Heritage Cases

ArchaeoMaps have been appointed by Royal Haskoning DHV, on behalf of Eskom, to manage heritage compliance requirements, including an Archaeological Site Inspection (ASI) and relevant reporting to Eskom and the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (EC PHRA) with reference to cemetery site BSK-01, identified during the course of construction of the Authorized rebuilding of the 132kV Grassridge-Kudu-Melkhout power line development, Kouga Local Municipality, Eastern Cape. Site BSK-01 comprises a cemetery site with a counted number of 111 graves, and an estimated total of 130-140 graves, situated at general co-ordinate S33°56’08.8”; E24°58’22.0”, on the property Farm 318/21, near Jeffrey’s Bay, Kouga Local Municipality, Eastern Cape. Site size measures approximately 160x80m, with graves characterized by weathered stone cairn dressings. Selected graves are roughly north-east / south-west oriented, but grave orientation seemingly not a prime parameter, however less discernible due to the weathered and overgrown state of the graves. Site BSK-01 is inferred to well pre-date 60 years of age, based on the decayed state of the graves and the lack of local information, including preliminary consultation with both the landowner and local farm workers, neither of which were aware of the presence of the cemetery nor has any information regarding individuals buried at the site. Culturally the site may be ascribed either to Khoe, Later Stone Age (LSA) pastoral or Later Iron Age (LIA) burial practice. Site BSK-01 cross-cuts the existing Eskom servitude, dating back at least to the late 1960’s. The already Authorized rebuilding development include the construction of a steel lattice tower situated fairly centrally within the cemetery site. Development is at an advanced stage, with a project completion date of end October 2015.