Case Decision - 364270

REFERRAL LETTER

The permit application in respect of the above was received and reviewed by the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute (The Institute) on 15 January 2025 refers.  

Please be advised as follows:

• The committee noted that the applicant had submitted the required methodology, and it was noted that Amafa was in the process of submitting a proposal to SAHRA to return the site to national heritage site status.  This meant that work on the site must meet the requirements for a national site. 
• In terms of the roof sheet replacement and insulation: the committee noted that the engineer’s report did not recommend the replacement of the roof and concern was expressed that the new roof sheeting did not have the same profile as the original.  The engineer had noted white rust but Ros Devereux (RD) said that this type of rust was not detrimental and could easily be treated.  Holes were also noted at the ends of the top sheets.  
• It was also unclear why there were two sheets on top of each other, however, staff is still looking for the previous reports submitted to Amafa. 
• While on the issue of the stormwater:  The engineer had suggested that an agricultural drain be installed using the perforated pipe method, but the architects had shown a surface channel.   
• On the issue of the damp:  the methodology was noted but it only included treating the damp in the cavity from the inside and treating both sides of the walls from above floor level.  The architects undertook to investigate the removal of the concrete apron to treat the damp below the ground level on the outside walls. 
• The committee noted that there was possible illegal work on the site:  RD noted that Chief Albert Luthuli’s beloved Jacaranda tree and other trees had been removed and replaced with hard landscaping without Amafa approval.  Amafa staff would locate the approved landscaping drawings or a Form I application may need to be submitted.

The application was therefore referred for further requirements.

FURTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• The architects are required to investigate all the issues raised and provide further motivation, details, and/or revised proposals regarding the replacement of the roof sheeting, the stormwater control, and the damp control on the outside walls below ground. 
• Amafa would locate the previously approved drawings for the landscaping submitted in 2011. 

Written responses/requests for reconsideration of the application or consideration of new information must be loaded to the case on Sahris (email [email protected]) within 30 days of the date of this letter or any requirements/decisions contained herein will be considered final.  Extensions of this time frame can be requested upon receipt of motivation.

Required additional information or revised drawings must be submitted within six months from the date of this letter or the application will lapse and a new application will be required.

THIS LETTER DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FORMAL APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE INSTITUTE.  UNAUTHORISED WORK CARRIED OUT ON THE ABOVE SITE WILL BE IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL AMAFA AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE ACT (5 of 2018).