Permits

This permit is issued to Dr Keneiloe Molopyane and Prof Lee Berger for the stabilisation and improvement of the underground staircase and pulley lift in the Gladysvale Fossil Site within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COHWHS).

Conditions:

1. Stabilisation and improvement will include the following activities: rusted areas will be repaired and reinforced; safety handrails will be reinforced or added; a short section of 3m length will be added; painting of staircase; spot welds where necessary.

2. Dr Keneiloe Molopyane or Prof Lee Berger must be present on the site during construction. If none of them can be present then SAHRA must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorised representatives.

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 structures).

5. The affected area must be photographed prior to the construction, and again after the installation has been completed. The photographs must be included in the permit report.

6. A final report on the results of the excavations and analyses must be emailed to apmpermitreports@sahra.org.za on or before 31 October 2022. 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. 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. 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.

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

10. 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.

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