Case Decision - 379306

After careful consideration, the locomotives have been identified as having heritage value. Through the provided information and additional research it is evident that many of the locomotives proposed for disposal were initially selected for preservation purposes on account of the historical significance. Research reveals that the classification of each category of class was intended to demonstrate the advancement of the technology and design through time, i.e. each sub-class model added to the fleet was due to the new ever-increasing modern designs. The information provided by Transnet to SAHRA, does not adequately demonstrate that this aspect has been considered. There is reference to other locations that house some model variation of the locomotives intended for disposal but some of these locations appear to be in private hands thus there is concern over diminishing the national estate of heritage under state custody.

Section 3 (3) of the National Heritage Resources Act ((Act No. 25 of 1999) - the NHRA) stipulates that, “a place or object is to be considered part of the national estate if it has cultural significance or other special value because of –
a)    its importance in the community or pattern of South Africa’s history;
b)    its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa’s natural or cultural change;
c)    its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage;
d)    its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South Africa’s natural or cultural places and objects;
e)    its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by community or cultural group;
f)    its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievements at a particular period;"
Some of the locomotives that Transnet intends to dispose of, fulfil one or more of the criteria set out in section 3 (3) of the NHRA.

The SAHRA is concerned over the blanket approach to the scrapping of these particular locomotives therefore recommends the following:
a)    Transnet provides SAHRA with an inventory of the classes and sub-classes of locomotives that Transnet is preserving for conservation purposes. Included in this should be possible associations with historical events or bespoke designs and construction for specific purposes for each locomotive.
b)    Provides SAHRA with documentation of the options considered for disposal for each of the locomotives. As the motivation stands (Ms. Kani letter to SAHRA) it is unclear if the disposal would be through sale, destruction or donation. Given the heritage significance of the locomotives, it is imperative that SAHRA is provided with this information.

The SAHRA acknowledges the plight of vandalism and theft however there is concern on the efforts of safe-guarding of objects of heritage significance by Transnet. The SAHRA is of the view that more effort should be channelled to safeguard the railway heritage under the custody of Transnet. The entity holds the largest inventory of railway heritage of South Africa, and the SAHRA is deeply concerned when disposal is considered citing poor conditions.