Permits

PGS Heritage (Pty) Ltd, has been appointed by Modikwa Platinum Mine to conduct a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey of a structure that possibly has a grave located underneath it. In 2021 a member of the Malapane family approached the Modikwa Platinum Mine, stating that a possible grave was buried underneath the concrete surface of structure. A site visit was arranged, and the area was identified by a family member (Ms Maria Mahlodi Malapane) who used to stay in the area and indicated that the structure is located on top of her brother’s grave. According to Ms Malapane their family, used to reside at the location of the prosed grave but the family relocated from their home to make way for the mine and its associated activities and infrastructure. The stakeholder engagement process involved one site visit to identify the location of the possible grave and then the mine representatives met with the families again to have the appropriate documents signed and collected: please see Annexures for relevant documents. The possible grave is located at portion of the farm Hendrikplaats 281 KT at GPS Coordinates S-24.61916667; E30.14805556 Burgersfort, Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality and Sekhukhune District Municipality, Limpopo Province.

This permit is allocated for the requested GPR Survey of the identified site. Should this activity confirm the existence of grave(s), an Exhumation and relocation permit must be applied for. 

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 site plan.
3. A standard site record form must be lodged on SAHRIS.
4. If human remains are uncovered during GPR Survey, all activities must stop until SAHRA BGG Unit has issued a relocation permit.
5. Human remains must at all times be handled with respect and graves should not be disturbed except where unavoidable. The consultation procedures as indicated in the Regulations and the National Heritage Resources Act must be observed as appropriate. The recommendations for removal of graves and exhumations and for re-burial stipulated in SAHRA's Policy 'What to do when graves are uncovered', section 3, must be observed as far as possible.
6. A permit report is due by 31 October 2022.
7. If a published report has not appeared within three years of the lapsing of this permit, the report required in terms of the permit will be made available to researchers on request.
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.
9. 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.
10. The heritage authority 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. The heritage authority reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder.