Permits

This permit is issued to Prof. Bruce Rubidge (Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences, University of Witwatersrand) in collaboration with Dr Michael Day (Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of Witwatersrand) for the collection of palaeontological resources from the Abrahamskraal and Middleton Formations of the lower Beaufort Group in the Northern Cape and Free State Provinces.

Conditions:

1. If the permit holder is not to be present on the site at all times then the heritage authority must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorised representatives.

2. Adequate recording methods as specified in the Regulations and Guidelines pertaining to the National Heritage Resources Act must be employed. Note that the position of all excavations and objects collected must be marked on a plan of site.

3. A standard site record form must be lodged with the Evolutionary Studies Institute.

4. All fossils collected, as well as field notes and records, will be curated by the Evolutionary Studies Institute, who will be responsible for the permanent curation and safekeeping of all artefactual material in a condition that allows ongoing research.

5. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to fill in excavations and protect sites during and after excavation to the satisfaction of the heritage authority and the landowner.

6. Annual permit reports on the results of the excavations and analyses must be submitted to SAHRA via email on or before 30 April 2019 and 2020, and a final permit report on or before 30 April 2021. SAHRA reserves the right to withhold further permits if progress is not deemed satisfactory. Permit reports can be made available to researchers on request within three years of the lapsing of this permit.

7. Reprints of all published papers or copies of theses and/or reports resulting from this work must be lodged with the heritage authority.

8. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and conditions of access imposed by the landowner must be observed before collection. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that he or she has an understanding with the landowner concerning: the number of visitors and workers; conditions for camping on the property; 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; erection and demolition of structures on the site; 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. Written landowner permissions must be submitted to SAHRA as part of the permit reports.

10. The permitted excavator shall be responsible for the activities and impacts of all colleagues, students and employees under his or her supervision.

11. Excavators must take measures to ensure the safety of any person who may enter the excavation site as part of their excavation team or as their visitor.

12. 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.

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

14. 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.

15. Request to renew permits must be done at least two months prior to the expiry of the existing permit.