A heritage survey of the proposed upgrade and construction of tourist facilities within the King Sabata Dalindyebo local Municipality, Coffee Bay & Hole in the Wall, Eastern Cape identified no archaeological or historical sites on the two proposed devel

A heritage survey of the proposed upgrade and construction of tourist facilities within the King Sabata Dalindyebo local Municipality, Coffee Bay & Hole in the Wall, Eastern Cape identified no archaeological or historical sites on the two proposed development nodes. No graves older than 60 years old and/or belonging to victims of conflict occur on the footprint. However, the Hole in the Wall geological feature is also a ‘living hertage site’ associated with local amaBomvana notions of the waterpeople or abantubomlambo – a category of ancestral beings. A buffer zone of 50m must be maintained around this feature. None of the proposed development actions, however, will take place closer than 150m to this landmark site. Nevertheless, the local community has voiced concern regarding the proposed development having an impact of on the ‘sense of place’ associated with this feature. It is recommended that the meeting be scheduled with the local community to address their concerns prior to any development. The footprint falls within an area with a high fossil sensitivity. However, due to the minimum impact of the proposed development on the geological deposits it is recommended that no further paleontological studies be conducted. However, a protocol of finds should be implemented. Attention is drawn to the South African Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act no. 25 of 1999), which requires that operations that expose archaeological or historical remains as well as graves and fossil material should cease immediately, pending evaluation by the provincial heritage agency.