration), and the Voortrekker Monument. After the grading committee meeting it was felt that the nomination should be redrafted to reflect the role played by other races. Work is ongoing with respect to the compilation of submissions for national heritage site status for the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication/Freedom Square, Kliptown, Soweto (where the Congress of the People was held in 1955) and the Constitution Hill site (where the Old Fort, Women s Gaol and Section 4 and 5 prisons held both political prisoners, pass offenders and criminals). Unfortunately, due to the increasing workload involved with the responsibilities of undertaking work on behalf of the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority: Gauteng, it was not possible to finalise any of the above submissions for presentation to the SAHRA Council. Heritage Awareness The Gauteng office undertook this project in partnership with the BGG Unit where they selected schools around Gauteng in Soweto, Sebokeng, Kliptown, Atteridgeville and Mamelodi. They made presentations in classrooms about SAHRA and its mandate as an organisation and the learners were taught about all the units and what they do respectively. Debates, essay writing and site visits took place and the learners were involved in identifying tentative heritage sites/resources in and around their areas. Heritage Tourism The office tried to organise workshops with local authorities in Nokeng tsa Taemane (Cullinan), but encountered challenges, because the authorities tend not to pay attention to issues of heritage as they do not even have heritage units or personnel who are responsible for heritage related matters. But through interactions most of the previously neglected local authorities have started employing people responsible for heritage matters. However, there is still a need to have focussed workshops with these local authorities. As part of the heritage awareness programme in schools we had a competition, with the winning groups 66

67 OLD NATIVE RECEPTION DEPOT. TSWAING METEORITE CRATER. FAR RIGHT: CHRIS HANI MEMORIAL. from each school going to the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site to make presentations on heritage routes that they had mapped out in their local areas. The head office in Gauteng and BGG should be commended for the support they gave. AUTHORITIES MEETINGS Provincial Heritage Resources Authority: Gauteng The office attended the meetings of the PHRA:G Council once a month and other meetings regarding specific issues with the aim of increasing the interaction and consultation between the SAHRA Gauteng Office and the PHRA:G. In addition, the PHRA:G staff members have been encouraged to attend meetings of the SAHRA Gauteng BEL Committee regarding the matters currently being handled on the behalf of the PHRA:G under the Agency agreement with SAHRA. Local Authorities This office also participated in several workshops associated with the Inner City Summit held by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Council, which had the aim of producing an Inner City Charter. The issues under discussion included the development and management of heritage buildings and open spaces in the inner city. DEVELOPMENT OF HRM POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS A meeting was arranged between the SAHRA Legal Officer and the PHRA:G Legal Officer regarding the policy and procedure to follow in cases where an appeal is lodged against a decision of the SAHRA Gauteng Built Environment and Landscapes Committee made in terms of the Agency Agreement between SAHRA and the PHRA:G (e.g. section 38). Officials from both the SAHRA Gauteng and the PHRA:G offices were also in attendance. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

68 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF HERITAGE RESOURCES Site Inspections and negotiations with developers and other stakeholders The office participated, together with the Archaeology Unit, in two Monitoring and Evaluation Inspections of the fossil sites at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and also participated in the negotiations with landowners around the revision of management plans and heritage agreements for the fossil sites. Issuing of permits and reviews of HIAs/EIAs Through the monthly meetings of the SAHRA Gauteng Built Environment and Landscapes Committee, applications for permits for several identified Grade 1 sites were processed as well as comments issued on HIAs/ EIAs. The office was also in constant consultation with the Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorite Unit regarding reviews of HIAs where archaeological sites or materials were identified. Some of the sites involved were the Union Buildings, Freedom Square/WSSD and Constitution Hill. Other major projects included the ongoing HIA information associated with the Gautrain; the HIA for the Strategic Public Transport Network/ Bus Rapid Transit System, Johannesburg; etc. The applications for permits and reviews of HIAs/AIAs formed the majority of the work undertaken by this office. Gauteng Province receives a large number of LEFT: SOLOMON MAHLANGU MEMORIAL. notifications of developments that fall within the criteria of section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act and therefore require HIAs/AIAs to be undertaken. DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS Stakeholder Involvement A workshop was held in October with the Johannesburg Development Agency and various stakeholders regarding the drafting of heritage guidelines for development in the Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg. The SAHRA Council provisionally protected it in CONCLUSION The office responded to many enquiries from the general public, developers and other stakeholders in the heritage sector on a daily basis. With regard to awareness and education of all the stakeholders, we have had meetings with provincial and local authorities in order to inform them about the management of heritage resources in general and also to establish good working relationship, especially with regards to responding to development notifications. The office also had the opportunity of educating the general public when it was invited to television shows to talk about heritage in general. However, we still have a huge task on our hands with regards to the promotion of heritage in previously neglected communities. 68

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70 GHANDI HOUSE. emakhosini VALLEY PLACE OF THE KINGS. HISTORICAL ZULU HOME. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION The KZN SAHRA office continued to engage in a number of projects during the year under review, namely global initiatives, conservation enhancement, transformation, natural, cultural integration and heritage tourism. Global Initiatives Several Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Project (MDTP) meetings were held between KZN, Eastern Cape and Free State SAHRA provincial offices, Amafa Heritage and the MDTP office in Howick. These SAHRA provinces, the Executive Officer of HRM, the Living Heritage Unit and the co-ordinator s office started working with the Lesotho Government in trying to formulate a policy document that will help Lesotho with the management, preservation and conservation of its heritage. The KZN office joined the SAHRA Eastern Cape for the King Lobengula s project which started in Grahamstown (the Eastern Cape) and ended in Kwa- Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) where King Lobengula was commemorated. The Mandela serial nomination meeting was held at the Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape, and attended by the Mandela Museum, SAHRA Gauteng, BGG, SAHRA Eastern Cape, Head Office, the Coordinator s office and the SAHRA KZN offices. Inkosi Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli s nomination was completed by the Grading and Declarations Unit, the Living Heritage Unit, the Coordinator and the KZN office. The Dr BW Vilakazi Memorial was created by the BGG Unit in collaboration with KZN SAHRA office. The opening function organised by the KZN office in collaboration with the BGG Unit, the Usiba Writers Guild and PanSALB was held at Mariannhill. Some meetings with Dr Vilakazi s family were held prior to the establishment and opening of the memorial. Dr B W Vilakazi was a pioneer of isizulu literature. The 3 rd Annual HIV/AIDS Conference held in Durban was attended. The inclusion and recognition of traditional healers was highlighted as one of the possible solutions to this pandemic. Circumcision was considered a very safe measure in HIV/AIDS therapy. The International Traditional Leaders Conference held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC was also attended by the KZN office. The KZN office started working on the Lubombo Border Cave which is earmarked as a potential World Heritage Site. Research on this site is still continuing. Conservation Enhancement Five different sites were visited by the KZN office, the Public Relations Office and Dukari. The purpose of the visits was to identify such sites for conservation purposes. The KZN office started working with the SAHRA Mpumalanga office on the entombe Battlefield site 70

71 BORDER CAVES. ISANDLWANA BATTLEFIELD. REPRESENTATION OF KING CETSHWAYO'S NECKLACE. with the aim of preserving and conserving the site. Queen Nandi and Queen Thomo s Graves Projects were started together with the BGG unit. Queen Thomo Project involves his Majesty, King Zwelithini, as she was the king s mother, and it also requires the cooperation of a number of departments since there is a need for the exhumation of the body. The KZN office, together with Head Office, visited O Neill s and the Blarney Cottages respectively. The purpose was to secure some means of preserving the two sites as the organisation realises their importance in the history of the country. Together with AMAFA Heritage representative the office visited the Sibudu Cave. The office visited Nobhiyana Madondo s grave to verify its state. Nobhiyana is famous for being the only sangoma who told the truth during King Shaka s Ingomboco where the king summoned all the sangomas under his jurisdiction to ascertain if their services were based on truth. In addition, several sites like the Ngodini Caves were visited for research purposes. The Ghandi Settlement which is associated with Mahatma Ghandi was also visited. The Ghandi Settlement is situated on the Inanda Heritage Route, which includes Dr J L Dube, Isaiah Shembe, Prixley KaSeme, Ohlange Institute, Inanda Seminary and Inanda Dam. Dr J L Dube s home was also visited and it became apparent during meetings with the family that it needed major renovations. Transformation The Traditional Leaders meeting held at the Didima Conference Center in the Drakensberg Mountains was very fruitful. A lot of information was shared between KZN Wildlife, museums, the SAHRA office and Amakhosi. Some schools under Uthungulu, ethekwini and Umgungundlovu Districts were visited for awareness, motivation and supply of materials for research projects. The Head Office, together with the KZN SAHRA, office also visited St. Francis College, Ohlange High School, Inanda Seminary and Adam s College as these schools are old missionary schools that need to be restored under Bishop Ndungane s project. Natural, Cultural Integration and Heritage Tourism The KZN office organised a heritage conference that was attended by a variety of stakeholders. The theme of the conference was Heritage; our past, a foundation for the future. Eighteen presenters shared the platform at a two days conference. Cultural Heritage ceremonies organised by His Majesty the King (isilo samabandla), were attended. The office also attended the opening ceremony of the Centre for isizulu Language Research and Develop- ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

72 ment at the University of Zululand, and an IsiZulu Language Indaba organised by the same centre that was held at SABC offices in Durban. Additionally, the office attended several stakeholders meetings organised by the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism. These meetings culminated in a Book Exhibition that took place in Durban. And lastly, sites like Ntunjambili and engodini Cave were visited for research purposes on the rich oral history associated with such places. CONCLUSION The KZN SAHRA office has had a successful year, during which it was able to continue its work on existing projects and to establish good relationships with all those who are interested in the preservation of our country s heritage. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY THE KOP. 72

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74 LEFT: KGOSHIIKGOLO SEKHUKHUNE. ABOVE: SEKHUKHUNE LAND BATTLEFIELD. MALEBOHO DISTRICT. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION In the year 2007/2008 SAHRA Limpopo managed to achieve most of its strategic objectives as set in its annual programme. However, the execution of SAHRA s core business was not without challenges, the main one being to lack of funds to continue the development of the Makapan World Heritage Site. Some of the programmes were in partnerships with other conservation bodies, such as the Limpopo Heritage Resources Agency, the Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Sites. While SAHRA s core function focuses on conserving heritage resources, its programmes were executed in a way that contributes to the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy. Sites that have been identified, graded and are still in the process of declaration are Lake Fundudzi and Thulamela. The provincial Murula Festival is one of the heritage events launched in cooperation with other interested parties. Preservation of indigenous knowledge related to this national tree is being used so as to draw attention to tourism in the province. The challenges that SAHRA encounters are related to development priorities and strategies, which were discussed at the Limpopo Heritage Indaba held in August PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES Public Awareness, Outreach and Education The Limpopo heritage landscape faces challenges regarding heritage conservation on a daily basis. These range from development, lack of knowledge from communities regarding policies, heritage management systems and minimal public participation in heritage management. 74

75 LAKE FUNDUDZI. DZATA MUSEUM. THULAMELA PLACE OF BIRTH. In response to this, SAHRA, in partnership with LIHRA (Limpopo Heritage Resources Agency) hosted the Provincial Heritage Indaba. Issues and challenges ranging from traditional leadership and heritage resources management were addressed. Local municipalities, traditional leaders, developers and conservation bodies took part in the Indaba. To ensure that there is continuity, SAHRA committed itself to the goal that the resolutions be implemented the following year Outreach and education focused on educating students about heritage resources in danger. SAHRA staff identified some of the San rock art sites in danger at Tshiungane and Dambale. Local students were identified as the main culprits writing graffiti on rock art. SAHRA took advantage of the provision made in the education curriculum (Arts and Culture subject) and introduced learners to heritage sites in their vicinity. HERITAGE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Makapans World Heritage Site The development of tourism infrastructure at the Makapans Valley World Heritage Site has been on hold since the funds from the first donation from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund have been used, and we are currently seeking more funding at the request of all the stakeholders. SAHRA has been informed of the contribution by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism for the Makapans Valley project. The contribution by the Mogalakwena Municipality is also worth acknowledging, especially for its efforts in securing funds from the European Union for the project. SAHRA has succeeded in bringing together a formidable team of stakeholders that eventually led to the appointment of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism as the management authority for the Makapans Valley World Heritage Site. Mapungubwe World Heritage Site Finally, the human remains of the people of Mapungubwe were laid to rest back at Mapungubwe. SAHRA played a pivotal role in guiding the process so that it was done in a way that respected and highlighted our heritage. SAHRA is still a member of the Mapungubwe park forum. We have attended park forum meetings where we embarked on the process of drafting the park transformation charter. We also took part in the annual national park celebration week where we made presentations on the state of heritage conservation in South Africa. The event was attended by international students from Zimbabwe, Botswana and some from local high schools. We also assisted in the co-ordination of SAHRA annual Heritage Resources Management workshop that was held in Mapungubwe. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

76 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Heritage Impact Assessment The HIA component has always been a tool through which SAHRA prevents development from destroying local heritage. SAHRA Limpopo wishes to thank the Department of Minerals and Energy through their EIA section, municipalities, and the Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism (EIA Unit), who participated effectively in the heritage management processes. The HIA Advisory Committee received and assessed 322 Heritage Impact Reports. Throughout the year the committee reviewed and monitored the scoping reports from developers. This committee then became the grading committee for the Limpopo Heritage Resources Authority, which is another area of co-operative conservation efforts SAHRA is exerting in the province. Identification & Declaration of a National Heritage Site The sacred Lake Fundudzi, whose significance relies on the lake epitomising African spirituality, was identified as an important site and the desirability of giving the lake Grade I status was assessed. The review committee was satisfied with the statement of significance. To complete the process the provincial office is waiting for the new council to make the final decision. Limpopo Murula Festival More than half a century ago the Marula tree was declared a nationally protected species and recently the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism reaffirmed its stance against the felling of Marula trees, deeming it illegal. The tree has been deeply woven into the lives of African people and archaeologists date its existence back 1000 years. Its multi- cultural significance is very important because amongst the Vatsonga the fruits are used for the U kuluma ceremony to officially launch the harvest season. It is the announcement of the beginning of the Festival of the First Fruit. Rituals are conducted by pouring murula brew on grave sites and altars. It is highly regarded for its aphrodisiac properties. Nuts are used by the Bapedi for birth control and the powdered bark to regulate the sex of a child. The Vhavenda use the preservative qualities of its oil for preparing meat, while the voortrekkers used the bark to dye their sunbonnets and the Batlokwa of Botswana used is as a calendar marker - Murule is the name for December. Because of its significance, a partnership with various state organs was established, which resulted in the concept of the Murula Festival. It has been envisaged that through this festival and the Mukumbi industry, the socio economic status of many will be affected through job creation and cultural heritage tourism. To SAHRA, though this national tree is not a site, it is both a cultural and natural heritage. It is a resource with cultural significance worthy of conserving not through conservation management plans but by sensitising people to the economic value they can derive from its cultural significance. This is a resource that everyone can identify with. This is a partnership between the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, SAHRA, LIMDEV, LIBSA, Limpopo Tourism and the Parks Board. SUPPORT AND TRAINING FOR LIHRA One of the key responsibilities of SAHRA in the provinces is to support and train Provincial Heritage Authorities. In Limpopo the interaction and cooperative conservation between SAHRA and LIHRA is tangible. Despite the Heritage agreement of sections 34 to 38 in the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, one of the achievements resulting from this cooperation is the declaration of four sites as provincial heritage, namely Dzata, Tjate, Baleni, and Makgabeng. SAHRA and LIHRA work closely with each other in resolving problems related to rescuing heritage from destruction. KGOSI MALEBOGO 76

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78 INTRODUCTION The year under review was a challenging one for the SAHRA Mpumalanga office because we experienced severe problems related to the inadequate provision and theft of electronic equipment and office furniture. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Nevertheless we managed to carry out SAHRA s mandate to identify areas that need to be conserved, managed and protected according to the National Heritage Resources Act. The office coordinated the management of the national estate and advised, assisted and provided professional expertise to the authorities responsible for the management of the national estate at the provincial and local level. We also promoted and encouraged public understanding and enjoyment of the national estate, public interest and involvement in the identification, assessment, recording and management of heritage resources management. INTERNAL MEETINGS The Provincial Manager, as well as other staff at the Mpumalanga office held a number of meetings during the year, including the July 2007 meeting with the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, and the November 2007 joint meeting with the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, the Mpumalanga Provincial Heritage Resources Authority and Prof Peter Delius (from the University of Witwatersrand) aimed at identifying sites that form part of the Premier s Greening Mpumalanga tourism flagship project. Additionally on 19 March SAHRA Mpumalanga office, SAHRA KZN office, the provincial coordinator, executive officer, and the BGG cultural officer held a meeting at the Mpumalanga office to discuss the serial nomination, protection and restoration of the Entombe battle site, graves and repairing of the memorial of the Anglo- Zulu War and drawing up of the Conservation Management Plan. WATER VAAL BOVEN TUNNEL ENTRANCE. EXTERNAL MEETINGS In addition to internal meetings, the Mpumalanga SAHRA office staff attended the following meetings with other stakeholders. On 8 February the cultural officer attended the Botshabelo Heritage Symposium meeting. The provincial manager attended a Makhonjwa Mountain Meeting on the same day. The issues discussed were about tendering for the service provider who will assist with project management of the Makhonjwa Mountain project. Later that month the provincial manager attended a meeting in Barberton where service providers were given a briefing of how the Makhonjwa Mountains Project needs to be conducted and a chance to ask questions about the project itself. On 20 February the cultural officer attended a plenary meeting for the Botshabelo Heritage Symposium, WATER VAAL BOVEN EXCAVATION AT THE TUNNEL. while on 6 March the cultural officer attended a meeting in Kopanong with other cultural officers involved in the inter-provincial schools project. The plan envisaged the completion of all the lessons between April and May, with learners starting their research projects. At the end of May a competition was to be held to select the overall provincial winner. In the first week of September 2008 all the graded sites will be handed over to the National Heritage Council for the compilation of a book which will be launched on 24 September 2008 in one of the participating provinces. The winning school will be announced in November 2008 at the Kruger National Park. DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF STAKEHOLDERS RELATIONSHIP The Mpumalanga office also took part in a number of meetings with various stakeholders. In July 2007 the office attended the heritage symposium in Ermelo. The main objective of the symposium was to 78

79 Later in the year the office had a meeting with a number of stakeholders to discuss the best ways of managing local heritage. The following sites were chosen for the flagship programme: the Entombe Battle Site, Mafolofolo/Kwasimkhulu, Botshabelo Mission station, Bushman s Rock Shelter (near Echo Caves), and Pulana and Pai Battle Sites with Swazi. PILGRIM'S REST. create further debate and popularise the heritage of the province. On 9 October 2007 the cultural heritage officer attended a stakeholder meeting with the Provincial Labour Department. The cultural officer was also invited during the same month by the Emalahleni municipality to present a paper on the management of heritage resources at a local level. Also in October the cultural officer and the provincial manager attended a meeting with the local authorities to discuss the five flagship projects for Mpumalanga. Pilgrim s Rest Heritage Site forms part of the subprogram for Heritage, Greening and Tourism. SAHRA was called to advise on the best way to manage the Pilgrim s Rest Heritage site which is owned by the Public Works Department and whose agreement is necessary for the management of the site. The Provincial Manager and the cultural officer also attended the commemoration of Samora Machel s 21st anniversary at Mbuzini. HERITAGE AWARENESS WORKSHOP HELD IN THULAMAHASHE. In December the Mpumalanga office hosted the Gauteng office with school children at Blydepoort for the inter-provincial heritage awareness school programme. The Gauteng school children and their teachers were taken to heritage sites around Mpumalanga (Drie Rondavels and God s Window) for an educational tour. Furthermore, the provincial manager went to Zimbabwe to attend the commemoration of King Lobengula, who had disappeared on 4 December The provincial manager was given the history of the Lobengula family and the family tree. DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HERITAGE RESOURCES In July and August the provincial manger went on two site inspections and took part in an oral history recording at Waterval Boven. In January the provincial manager and the cultural officer had a site inspection and site meeting in Amsterdam regarding the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund donation of R for the restoration of the Kwathandeka Methodist Church. In March the provincial manager conducted a second site inspection. The challenge facing the church is to find a person who knows how to restore the structure, as it is 91 years old. Some architects have suggested that it should be demolished and that a new structure must be built. Some came up with ways of putting pillars to support the structure. In January the provincial manager and the cultural officer attended a meeting in Piet Retief with various stakeholders regarding the restoration of the Ntombe Battle Site. There is an urgent need for provisional protection of the area. There is a need to restore the Anglo Zulu War Memorial, built by the National Monuments Council, which is damaged. The serial nomination of sites around Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal was also discussed at the meeting. Further research needs to be conducted by MPHRA and SAHRA. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING In June the SAHRA Mpumalanga office, in conjunction with other stakeholders and the premier s office, launched the Mpumalanga History and Heritage Book. The project was undertaken after the premier, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

80 Later in the same month the cultural officer and the provincial manager attended the reburial of the kings of the Mapungubwe, and later in the same month the provincial manager attended the King Lobengula memorial unveiling in Grahamstown. On 14 February 2008 SAHRA Mpumalanga conducted a Heritage Awareness Workshop in Thulamahashewhere Mr. T. Kgomommu explained the role of the local authority in preserving our heritage and lots of questions were asked by the public concerning heritage resources management, funding and access to the heritage sites. In the same month the provincial manager and cultural officer attended a public seminar on Robben Island on conservation and management of Cultural Properties World Heritage. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY NTOMBE BATTLEFIELD SITE MEETING AT PIET RETIEF. Mr. Thabang Makwetla, raised his concerns about the inadequate recording of the history of Mpumalanga. The objective of the project is to stimulate a renewed and intensified debate about the content and meaning of the history in the region. The book deals with the regional geology, archeology, rock art, and pre-colonial history and conflicts between indigenous communities and white settlers in the 19 th century. On 19 July SAHRA Mpumalanga conducted a Youth Expo programme at the Water Vaal Boven High School. The project was designed to showcase career opportunities in the heritage sector for the youth and to encourage learners to study heritage-related subjects after grade 12. NTOMBE WORKSHOP. On 24 July 2007, the cultural officer attended a conference conducted by NHC in Nelspruit focusing on the Heritage Transformation Charter. On 26 July 2007 the provincial manager attended an intangible cultural heritage workshop in Pretoria, where presentations were given by people from around Africa, echoing the importance of conserving and managing intangible cultural heritage. Additionally, the provincial manager and the cultural officer attended a Heritage Symposium in Ermelo in August. In November 2007, the cultural officer and the provincial manager attended the Heritage Resources Management workshop in Bloemfontein where each of the provinces presented their annual projects. Eastern Cape SAHRA office and Mpumalanga SAHRA office attended a public seminar at Robben Island on conservation and management of cultural Properties World heritage, conservation management and monitoring of the state conservation February CONCLUSION Despite serious challenges posed by the lack of infrastructure and instances of theft of equipment, the Mpumalanga SAHRA office managed to achieve most of its objectives and has been able to raise awareness about heritage management among the general public and local and provincial authorities. We have also made progress with nominations and protection of sites under our jurisdiction. We are looking forward to another fulfilling year. 80

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82 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION The Northern Cape is the largest of the nine provinces in South Africa and is dominated by the Karoo basin, which is a large desert region made up of the Great Karoo and the Little Karoo. The heritage sites in the Northern Cape, like many of the other provinces in South Africa, are diverse and incorporate a number of different types of heritage that appeal to different groups of people. South Africa s oppressive history can be traced back to Kimberley, where the simple house and office in Galeshwe of Robert Sobukwe reminds one of the many memories of the political fight for freedom in this country. This same city is renowned for another site, the Kimberly mine, now known as the Big Hole. It is also famous for the advent of the industrial revolution in Africa. The diamond mining that occurred in Kimberly in many ways determined a lot of the political history for Southern Africa. The heritage sites in Kimberly cover many if not all of the priorities that are important for SAHRA. PRIORITY PROJECTS Concentration Camp Cemetery The site (Oranje Rivier Station Cemetery in Hope Town/Doornbult Concentration Camp) is a sensitive and heartbreaking one, as it tells of how Afrikaner and black women and children were kept captive and died of starvation and dehydration during the first South African war ( ). The camps were part of the British scorched earth policy that had thousands of families incarcerated in concentration camps throughout South Africa. The site is vast and is as it was during the time of the war. This scorched, dry and parched landscape was once a fort that belonged to the British soldiers who guarded over the concentration camp. This camp is unique in that both blacks and whites were kept captive and buried together. A century after the war, the porcelain and metal artifacts, such as bullets and whiskey bottles, scattered across the land, tell much of the activity and the type of life that was led here. With the number of broken bottles, food tins, metal clothing pieces and equipment such as copper camera lenses and used and unused bullets, one is able to put a picture together of how the British survived on the fort. Evidence of fires suggests that they cooked whatever tinned food they got, such as a meat spread, manufactured by Shippam, a factory in England that still exists today. The women and children who were kept captive at the concentration camp endured a lot of suffering. Many children and babies died because of the immense lack of food and water and proper amenities. The concentration camp cemetery is as it was 100 years ago and is significant not only because it has the graves of the victims of the Anglo- Boer war, but also because it is the only cemetery of its time where black and white people were buried together. However, discrimination is still evident in the grave markings, e.g. kaffir boy aged 7 as opposed to the full names that were written for white people. The concentration camp and cemetery are very significant as it contributes to the understanding of political dimensions beyond apartheid. SAHRA identifies this site as a priority of reconciliation, transformation as well as a global initiative, as it is a history that belongs to the British too. Driekopseiland Driekopseiland is an archaeological rock art site. It is to the west of Kimberly in the Northern Cape and is situated on glaciated basement rock in the bed of the Riet River. This rock art site is unlike the many paintings and drawings, dominated by animal imagery, that ROBERT MOFFAT HOMESTEAD. have been made by generations of San and Bushmen, found in caves that were once the dwellings of these people. The Driekopseiland has over engravings, predominantly geometric images. The site is placed beautifully at a point where the element of water is in its most natural form. As the river rises in the rainy season the engravings are submerged. The site is therefore a seasonal one, as the engravings are only exposed in the drier periods. It is assumed that the images could only have been produced during years of drought, which is said to be a defining feature for late Holocene. It has not yet been established exactly how old the engravings are, although other rock in the area can be documented to about years ago. It is believed that the engravings are possibly only about years old. There are many theories surrounding the interpretation of the engraved images at Driekopseiland. There is some evidence of burials along the Riet River. Such burials have various features in common and 82

83 ROCKART. ROBERT SOBUKWE'S HOUSE. WONDERWERK CAVES. conform to a burial pattern noted in a grave from Weltevreden, near Driekopseiland, suggesting that the Riet River burials represent a relatively stable aspect of a cultural system extending from at least years ago. It is absolutely fitting that the San and the Griqua should experience the land as living because Driekopseiland is definitely a breath of life in a unique setting. The site is another example of how SAHRA s strategic priority, which identifies cultural and natural integration, is very important in South Africa. The Big Hole The Big Hole is an industrial site, created by the removal of diamond bearing Kimberlite ore. Kimberly is a city named after the Kimberlite diamond, which was discovered in the area of the big hole. A well known name in the diamond industry even today is that of Cecil John Rhodes, who like many others traveled to the mine in search wealth. Rhodes was a business minded man and it was in this manner that he made his money, striking deals with miners, which eventually led to the establishment of the very well known and lucrative DeBeers Consolidated Mines. The Kimberly mine closed in 1914 and what is left in the area is a 40m deep hole in the ground, filled with water that has a depth of 230m. Although the water in it is from a natural spring, it is extremely acidic. The mine itself still exists and one can take a trip into it and experience what it would have felt like to be underground with noises and explosions simulated to create the effect of a real mine. The vault in the museum holds some of the most exquisite diamonds in the world, including the biggest one in the world, which is 616c. Robert Sobukwe House Number 6 Naledi Street, Galeshwe, in Kimberly is a normal looking house. It is not really the house that is historic, but rather the person who resided in the house from 1969 to This political icon was Mr. Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, founder of the Pan Africanist Congress. Sobukwe was a natural leader. He had a flair for public speaking and was an extremely intelligent person. On 21 March 1960, at the launch of the antipass campaign, the campaign that lead to the Sharpville Massacre, Sobukwe resigned from his teaching post and left his home in Mofolo, after making safety arrangements for his family. His plan was to hand himself over to the police for arrest in hope that other Africans would do the same. On arriving at the police station, Sobukwe had gathered a small crowd from neighbouring areas. Most of the crowd, including Robert Sobukwe, was arrested. Sobukwe was given a sentence of three years imprisonment at the end of which he was moved to Robben Island where he remained for a further six years. During his imprisonment he obtained an honours ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

84 degree in economics from the University of London, and had also started a law degree, which he completed in In 1969, after Sobukwe had been released from prison, he was sent to live in a restricted zone in Kimberley, where he was kept under house arrest. Sobukwe was offered several teaching posts at American Universities but was prevented from going overseas by the government. They instead offered him a job in the Bantu Administration Department in Kimberley but he turned it down and became articled to an attorney in Galeshwe. He opened his own office and practised as a lawyer in Kimberley. Sobukwe was a strong yet humble man with great intellect. Sobukwe lived with his family in Kimberly until his death in 1978 He was buried in his birthplace in Graaff- Reinet. He is rightly considered as a great South African for his unwavering beliefs of a democratic South Africa. ROBERT SOBUKWE'S OFFICE. THE BIG HOLE. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY The Kuruman Moffat Mission The first inhabitants of the Kuruman area were the Bushmen. It is from their language that the name Kuruman is derived. The Kuruman Moffat mission site is made up of a property with a number of buildings that include the Moffat homestead, the church and the school. These buildings all still exist today and are of great significance in the history of the mission. The Kuruman Moffat mission is a heritage that portrays the long history of missionaries who came to Kuruman in 1799, from the London Missionary Society, which was founded in It was only in 1817 that Robert Moffat was commissioned to Kuruman by the missionary society to join Robert Hamilton, a missionary who was already in Kuruman. Development of the land only started after the Batlhapeng tribe s Chief Mothibi granted permission, in Work started with the construction of a dam, near the eye of the Kuruman waterfall. At the same time, the Moffat homestead was started. It took a total of four years to complete the homestead and the Hamilton house. Both buildings still exist today and are regarded as the oldest buildings north of the Orange River. Much of the Hamilton house remains unaltered since the early days and is now being used as a guesthouse. Before the completion of the houses, a school had been opened in which a report of August 1825 states that twenty-three attend, composed of Botswanas, Hottentots, two Bushmen and two Mantatees. In 1829 the construction of a church began. It seated 800 people, even though there were only nine converts at the time. The church was opened in 1838, seven years after they had started building it and it still stands today. The Printing Press, an extremely significant object, was used to create the first Setswana bible. It is an object that added to the history of the development of Christianity in Africa. The ox wagon that transported the printing Press to Kuruman can also be found at the mission in the original Hamilton shed. After the Moffats deaths, Kuruman Missionary experienced a number of changes and developments, one of which was the opening of Tiger Kloof Institution, a famous institution that trained many leaders in Southern Africa. CONCLUSION In addition to the priority projects, the Northern Cape Office has been involved in a number of other activities, all of which are in line with SAHRA strategic priorities. They included stakeholder engagement, public awareness, nominations, as well as educational outreach activities. 84

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86 INTRODUCTION It was a challenging but also rewarding year for the North-West SAHRA Provincial Office. During this year we saw the appointment of the new Provincial Heritage Resources Authority by the provincial MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Honourable N. Duma. The following are the key activities which took place in our office during the year under review. CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Preliminary Assessment of the Kaditshwene Cultural Landscape In April 2007 SAHRA NW conducted a site mapping project, which was done in cooperation with the provincial coordinator s office, the Living Heritage Office and the Grading and Declaration Office. The project was made possible by a donation of 10,000 Euros from ICCROM, an international centre for the study of the preservation and restoration of cultural property. In addition to local participants, the project had drawn people from Botswana and Zambia, with Mrs. Nonofho Ndobochani and Mr. Dannis Hambotte representing their countries respectively. Locally we also drew from the North West University - Mafikeng Campus, North West Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, North West Parks and Tourism Board, the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, the Office of the Premier, as well as the traditional authority of Mokgola and Lekubu Villages, where the site is located. Part of the landscape was mapped and the intention is to complete the remaining parts of the landscape and to prepare the site for nomination to be graded as a Grade 1 site. The site is one of the oldest Batswana settlements established in the late 1800s. It was the capital of the Bahurutshe. ONE OF THE CIRCLE ENCLOSURES STILL VISIBLE ON SITE. The report was handed to the traditional leadership of both villages at a tribal meeting held at the Mokgola tribal authority kraal. All the stakeholders who participated, as well as the traditional leadership that was identified during the research, were also given copies of the report. Cleaning Campaign- Makweteng/ Mfengu Historical Burial Site Mfengue the grave site of the cleaning campaign, is a historical cemetery with graves of the people of Makweteng, one of the earlier settlements in Mafikeng. Victims of conflict were also buried there. An oral history session with the elders from Marketing was held on 9 November 2007 as part of the project. On 30 November a cleaning campaign took place in partnership with the Mafikeng Museum, the South African Scouts Association and Mafikeng Local Municipality, which provided cleaning machinery. KADITSHWENE PROJECT TEAM AT THE MEETING WITH THE TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP ON THE DAY OF THE PROJECT COMMENCEMENT. Law Enforcement Awareness Workshops on Heritage Resources Management Heritage resources management workshops were conducted in the four districts of the province. This was to create awareness and to ensure that municipalities know their role with regards to Heritage Resources Management and enforcement of the law according to the Act: National Heritage Resources Act No.25 of Workshops were conducted at Madibeng local municipality, the Bophirima District Municipality and the Bojanala district municipality by the cultural officer. The cultural officer also conducted two workshops at Dr. Modiri Molema district municipality and at Southern district municipality. Out of these workshops and engagements with municipalities we saw the Naledi local municipality 86

87 MR. HAMBOTTE FROM ZAMBIA WITH MR. T KGOMOMMU FROM SAHRA & MR. MULLER AN ARCHAEOLOGIST WHO VOLUNTEERED TO ASSIST DURING THE PROJECT. SOME OF THE HERITAGE PILGRIMAGE PARTICIPANTS WITH MS. GRACE MASUKU SECOND FROM LEFT AND SAHRA NW PROVINCIAL MANAGER. council in the Bophirima District becoming the trend setters in the province by approving an organisational structure which has the position of a heritage officer. Heritage Resources Management SAHRA NW has engaged in negotiations with the North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, who are currently managing the Taung heritage site as part of the Conservation Management Plan. Permit applications were requested by SAHRA NW for the fencing project that was taking place, a permit for the restoration of the old structures within the Taung Skull National heritage site, as well as for the construction of the new access roads. The application was received by the SAHRA head office in September 2007 and was assessed again on 20 February Further consultation with applicants has been engaged in. HERITAGE TOURISM Youth Heritage Pilgrimage Two youth heritage pilgrimage tours were undertaken during the year under review. On 24 September 40 students from the North West Mafikeng campus visited local heritage sites within the Mafikeng local municipality. The sites visited were Kopje, Warrens Fort, Warrens Well, Barolong Bo-Ratsidi Kgotla Maratiwa, Stadt Primary and the Lotlamoreng Concentration Camp. The project was coordinated by the cultural officer in partnership with the Mafikeng Museum and the University of the North West. On the 29th of September another youth pilgrimage was undertaken in the Moses Kotane local municipality. It was coordinated by the provincial manager in partnership with the local municipality and the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela traditional authority. The STATUE OF KGOSI PILANE IN FRONT OF THE MPHE BATHO MUSEUM IN MORULENG ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

88 MAKWETENG ONE OF THE GRAVES AT MAKWETENG MFENGU GRAVE SITE. BOTTOM: DRY STONE WALLS KADITSHWENE. pilgrimage was part of the heritage celebration events within the local municipality, which started on 24 September, and was attended by 68 youths who are involved in environmental conservation clubs. The importance of identifying, knowing about our heritage and conserving it was highlighted to the participants. The tour took place in the Pilanesburg National Park to the sites where the Bakgatlha settled upon their arrival from Sekhukhuni. GLOBAL INITIATIVES Battle of Tigele Mass Burial Site: Batswana (Bangwaketse and Barolong) Regiments Memorial SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY On 28 March 2008 a commemorative event was held for the memorial erected for the Bangwaketse and the Barolong regiments. The event was an awareness event concerning the existence of the site, which is a mass grave for African soldiers who resisted oppression by the Dutch. The site is situated at the Setlopo Village, in the Barolong Booratshidi tribal land. The memorial honours 181 Barolong and Bangwaketse soldiers who lost their lives during the war against the Dutch from Rooigrond in August The soldiers were buried in mass graves at the Setlopo graveyard. The shape of the graves is round, which is said to be the way people s graves were designed in the past. The event was celebrated through indigenous dance and plays performed by pupils from the Setlopo High school. The official unveiling of the memorial will take place in September CONCLUSION SAHRA NW had an extremely productive year and was able to achieve its heritage conservation goals thanks to the cooperation and support from local and provincial authorities, as well as the general public and the traditional leaders. 88

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90 ICOMOS FUNCTION-CASTLE. DAMAGED ROOF ARNISTON. ARNISTON FISHING VILLAGE - PHOTO T KNIPE. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY INTRODUCTION The past financial year saw the Western Cape heritage resources management transcend its provincial boundaries. Heritage work included involvement in national programmes directed by the National Department of Arts and Culture, assistance to other SAHRA provincial offices and the identification of interprovincial projects, as well as the participation in international projects. Unfortunately, the provincial unit is handicapped due to the lack of funds to commission conservation management plans, as well as the continued lack of human resources. A similar finding in last year s report, in which it was indicated that a continued lack of resources both human and financial have been one of our greatest stumbling blocks. However the new financial year will see the appointment of a new cultural officer in the Western Cape office. Our focus has remained in line with sections 5 and 6 of the NHRA in so far as public participation and encouraging partnerships with community organisations are concerned. Management of significant heritage sites such as the Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape was one of the main key performance areas over the last year. This included sites such as Boschendal Farmlands, Con-stantia-Tokai Valley and to a certain extent, Idas Valley. Engaging in legal challenges to ensure compliance represented a large component of duties during the last quarter of the financial year, especially in the absence of a legal advisor. Contested histories tied to our past have surfaced with the Prestwich human remain discovery. This year saw considerable progress in this regard - achieved after a series of Prestwich Place Task Team meetings coordinated by the Western Cape Office took place. SAHRA COMMITTEES Grading Committee As a member of the Grading Committee the Provincial Manager participated in one committee meeting held during the last quarter of the financial year. This involved reviewing and scrutinising all submissions received nationally, as well as presenting relevant WC CMPs. 90

91 Ad hoc Permit Committee/ Built Environment Landscape Committee The Western Cape SAHRA Built Environment & Landscape Committee, which was previously called the SAHRA ad hoc Permit Committee, adjudicated a large number of cases in the 2007/2008 financial year. Significant cases that remain include: Robben Island, Kassiesbaai, Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape, as well as commenting on Grade 1 matters such as the Bokaap, District Six, Langa and Table Mountain National Park. Certain HIAs were also reviewed by the committee. The Western Cape office has assumed the role of coordinator and secretariat for all the meetings. IDENTIFICATION AND FORMAL PROTECTION OF NATIONAL HERITAGE SITES Potential National Heritage Sites Identified The public continues to identify potential Grade 1 and national heritage sites, and as a result SAHRA WC has engaged in a few exploratory meetings with certain heritage committees, the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the general public, with regards to the following sites: 1. Simons Town Muslim Heritage - including graves, kitaabs, caves and intangible heritage. 2. Simons Town urban/settlement pattern and structure (tangible heritage). 3. The Castle of Good Hope - in relation to the early military, slave and Khoi-San heritage. Please refer to the detailed information pertaining to this site further in the document. Potential Grade 1 sites identified under the national themes are indicated below, but are still to be investigated in full and approved. POTENTIAL GRADE 1 SITE INVESTIGATION TO DATE 1. GEOLOGY a. Cango Caves - 2. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS All the state buildings indicated are owned by the Department of Public Works (DPW). A promising meeting to deliberate the responsibilities and obligations of the DPW towards heritage sites in its ownership was conducted. a. Parliament The DPW is in the process of completing a CMP. b. Groote Schuur Movable objects identified. c. Tuynhuis - d. Genadendal Movable objects identified 3. LIBERATION STRUGGLE a. Victor Verster Grade 1 status approved by Council in DAC indicated a desire of fast tracking declaration. b. Langalibalile, Valkenberg Site identified and needs further inter-provincial co-ordination between the SAHRA WC and KZN office. 4. SLAVERY a. Castle of Good Hope Identified by DAC as a priority project 5. MILITARY AND NAVAL a. Simons Town Meetings with Simons Town Historical Society on its intent to submit part of the urban area for consideration for Grade 1 status and declaration. b. Castle of Good Hope As above. Military history recorded. c. Fortification Route In discussion with DPW 6. SACRED SITES a. Sheikh Yusuf s Kramat Grade 1 status conferred by Council of SAHRA b. Tana Buru Burial Ground Grade 1 status conferred by Council of SAHRA c. Kramats Joint identification process between HWC and SAHRA WC 7. EARLY SETTLEMENTS a. Stellenbosch Historical Core Survey conducted by local heritage committee b. Tulbagh Historical Core - c. Cape Town CBD Historical Core In discussion with the Cape Town Heritage Trust. d. Mission Settlements i.e. Genadendal, Elim, Wittewater, Mamre, Goedverwacht - 8. KHOI-SAN/ PRE-COLONIAL a. Knersvlakte Joint project SAHRA WC & HWC b. Grave of Adam Kok Joint project SAHRA WC & HWC ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

92 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY FORMALLY PROTECTED NATIONAL HERITAGE RESOURCES Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape - Serial Nomination After much consultation and after issuing our first notice of intent to extend our provisional protection of the Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape for another two years, it has come to light that such a move would not be met favourably by certain owners. One of the major concerns is related to potential delays that might be detrimental to agricultural practices. SAHRA WC is in the process of organising public meetings in the new financial year to address these concerns. n the meantime the following progress and activities can be reported on specific valleys and/or cultural landscapes: Constantia-Tokai Valley, Constantia Cape Metropolitan Region- GRADE 1 SITE The declaration of the Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape has unfortunately not progressed due to legal challenges posed. Since this site transcends municipal and geographic boundaries it involves numerous role players with differing political views. The last addition to the Grade 1 winelands region as approved by the Council of SAHRA, namely Constantia Tokai Winelands Cultural Landscape, has proven to be a particularly challenging case. Most of our activity regarding this area has been to focus on developing a valid legal response to objections against the grading of the site. Idas Valley, Stellenbosch Region- GRADE 1 SITE Idas Valley is ready for the final declaration notice of intent to declare to be issued. The extensive nature and legal opinion on the occupants of the site required SAHRA WC, with the assistance of the Idas Valley Environment and Conservation Association (IVECA), to compile a comprehensive database on the ownership and occupancy of the site. This information is now available and the valley should be declared shortly. Dwarsriver Valley and a portion of Groot Drakenstein, Simondium area, Stellenbosch/ Drakenstein Region - GRADE 1 SITE An active case in our office remains the proposed Boschendal Founders Estate Development located in Dwarsriver Valley. On appointment of a new SAHRA Council, a decision was taken by the Council that the pending Boschendal Appeal matter be resolved as soon as possible. An appeal hearing took place in February 2008 and the final decision, in brief, endorsed the decision of the Permit Committee with recommendations. Presently, neither SAHRA nor the DAC have received any appeals against this decision. Daljosofat, Roggeland Cultural Landscape - GRADE 1 SITE SAHRA is the owner of a large portion of the Winelands Cultural Landscape - namely, the Daljosafat Cultural Landscape located in the Paarl/Wellington region. It was graded as a Grade 1 cultural landscape by the previous Council of SAHRA. This particular land exhibits magnificent cultural treasures ranging from fine historic monuments exhibiting a rich Cape vernacular architectural tradition to scenic valleys, and is well known for its historic significance. All of which serve as material evidence of the cultural landscape s evolution over time. The WC office submitted an application to ARNISTON CEMETERY AND DEVELOPMENTS. motivate for the immediate formal protection of the SAHRA owned property. Due to the known significance of the land and the potential it holds as an exemplary heritage site it was decided by the Council of SAHRA to declare the SAHRA portion a national heritage site. It is envisioned that this will serve as the first step in the declaration of the Paarl/Wellington Winelands Cultural Landscape as part of the broader serial nomination. Robben Island-World Heritage Site- National Heritage Site There has been considerable speculation concerning the financial difficulties experienced by Robben Island. Conservation management of the island is currently implementing the Integrated Conservation Management Plan (ICMP). All development activities on the island are controlled and advised through the SAHRA WC Built Environment Permit Committee and RIM is a regular applicant. 92

93 and, most importantly, the establishment and implementation of a sustainable business model and plan. Since our last report we have explored various avenues in the hope of securing necessary funding. In order to engage with known funding agencies, a funding proposal was developed by the community with assistance from SAHRA WC officials so as to meet its conservation and socio-economic needs. This is ready for submission to the Capital Projects Fund and DEAT. Unfortunately, the previous submission was rejected by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. PRESTWICH MEMORIAL SERVICE. Green Point, Human Remains and Burials - partial GRADE 1 SITE We are pleased to announce that phase 1 of Prestwich Memorial Place was completed at the beginning of An Ossuary was built and the human remains discovered were re-interred into their final resting place at the Ossuary on St Andrew s Square. We wish to thank all our partners for their commitment as well as the resilience and determination shown to ensure the respectful treatment of the human remains of our ancestors. Fortunately we managed to secure the R committed towards the Prestwich, Green Point Project from the new Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which reviewed all standing projects in The broader Green Point Project will undertake to urbanise the cemetery by way of integrating the past with the present through the interpretation of the site. CONCEPT LAYOUT OF THE BROADER GREEN POINT PROJECT Waenhuiskrans Cultural Landscape- PHS- GRADE 1 SITE Further progress has been made regarding the conservation of the Waenhuiskranz Cultural Landscape. This remains one of our most challenging, yet rewarding conservation cases. Need for Funding During the previous financial year the need for funding to safeguard and protect Kassiesbaai and the broader Waenhuiskranz Cultural Landscape was reported. Funding is needed for a variety of conservation issues including, but not limited to the following heritage management tools: an integrated conservation management plan; updated conservation and development guidelines; emergency funding for repairs (especially thatch roofs); Integrated Conservation Management Plan Previously it was reported that the SAHRA Council had committed partial funds for an Integrated Conservation Management Plan to be drafted. It is unfortunate to note that due to a newly established internal process these funds have been shifted to a SAHRA CMP fund. According to the Provincial Coordinator, there is no guarantee that Kassiesbaai will receive the full allocation. INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AND COMMUNITY CO-OPERATION Cape Agulhas Municipality A joint SAHRA, Cape Agulhas Municipality (CAM), Vissers Unie (VU) and Arniston Conservation Committee meeting was held in Bredasdorp, where we were introduced to the then Mayor, Eve Marthinus and the Municipal Manager, Keith Jordaan. This meeting proved useful in eradicating negative perceptions and inconsistencies that hampered good working relations. A plan was worked out and we were hopeful that our future interactions would be more constructive. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

94 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY However, the political make-up of the municipality has since changed and SAHRA will have to re-engage with CAM and its new structure in the new financial year. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) After some enquiries and repeated requests for assistance directed to the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, by the Waenhuiskranz Community, the Minister agreed to undertake an exploratory meeting. This took place on 24 August 2007 at the Arniston Hotel. The Minister initiated a meeting between community representatives, the Cape Agulhas Municipality, SAHRA and various other organs of state to confirm which activities have been planned to improve the socio-economic position of the Arniston/ Waenhuiskranz community, and to identify solutions in order to ensure momentum in taking initiatives forward for a sustainable development plan for the community and its environment. It was agreed that all parties would continue their work but in an integrated manner and that the heritage value receives due consideration within all activities planned. A follow up meeting to review the progress is to take place in Fortunately the election process of the VU, the local community body representing the Kassiesbaai community, presented more favourable results - in that the status quo remained, making it easier for continuity in interaction, since SAHRA and the current VU have a well- established relationship. Arniston Ratepayers Association and Arniston Conservation Committee These are organisations representing the wealthier Arniston community located adjacent to Kassiesbaai. Both the Kassiesbaai and Arniston communities form an integral part of the Waenhuiskranz Cultural Landscape. SAHRA s experience of the relationships between the two communities - sharing not only the same unique coastal strip but the same strong desire to conserve the cultural heritage of this cultural landscape - are mostly cohesive and supportive in nature. Cape Nature Conservation (CNC) This conservation body shares the conservation principles of SAHRA and has become one of our most reliable and supportive state bodies in this region. The land survey project, funded by SAHRA, to determine the beacons of the village has been completed. Table Mountain National Park - a portion of the Cape Floristic Kingdom - World Heritage Listing The TMNP declaration is in its final stages; however, a delay to this declaration was caused by the late appointment of the Council of SAHRA. SAHRA WC used part of the savings in its budget to appoint a heritage consultant to assist in the gathering of information to enable the declaration to take place on schedule. Property information is now available. We also had to deal with objections received from both private owners and a state owner. Meetings were convened and letters explaining the process dispatched, and it was agreed that SAHRA would continue to issue the final notice of intent in accordance with section 27 (d). We have received continued support and assistance from the managing authority of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). PRETORIA ICOMOS CONFERENCE. District Six The declaration process of District Six continues. It was decided due to the complexity of ownership within the selected District Six boundary that it would take the form of a phased declaration. One of the biggest challenges to the heritage value of District Six that threatens to destroy this heritage resource are the impending evictions of the Pontact Street, District Six (currently Woodstock) residents. This street forms part of a small section of District Six that had been spared the direct trauma of forced removals. It is the area in the original District Six below Eastern Boulevard ( the eastern part of District Six ). The residents of the eastern part of District Six escaped the forced removals because their area was not declared 94

95 ICOMOS SA-SAHRA CASTLE FUNCTION. CPUT TOWNPLANNING AWARDS. HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS. white only. Today, the eastern part of District Six is the only living remnant of the original District Six area, and constitutes the only tangible and intangible rem-nant of an important part of South Africa s social cul-tural history. Court proceedings are ensuing and SAHRA WC has provided a supporting affidavit to stop the intended evictions. We were first approached by members of the community in early 2006 to confirm that their property falls within the Grade 1 area of District Six. Most of the residential stocks situated in the eastern part of District Six are in fact currently formally protected as individual provincial heritage sites. It is understood that the residents of the properties in question are among the few remaining original residents of District Six and their direct descendants. Other residents who have become part of the community have been shaped by the personal history of these original residents. This is of great significance. In heritage terms, it means that we have not lost the character and intangible heritage of District Six completely, but that it has been preserved and passed on to the current residents of the properties. This way of life, forged over more than two centuries, is an invaluable heritage asset. Preserving our heritage is not merely about preserving the physical integrity of buildings and objects but also about protecting the living memory and community of those people who have been and still are a significant part of our history. For these reasons, the residents who live in the property that is subject to eviction proceedings add immensely to the cultural significance of District Six, as envisaged by sections 3(3)(a), (b), (c) and (g) of the Act. In these circumstances, where the cultural significance of District Six is not merely founded on tangible information but on the actual living memory of an existing community, the preservation of the community is of utmost importance. The original community of District Six experienced traumatic and violent dispersal. Organisations such as the District Six Museum are going to great lengths to reclaim the stories of members of the community that were displaced. Should more people be removed, this would obviously threaten the heritage quality of District Six even further, and perpetuate the goal of the previous government to eradicate the history and memory of District Six. Not only will the residents face the trauma of being evicted from their community, the loss of cultural memory will be irredeemable. SAHRA WC continues to support this community and will remain a respondent on this matter. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

96 MIN. PALLO JORDAN AT BOSCHENDAL UBUNTU IMBIZO. MASTERPLAN LAYOUT ST ANDREWS. YOUTH MEMORIAL LECTURE, PROF BRIAN O'CONNELL OUTREACH AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Youth Memorial Lecture at UWC This year the SAHRA WC office worked closely with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports (DECAS) as part of a Task Team to prepare for a 1976 Youth Memorial Project in preparation for Heritage Day. Preceding the planned Heritage Day event, a Youth Memorial lecture was organised at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on the 11 th of August The date is significant as it relates to the UWC students who joined the students of Soweto in the uprising against the Bantu Education policy on 11 August The lecture included performances by cultural groups, choirs and a PowerPoint presentation of images from Heritage Day Once again SAHRA WC was a member of the Task Team which planned the Heritage Day event which was led by Heritage Western Cape of DECAS. The Gugulethu Heritage Trail began on the 24 th of September 2007 and started at the Gugulethu Seven site with a speech, poetry and a wreath laying ceremony. This was followed by similar events at the Amy Biehl site, whereafter the trail continued to the Gugulethu sport complex. The events at the sport complex included music and dance performances, a motivational speech, poetry and a keynote address by the Premier of the Western Cape, Ebrahim Rassool. Ubuntu Imbizo & Award 2007 In partnership with DECAS, the SAHRA WC office was a member of the Task Team that arranged this event. The Ubuntu Boulder was unveiled in Pniel at a ceremony which included music items by local school choirs. The event continued at Boschendal with a keynote address by Minister Pallo Jordan and the Ubuntu Award acceptance by Dr Kenneth Kaunda. 96

97 GLOBAL INITIATIVES The past financial year saw SAHRA WC actively involved in ICOMOS South Africa programmes. With the support of the EO Heritage Resources and Dumisani Sibayi (an ICOMOS SA Executive Committee Member), SAHRA WC funded at least two ICOMOS SA initiatives. ICOMOS SA was established some ten years ago, as part of a post-apartheid South Africa. Prior to this, heritage management and conservation practice in South Africa were largely limited in scope and practice as a direct result of South Africa s exclusion from the international arena. SAHRA is mindful of the fact that international interaction and exposure through organisations such as ICOMOS has meant a shift and an alignment with global conservation principles considered relevant to South Africa. For this reason when the first ever ICOMOS Advisory Committee, Scientific Seminar, Scientific Council, Bureau, Executive Committee and African National Committee meetings were to be held in Africa, SAHRA fully supported this initiative. The meetings took place in Pretoria on 6-12 October This was preceded by events held in Cape Town on 4-5 October This programme dealt with conservation issues in Cape Town and its surrounding areas and consisted of site visits and presentations. This special programme was an initiative from the Shared Built Heritage Scientific Committee and was facilitated by ICOMOS SA members, Ashley Lillie, Laura Robinson (current SAHRA Council Member) and the PM, Beverley Crouts-Knipe. The latter two are ICOMOS SA Executive Committee Members. SAHRA WC sponsored the site visit to Genadendal Mission Station as well as the opening function held at the Castle of Good Hope. Visits to the Table Mountain National Park and the historical core of Cape Town were organised. Other sponsors and individuals that contributed to the success of the Cape Town Programme are: Phakamani Buthelezi (CEO of SAHRA), Table Mountain National Park, Dr Stephen Townsend, the Castle Control Board, Captain Francois Morkel and Herman Kotze. Once again, we wish to thank all those that made this initiative a success. EDUCATION It has been discovered that young graduates in the Built Environment and Cultural Landscape industry are not familiar with the provisions of the NHRA and conservation principles. As they are the future professionals who will affect change and intervention on the built environment and cultural landscape, we view that it was and still is our objective to educate as many of these future specialists as we are able to. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology has become a partner in achieving this objective. Since the appointment of the cultural heritage officer, Sonja Warnich, the education portfolio of the Western Cape has grown. During the past financial year, the office has not only awarded the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) the Architectural Award for the Best Student in History, but have also instituted the CPUT Award in the Department of Town & Regional Planning for the Best Student in Environmental Management Studies. In addition, Ms Warnich regularly lectures at CPUT for the Department of Town and Regional Planning. Similar lectures were provided to the Department of Architecture and Building in the past. The content of these lectures focuses on building an understanding of conservation architecture and heritage planning with the architecture and planning students. The WC office and the CPUT Faculty of Engineering, under which these departments fall, are discussing an incorporation of heritage related programmes into the curriculum. COMMUNITY PROJECTS Our focus remains on communities that have an integral link, if not a symbiotic relationship, with sites of national significance in the Western Cape. Over the past year we worked mostly with communities involved in the following sites: Waenhuiskrans Cultural Landscape-Kassiesbaai, Dwariver Valley-Stellenbosch, Prestwich Place Memorial, Simons Town and other national programmes to a lesser degree. There has been much progress on the Prestwich Place Memorial Project since our previous report. With the first phase of the ministerial decision, the re-interment of the human remains discovered at Prestwich Place into their final resting place has been completed. However, this has been a highly challenging project on all levels - ranging from community discontent, requirements by cultural and religious leaders and political conflict. Although the project continues, it has reached an impasse on a certain level. A brief summary of the project explains this impass. In 2003 an accidental discovery of some 2500 human remains during the course of building activity was made at Prestwich Street. Work was immediately halted by SAHRA and a public consultation process began. The discovery was given substantial media coverage. During this process, the Hands-Off Prestwich Place ad hoc Committee was formed to challenge SAHRA s decision to permit exhumation to continue. The site became highly contested bringing to the fore questions about how we are to deal with emotive issues of past insensitive practices related to burying the under classes, and how we are to manage discoveries made during the redevelopment of urban centers. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

98 SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY Following a series of appeals against the exhumation of the human remains, a ministerial tribunal was tasked with making a final decision. The final ministerial appeal upheld the SAHRA s decision to allow the exhumation and development to proceed, and the following directive was given, requiring the involvement of the City in conjunction with SAHRA: To construct a suitable memorial park or garden on an appropriate site in the Green Point area where the Prestwich Street remains can be interred and any other further findings of skeletal remains, and that such a park could become the focus of the community s memory and learning about the past. Minister Pallo Jordan The Prestwich Memorial Project Team - a partnership between the City of Cape Town, SAHRA, Heritage Western Cape (HWC), District Six Museum and the Prestwich Place Project Committee- PPPC (initial appellants previously known as the Hands Off Prestwich ad hoc Committee) was formed to implement the ministerial decision. The Task Team set out to develop Prestwich Memorial as a place of final interment for human remains found in the old cemetery area of Cape Town in Green Point, now commonly referred to as the Green Point Historical Burial Ground. The SAHRA Council availed funds for the initial research to be conducted to determine the national significance of the discovery. Basic historical and archaeological research revealed that the human remains belonged to the poor under classes and lower echelons of early 18th century Cape society. Historical archaeological research (non-invasive) on the human remains and the artifacts found that they were those of slaves (some of North African descent), first generation slaves, Khoi and San people, Muslims and early settlers among others. In essence, the site and its discovery were fundamentally important, since it is the only one of its kind in South Africa - a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial site of an early South African society. The SAHRA Council awarded Grade 1 significance to the discovery and approved that the declaration of the site of interment be instituted. SAHRA is currently in the process of declaring the site. All Task Team partners worked extremely hard, resulting in an Ossuary (Final Resting Place) being developed with City funds on a public open space located at the corner of Buitengracht and Somerset Streets. This landmark site will ultimately serve as the gateway to the Green Point Historical Burial Ground and will accentuate its significance. To ensure that all religious requirements are observed and that the necessary respect is afforded, the Prestwich Memorial Project Team arranged for the necessary blessings, consecration and cultural practices to be conducted. It was envisioned that this would lead to a formal opening of the Ossuary with its associated memorial park as the final resting place. With great regret we have to report that the formal opening never occurred as planned and we were forced to postpone it to an undetermined date due to certain conflicting and complicated relations that currently exist between the local and provincial tiers of government. SAHRA and some of our partners considered it inappropriate to publicly open the Ossuary and thus, once again, camouflage the memory of the human remains with more conflict. The Task Team decided to continue with the relocation and re-interment of the human remains into the final resting place. And the community organisations involved, namely, the PPPC and District Six Museum, proceeded with an appropriate, solemn and dignified gathering of a few mourners at the site on Friday afternoon 25 April We continue to work towards the formal opening of the Ossuary Site as the place of re-interment and a memorial. Possible dates at present are Heritage Day, 24 September 2008 or Slave Emancipation Day, 1 December HERITAGE MANAGEMENT Inspection tours, surveys and identification of heritage resources The office undertook numerous site visits and investigations in preparation for adjudication of applications submitted to the permit committee - and in order to gain insight into the sites concerned. Inspection trips to heritage resources that had been identified as possible Grade 1 sites and that could be declared as National Heritage Sites took place at various farms in the Cape winelands, the Waenhuiskranz Cultural Landscape, Tana Baru, Prestwich Place within the Green Point Historical Burial Ground area and sites around the Table Mountain National Park. CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL Boschendal Appeal Hearing Four appeals were received against the SAHRA ad hoc permit committee s ROD dated 29 September The appeals were submitted by the following bodies: a. The Cape Institute for Architecture; b. The Franschhoek Conservation Trust; c. The Dwars River Training and Development d programme A late appeal was submitted by the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation. 98

99 WC PROVINCIAL MANAGER, SAHRA CEO & MIN. M VAN SCHALKWYK. BOSCHENDAL APPEAL. In view of the fact that no new members of Council had been appointed since 30 September 2006 the matter could not be concluded. No appeals were considered and there were no further deliberations. However, in the absence of a newly appointed Council, SAHRA has in the meantime, through its Chief Executive Officer, communicated with the Minister of Arts and Culture, Pallo Jordan, by letter and through numerous telephone conversations with members of staff within the Department of Arts and Culture, during which it was emphasized that SAHRA was in an untenable situation without a newly appointed council and urged the Minister to appoint one as required by the NHRA. In addition to this, as stated above, the provisional protection of the Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape has since lapsed, with the result that SAHRA no longer has a formal jurisdiction over the Boschendal farms amongst others. Although the site in question still enjoys Grade 1 status, most of the farmlands are currently generally protected. Boschendal is justifiably frustrated by the fact that it is unable to proceed with the process preceding the proposed development simply because SAHRA has been unable to appoint an appeal committee more than a year after the appeals were lodged. The Boschendal appeal has also received attention in local newspapers, and the current lack of progress is having an adverse effect on SAHRA s public image. It is therefore important that the appeal be considered and that a decision is taken as a matter of urgency. KASSIESBAAI SURVEY MAP ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

100 LANGA PASS OFFICE. TANA BARU GRAVEYARD IN BO-KAAP. CAPE WINELANDS. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY The ad hoc permit committee believes that in providing approval for the sub-division proposal while imposing a strict set of conditions within the current local and national legislative framework, that it is acting in the best interest of the heritage resource, the beneficiary community and the community at large. Detailed attention has been given to protect the world heritage and national values of the entire cultural landscape. The principle of the committee decision is to allow limited managed development to stop ad hoc erosion in the future. In complying with the conditions of SAHRA, the applicant, with the assistance of SAHRA, would enhance the status, potential attractiveness and value of the site to current and future land-owners and its surrounding communities. The ad hoc permit committee concluded that an appropriately controlled development would set the standard for maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the overall site, and recommended that a close working relationship be established between SAHRA and the current and future owners of the property, as well as the local community. LEGAL COMPLIANCE Arniston Cemetery Certain community members from Arniston and Kassiesbaai informed SAHRA of construction activity at the Arniston Hotel without a permit as required in terms of the NHRA having been issued. SAHRA considered the matter seriously since we were of the opinion that further extension of the hotel could potentially deface the Waenhuiskranz Cultural Landscape, and especially the Kassiesbaai area, with the hotel being located at a prominent position at the entrance to Kassiesbaai. SAHRA s permit committee wished to review the matter to ensure that the Grade 1 cultural landscape was not detrimentally affected and to advise the most appropriate action. The owners of the hotel questioned the legality of SAHRA s intervention and therefore refused to cease construction activity. Police intervention did not amount to any change in action. SAHRA reverted to the next legal recourse, namely a court interdict, in the hope of dissuading the owners against further, what we considered unlawful action. As a result of this, SAHRA and the defendant presented their cases in court. The court did not uphold SAHRA s request on the premise that certain administrative and legal requirements were not met in terms of the Public Administration and Justice Act (PAJA) amongst other issues. 100

101 HOUSE AT VICTOR VERSTER, WHERE N MANDELA WAS IMPRISONED BEFORE RELEASE. LANGA HOSTELS. PRESTWICH OSSUARY. SPECIAL PROJECTS The Transfer of the Castle of Good Hope from the Department of Arts and Culture to the Department of Defence The transfer is considered a very significant project. In this, the DAC requested SAHRA to advise it on the conservation issues and heritage related challenges that the impending transfer of the Castle poses to the heritage resources. In this regard and with the purpose of facilitating a joint initiative between the DAC and the DOD, a steering committee known as the Joint Task Team was established at the request of the Castle Control Board. The focus of the task team is to investigate opportunities, challenges and practicalities associated with the future use of the Castle. The provincial manager was elected to the Joint Task Team, which was then divided into two sub-committees, namely, The Future Use and The Due Diligence sub-committees. The Future Use sub-committee was appointed to investigate the future opportunities that the transfer of the Castle of Good Hope from the Department of Defence to the Department of Arts and Culture presents. To further the process, the provincial manager was appointed the convener of the FUSC, with the purpose of collating information and presenting a discussion document. The basic premise of the investigative study undertaken by the Future Use sub-committee is that the significance of the Castle of Good Hope as a heritage site should guide and inform decisions on the future use of the Castle. The findings of the FUSC are based on historical research, a document review process, meetings with stakeholders, a fact finding mission conducted locally and a workshop conducted with interested stakeholders. A draft discussion document that deliberates the opportunities for the future use of the Castle of Good Hope and its related properties has since been submitted to the Minister of Arts and Culture. Once agreement on the vision and objectives has been reached by the Joint Task Team, the discussion document could be converted into a terms of reference for the future use of the Castle. The future use of the Castle can present an amazing opportunity for South Africa to showcase how a nationally and internationally significant heritage site can set new boundaries for an integrated, sustainable and remarkable heritage experience. The Castle presents not only local opportunities, but also a strong platform ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

102 TOP: SIMONSTOWN COMMUNITY MEETING. CENTRE: DISTRICT SIX PROTEST. BOTTOM: CASTLE BOARD MEETING. SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE RESOURCES AGENCY for global heritage initiatives. A contested site, it evokes mixed feelings yet yields great historic material fundamental to the process of reconciliation and nation building. In essence this site needs to be represented effectively to the public. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS The provincial manager serves as a member of the Castle Control Board together with the SAHRA CEO. The provincial manager attended most meetings and provided advice on the conservation of the Castle. The provincial manager also serves as an executive board member on the Cape Town Heritage Trust. ICOMOS South Africa forms part of ICOMOS International - a world heritage body tasked with contributing at an international level to the body of knowledge on conservation management of sites and monuments. ICOMOS serves as an advisory committee for UNESCO on monuments. One of the purposes of ICOMOS South Africa is to engage South African heritage professionals in an international process of learning. The provincial manager serves as the secretary of ICOMOS South Africa s executive committee. The past year saw South Africa make a successful bid to host the ICOMOS Scientific Executive meeting in South Africa. The Table Mountain National Park Forum is a body that allows the public direct involvement in the overall management of Table Mountain. The provincial manager holds the heritage portfolio on the steering committee and attends regular meetings. Other bodies on which the Western Cape office serves include Robben Island ICMP Steering Committee; Prestwich Task Team; and Idas Valley Heritage Committee. Other bodies with whom the office interacts with on a regular basis: * Department of Arts and Culture; * Heritage Western Cape; * The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning regarding the new Planning Legislation; National Department Public Works; District Six Museum; * Heritage South Africa; * Iziko Museum, Cape Town; * Archaeology Department, University of Cape Town; * Department of Public Works, Cape Town & Pretoria; * Cape Town Tourism Office; * Cape Peninsula University of Technology; * Roland and Letta Hill Trust (managed by BoE); and * St Peter s Memorial Cemetery Trust. CONCLUSION Despite the fact that heritage resources management, and more specifically the resources of the SAHRA WC office, are overstretched to the extent that they cannot support the full function of this office, ongoing networking and community involvement have been able to sustain our protection and management function in the province. The SAHRA WC office wishes to thank all the supporting communities and individuals, too numerous to mention, and hope that the good working relations and interactions forged on goodwill, trust and a strong desire to protect that which we most value, will continue to exist in the year to come. We welcome the involvement of all other heritage committees and communities in nationally significant heritage sites and potential Grade 1 sites. 102