Permits

An exposed human skull was identified on the banks of the Ngqutura River by a passer by from the local community and reported to Chief Jongisilo Pokwana ka Menziwa of the Pokwana Royal Council, Ntlekiseni Location, kwaZangashe Basin, who is the traditional authority within the area.  It is therefore, recommended that rescue excavations be conducted to ensure the safety and conservation of the skeletal remains. Further studies will be conducted to identify the individual, e.g., determination of age, sex, ethnicity and possible dating of the skeletal remains

CONDITIONS OF THE PERMIT: 

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

2. The permit is issued strictly for excavation and exhumation of the human remains.

3. 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.

4. No deviation will be permitted without the prior written approval by ECPHRA. In the event of a proposed deviation, a written motivation must be submitted to the ECPHRA for consideration.

5. 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.

6. A final report on the work conducted and the findings must be submitted to ECPHRA not later than a year from the date of expiration of this permit.

7. Copies of any papers compiled or published as a result of the work conducted or the findings made must be provided to ECPHRA.

8. 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.

9. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the human remains exhumed, are suitably conserved and protected while in his/her possession.

10. ECPHRA 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. 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.

12.  ECPHRA reserves the right to inspect the sites at any time and to cancel this permit upon notice to the permit holder.

13. This permit is subject to a general appeal and may be suspended should an appeal against the decisions be received by ECPHRA within 14 days from the date of the permit.

14. ECPHRA may not be held responsible for any costs or losses incurred in the event of the suspension or retraction of this permit.

 NOTE:

The issuing of this permit does not exempt the applicant from compliance with any other law, where applicable. 
All other legislative requirements and authorisations to exhume/remove human remains as required through the regulations of the National Health Act and other guidelines must be adhered to. 
Retroactive consultation must be done to identify, contact and consult the next of kin, communities and individuals who by tradition have an interest in the grave and burial ground.
Proof of such consultation and agreements on the final reburial of the human remains must be submitted with the final report.