Heritage Cases

Anglo American Platinum (AAP) operates the Mogalakwena Platinum Mining Complex (MC) near to Mokopane in the Limpopo province. In July 2020 a survey for a gap analysis was undertaken on the North-eastern Waste Rock Dump (NE WRD) area where ten cultural heritage sites were identified, which included a single grave. In addition, a further 26 infant and 12 unknown graves were identified. AAP requires the study area for dumping to begin in the first quarter of 2022. AAP requested Digby Wells Environmental (Digby Wells) to undertake a complete Grave Relocation Process (GRP) in terms of the National Heritage Resources (Act. 25 of 1999) (NHRA). The 26 infant graves form part of the legacy of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) that concluded in 2018. The infant graves were not exhumed and relocated at the time. The aim of the exhumation and relocation of these graves is to rectify this oversight. All the affected families have been identified and have provided consent for the exhumation and relocation of these graves. The 12 unknown graves comprise a single burial ground containing 10 graves and another two individual graves of unknown persons that were not identified during previous grave relocations completed on the property. Digby Wells requested that the Ga-Sekhaolelo Traditional Council (TC) provide approval for the exhumation and relocation of these graves to Ga-Sekhaolelo as the TC appointed and recognised by the Mapela Traditional Council (MTC) for both the historic Overysel settlement and the current Ga-Sekhaolelo.