Heritage Cases

The Samancor Tubatse Ferrochrome Smelter (TFC) and it approved Photovoltaic plant is located on portions of the farm Goudmyn 337KT and Olifantspoortje 319KT within the Fetakgomo Local Municipality of the Sekhukhune District Municipality, Limpopo Province. The sites are in and around the town of Steelpoort . The proposed Photovoltaic plant was authorised through an Environmental Authorisation dated 25 April 2022 (Document loaded on SAHRIS and available under CASEID 16690). The HIA (Fourie, 2021) recorded a total of 57 points of interest that resulted in the delineation and identification of 24 separate heritage sites. These consist of five burial grounds, nine historic recent structures and nine (9) archaeological sites (Site 3-1-2, Site 4-1-2, and Sites 5-1-3, 5-6). These sites have, in most cases a rating of Medium significance and a grading varying between IIIC and IIIA at the highest. TCHR4 (HIA - Site 3) - The area is characterised by several low stone wall foundations, grain bin platforms, and a general background scatter of ceramics. The ceramics herringbone decoration is indicative of the material identified. Although a small sample the motives can be associated with the Doornkop faeces of the Iron Age. TCHR 5 (HIA-Site 4) - The site covers an area of approximately 300-400 meters on the eastern section of alternative 4. The archaeological remains are characterised by low stone walling, numerous grain bin platforms. A few huts out lines could be decern in the thick undergrowth. A low-density ceramic scatter is present over the site with numerous decorate shards found. Most of these shards have a herringbone motive in single and double bands. TCHR 6 (HIA-Site 5-1) and TCHR9 (HIA- 5-4) - This cluster is located on the northwest corner of the study area of alternative 5. The area sits near a natural drainage line and can be described as a rocky area due to the consistent erosion taking place around this area. A widespread moderate density scatter of MSA lithic material was identified within this area. TCHR7 (HIA-Site 5-2), TCHR8 (HIA Site 5-3) and TCHR10 (HIA Site 5-5) -The site is situated towards the southwest corner of the study area at Site 5. This area is dominated by multiple series of low packed stone features including what seems to be remnants of stone walling, circular features, and possible grain bin stands. The area is overgrown and makes identifying the full extent of these features difficult. Remnants of low packed stone features among the tall grass as well as an open area devoid of stone features indicative of a cattle byre. Subsequent footprint layouts, considering the locality of the heritage sites, then indicated that the archaeological sites at Site 3, 4 and 5 would be adversely impacted. To mitigate this impact, the client resolved to implement the recommendations as included in the completed HIA and approved by SAHRA in Case: 16690. That, • … a Phase 2 archaeological mitigation process must be implemented. This will include, surface collections, test excavations and analysis of recovered material. A permit issued under s35 of the NHRA will be required to conduct such work. • On completion of the mitigation work the developer can apply for a destruction permit with the backing of the mitigation report The proposed methodology is included in the accompanying permit application motivation.