Permits

This permit is issued to Prof. Francis Thackeray in collaboration with Dr. Dominic Stratford for the stabilisation of Member 4 of Sterkfontein National Heritage Site. The stabilisation will consist of de-vegetation, sealing of exposed sediments and filling of open cracks, and the securing of the exposed walls with tensioned wire mesh. 

Conditions: 

1. If Dr. Stratford is not present on site at all times then SAHRA must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorised representatives.
2. The activities will consist of two phases. 
3. Phase 1 will consist of the de-vegetation and the sealing of the exposed vegetation and filling of open cracks. 
4. A herbicide will be used to kill the vegetation growth in the pockets and cracks.
5. The vertical face will be sprayed with a matrix bonding styrene acrylic which will seal and hold loose particles and clasts in place. 
6. Open cracks will then be filled with a cement based grout which will reduce further cracks. 
7. Phase 2 will involve wrapping 2.5mm wire mesh across the vertical faces of Member 4. The mesh will be secured with tensioned cable which run across the faces and will be secured into dolomite or heavily calcified breccia.
8. All equipment will be supplied and transferred to site by a mining engineering firm. The best location of equipment on site to undertake the maintenance will be determined by Dr. Stratford. 
9. A photographic record should be compiled prior to the start of work, and again after each phase of the project has been completed. 
10. A draft on the results of the maintenance must be submitted to SAHRA before the of 1 March 2016 and 1 March 2017. A final report should be submitted to SAHRA before the 1 March 2018. 
11. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and she is responsible for ensuring that she has an understanding with the landowner concerning: the number of visitors and workers; speed limits on access roads; possible prohibitions on off-road driving; size, type and number of vehicles permitted; possible prohibitions on trespassing beyond the site; disturbing fauna, flora or substrate; appropriate hours of visiting and working on the Site; use of firewood, electricity and water; lighting fires and the prevention of uncontrolled fires and any fencing necessary to protect livestock. Conditions of access imposed by the landowner must be observed. 10. SAHRA shall not be liable for any losses, damages or injuries to persons or properties as a result of any activities in connection with this permit. 11. SAHRA reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder