Permits

This permit is issued to Ms Lindsey Smith (Management Authority of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site) and Ms Lindsay Marshall (Maropeng a’Afrika Leisure (Pty) Ltd) for the removal of dislodged mining rubble and securing of the mining adit near the entrance to the Elephant Chamber in the Sterkfontein Caves, Sterkfontein National Heritage Site, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. It is noted that Maropeng a’Afrika Leisure (Pty) Ltd are responsible for carrying out the permitted activities.

Conditions:

1. Ms Lindsey Smith or Ms Lindsay Marshall or an authorised representative (e.g. a member of the Wits Sterkfontein research team) must be on site during maintenance activities.

2. The activities will consist of:

• The removal (dislodging) or securing of any loose or unstable rock materials from within the mining adit;
• The extension of the current fence running along the base of the adit, with the installation of additional rubber netting;
• The shoring of the region with wire mesh and spraying it over with a high density cement (resembling dolomite) as often used in securing unstable mine sections. 

3. All waste material and left over equipment must be removed from the site once the activities have been completed, and the site will be left in the manner it was found (save for the extended fence, rubber netting and wire mesh/concrete). A new dump, clearly demarcated on the site plan, may be created for the removed rubble in the vicinity of the existing historic mine dumps.

4. The landowner must be consulted and informed before and after the activities.

5. It is understood that a COH WHS MA or Maropeng a’Afrika Leisure (Pty) Ltd representative will photograph the affected area prior to and again after the activities have been completed.

6. A final report on the results of the maintenance activities should be submitted to SAHRA by the end of August 2018.

7. 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.

8. The amount of traffic, i.e. numbers of people on site, should be minimised as much as possible to avoid excessive disturbance of the site.

9. 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.

10. SAHRA reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder.