Permits

Due to the topography and elevation on this particular section of the site, SAHRA is of the opinion that some of the materials to be disposed of due to earthworks should be reflected on the construction management plan and monitored accordingly so that no undue damage is incurred on the heritage resource. To this end the Mitigation Strategy concerning heritage structures/ artefacts proposed by the applicant need to be followed and a construction management plan needs to be submitted to SAHRA prior to all work being carried out. Once construction is completed a closing report is requested in order to have the permit requirements and the file for the site in order.

From the overall submission and supporting documentation, SAHRA gives consent for the construction of the Access Ramp near the Mining Managers office provided that all conditions of the permit conditions are duly followed and all heritage related principles are adhered to according to the ambit of the National Heritage Resources Agency Act No. 25 of 1999. Should you have any further enquiries concerning said permit please do not hesitate to contact the office of the Built Environment Unit Manager: Mr Gregory Ontong at gontong@sahra.org.za and the office of Archaeology, Palaeontology & Meteorites Unit Manager: Mr Philip Hine at phine@sahra.org.za.

This permit is issued to Applicant: Mashabane Rose Associates: Mr Marc Sherratt for the Construction of a New Access Ramp within the Taung Skull World Heritage Site Precinct.

1. If Mr Marc Sherratt is not to be present on the site at all times then SAHRA must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorised representatives.

2. The activities will consist of:

3. A monitoring schedule should be developed in discussion with the site archaeologist and the current Taung WHS research team to monitor activities on regular basis that might impact on significant archaeological and palaeontological resources.
4. All waste material and left over equipment will be removed from the site once the construction has been completed, and the site will be left in the manner it was found (save for the new access ramp).

5. The landowner must be consulted before any intervention and Mr Marc Sherratt or a representative of the landowner should be on site on the first day of any excavation activities.

6. It is understood that Mr Marc Sherratt will photograph the affected area prior to any excavation activities related to the construction and again after construction has been completed.

7. A final report on the results of the activities should be submitted to SAHRA no later than 30 days after final completion of works.

8. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and to 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.
9. Should any objects of archaeological or palaeontological remains be found during construction activities, work must immediately stop in that area and the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) must be informed. The ECO must inform the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and contact the responsible archaeologist and/or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the find, to assess the importance and rescue them if necessary (with the relevant SAHRA permit). No work may be resumed in this area without the permission from the ECO and SAHRA.

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.

12. This permit is subject to a general appeal and may be suspended should an appeal against the decisions be received by SAHRA within 14 days from the date of the permit. SAHRA may not be held responsible for any costs or losses incurred in the event of the suspension or retraction of this permit.