Case Decision - 197469

Dear Wouter,RE: Application for Destruction - NKMA005 and NKMA007This letter is a follow up on the meeting held on Novemver 24th, 2021 with Nkomati Anthracite Mine representative(s), PGS Heritage (Pty) Ltd, SAHRA, and the Masilela Family regarding the grievances raised by the Family relating to vegetation clearance and the subsequent exposure of bones, and the request of the Family to have these bones analysed to determine their nature. It was established during site inspection that the area in question is not related to the mitigated areas and as such the destruction of sites NKMA005 and NKMA007 can proceed as scheduled for the week of the 6th-10th December 2021. The clusters of bones exposed during vegetation clearance though not related to this permitted work, SAHRA has resolved that the bones can be rescued and collected under this permit (permit ID: 3329) to ensure their safety. Furthermore, it has been resolved that a new permit application should be lodged for ground clearance activities on the area where the bones have been exposed. This area is identified as a site where possible graves may exist and there is surface archaeological material, some of which may have been exposed during vegetation clearance. Therefore, this area should be treated as a sensitive area. The  analysis of the bones will be carried out and reported under a new permit. SAHRA, therefore request that a permit application is lodged latest by Tuesday, 7th December 2021 to allow for immideate processing and issuing of the permit to allow for the ground clearance to take place within the scheduled timeframe.SAHRA would appreciate your cooperation in this regard and we trust you will find the above in order.