Heritage Cases

The unlawful activity did not result in any impacts to heritage sites or paleontological features. In KwaZulu-Natal one job supports seven dependents. The operational phase of the wedding venue is expected to be long term. During the operational phase, it is anticipated that 33 permanent jobs will be created. The Champagne Sky wedding venue has the potential to result in 231 dependents being supported during the operational phase. The property is characterised by Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland (Gs4) vegetation type. This vegetation type is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in terms of its ecosystem status and ‘Poorly Protected’ in terms of its level of protection. Based on the Screening Tool results, the site is characterised by a ‘Low’ plant species sensitivity, and a ‘Medium’ plant species sensitivity to the south of the property. The animal species sensitivity of the site is characterised as ‘Medium’ in the northern portion and ‘High’ for the remainder of the property. The development site and adjacent land was assessed, and it was determined that the area comprises is secondary grassland, and thus the site was not representative of Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland. This is due to no indicator species commonly associated with primary grassland in this area were found. Historically, the property has been used as croplands, and is currently baled. Therefore, a low plant and animal diversity was evident on site. The property falls within the V13B quaternary catchment. No Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (FEPA) wetlands were identified within the study site. As such, the scope of work was amended to focus on the delineation and classification of watercourses identified within the area as well as the assessment of any associated riparian zones. Six watercourses were delineated and classified as follows: • Four (4) watercourses were classified as A section channels. • One (1) watercourse was classified as a B section channel. • One (1) watercourse was classified as a C section channel (the Sterkspruit River). The construction activities that have already taken place have led to the removal of soil and this increases the susceptibility of the area to environmental factors including rainfall and wind. Water was noted running down the amphitheatre and into the A section channel as a result of the change in topography, caused by the construction of a trench and the amphitheatre, coupled with high clay content of the soils. The A section channels were delineated closest to the construction activities with the closest distances of 40 m to approximately 100 m to the west of the construction site, and 260 m to the east of the construction site. The A section channels that are located on neighbouring properties have not and will not be impacted by the construction and operation of the wedding venue.