Case Decision - 199388

Final Comment
Due to the magnitude of the proposed exhumation and the indicated challenge of identifying families of the deceased during public consultation, SAHRA BGG conducted an site inspection at the site in November 2022. It was then established that the site in question is a Black Concentration Camp that SAHRA, through the Burial Grounds and Graves Unit has been monitoring for about 2 years if not more. It is within the said context that SAHRA BGG objects to the proposed development project. The following recommendations are proposed:

Extensive independent research must be conducted to confirm or exclude the site from being a concentration Camp.

The site must be retained in-situ to preserve the history associated with it. A buffer-zone of at-least 50m must be established and maintained around the site.

A HMP must be developed for the maintenance of the site. If the site is to be incorporated into the development, recommended buffer must be honored and the developer is welcomed to do a memorial site provided that necessary permits are obtained.

In the event that it is irrefutably proven that the site is not associated with a significant South African History, consented effort must be made to identify families of the deceased. Where necessary, addresses inscribed on some of the tombstones can be visited to trace next-of-kin(s) families. A detailed report of the required public consultation and family consent can then be submitted for consideration.