Heritage Impact Assessment - SAHRA

Although no other sites of heritage significance were identified within the proposed study area, thefollowing recommendations are given should any sub-surface remains of heritage sites be identified asindicated above;All operators of excavation equipment should be made aware of the possibility of the occurrenceof sub-surface heritage features and the following procedures should they be encountered.All construction in the immediate vicinity of the site should cease.The heritage practitioner should be informed as soon as possible.In the event of obvious human remains the SAPS should be notified.Mitigative measures (such as refilling etc.) should not be attempted.The area in a 50m radius of the find should be cordoned off with hazard tape.Public access should be limited.The area should be placed under guard.No media statements should be released until such time as the heritage practitioner has hadsufficient time to analyze the finds.It was noted during the site survey that the developer was in the process of planning theconstruction of several new roads on the property. It is imperative that a HIA be performed for anyof these roads found to exceed 300m in length.Cultural Landscape AnalysisThe cultural landscape is homogeneous and can be described as one unit;Landscape Unit AThe cultural landscape of this part of the country is strongly associated with early nomadic herdersocieties, hunter gatherer sites and more commonly, historic occupations. Most of the area falls within thecolonial farming framework with classic sun dried brick and corrugated iron roof buildings. Alsocharacteristic of this area’s cultural heritage is the occurrence of large stone walled livestock enclosures(“kraals”).The genius loci is of rural farming communities living in close contact with the land and nature.RecommendationsIt is recommended that the developers take this landscape character into consideration when building andplanning new structures. It is seen as a positive cultural landscape type. New developments should aim tointegrate with the existing landscape and should try to reflect this in their designs. Where this is notpossible the designs should aim to be as unobtrusive as possible.26Ibamba Private Nature and Hunting Reserve – Eastern Cape