Permit - 347695

Digbywells has been appointed to affect exhumation and re-internment of about 369 graves that are within 12 burial grounds located at Mafube Collierty, in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality of Mpumalanga (STLM). Mafube is currently expanding its operations as part of the Life Extension (Lifex) Project to exploit the Nooitgedacht coal reserves on the farms Nooitgedacht 417 JS and Roodepoort 418 JS. There are 292 graves in nine burial grounds within the current and planned Life of Mine (LoM) and 60 graves in three burial grounds within the current buffer of the planned Lifex Project. The graves in the affected cemetery are older than 60 years old and protected by the Heritage legislation. Identified Next-of-kin have consented to the exhumation and MFG funeral undertaker have been appointed to assist with handling of human remains. 

This permit is allocated for the exhumation and re-internment of graves that are protected under section 36(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 as consented by the next-of-kin (s). Exhumation and re-internment of graves that fall outside the said legislative prescript must be authorized by the relevant permitting authorities. The following conditions must be adhered to.

 

Conditions:

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 authorized 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. 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.
5. A permit report is due by 31 October 2023. A preliminary report must be submitted within three months from the date this permit is issued. 
6. All remains recovered, including relics and artefacts must be buried at a local municipal cemetery.
7. Reprints of all published papers or copies of theses and/or reports resulting from this work must be lodged with the relevant provincial heritage authority and SAHRA.
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 permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and conditions of access imposed by the landowner must be observed.
   It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that the exhumed individuals are buried in accordance with the wishes of the Next-of Kin(s).
10. 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.
11. 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.