Permit - 355754

Thank you for your submission to the South African Heritage Resources Agency, which falls under Section 27(18) of the National Heritage Resources Act No.25 of 1999. An assessment was carried out looking at the issues of the development. SAHRA Built-Environment Unit then arranged a series of meetings to outline some of the issues raised in the Heritage Impact Assessment. The application is for the remedial work for the ramparts within the Constitution Hill National Heritage Site Precinct as stated in the executive summary below:

“The Old Fort dates from 1895 and is an important heritage resource in the City of Johannesburg. It forms part of the greater Constitution Hill precinct and is a declared National Heritage Site under the National Heritage Resources Act. The ramparts (the earthen structure and subterranean rooms) that surround the central buildings of the Old Fort have experienced structural deterioration, subsidence and water related issues making parts of the ramparts dangerous and unusable. The proposed work looks to attend to these issues through a combination of repair, new structural intervention, excavation, waterproofing and careful reconstruction and restoration. The proposed work is focused these essential repairs with the intention of making the ramparts safe for use and the rooms below habitable. (Hart B; Heritage Impact Assessment Constitution Hill, p.8, 2023)

The following documents were assessed as part of the application:

1. Heritage Impact Assessment_Old Fort_RevC_low res.pdf
2. Minutes_SAHRA Meeting_24 October 2023.pdf
3. Engineers Report_Old Fort_Final revision 02 (11 May 2023).pdf
4. Drawing 001 - North East Guard House.pdf
5. Drawing 002 - South East Guard House.pdf
6. Drawing 005 - Inclined Retaining Wall_0.pdf
7. Drawing 004 - Vertical Retaining Wall.pdf
8. Drawing 003 - Typical Vent Shaft Cover_1.pdf
9. Heritage Architects Specification_Old Fort_Rev F_low res.pdf

Images: 

1. Old Fort_main entrance_internal.jpg
2. Old Fort_South Entrance_external.jpg
3. Old Fort_entry tunnel.jpg
4. Old Fort_colapsing retaining wall.jpg
5. Old Fort_Rampart Walls.jpg
6. Old Fort_Water Damage Rampart Rooms.jpg
7. Old Fort_NE Guard House.jpg
8. Old Fort_SE Guard House.jpg

The following chapters in the report were pivotal in giving the SAHRA Built-Environment Unit the confidence that the approach and methodology was adequately thought through, and the mitigations were well considered, namely:

• Historical Development
• Assessment of Significance
• Proposed New Development
• Assessment of Impact & Proposed Mitigation

The content outlined above formed the basis of discussions held with the applicant and client and SAHRA BEU for the way forward and how the permitting process will be followed. SAHRA is of the view that in order for the process to be carried out without delays.

Proper phasing of the project and adequate stakeholder management needs to be done before site works commence with both internal and external stakeholders. Permit conditions also formed part of the discussions and all heritage related issues were discussed and the meeting concluded that in order for successful execution of works the monitoring should be carried out by the appointed heritage practitioner in accordance with the Heritage Impact Assessment. This is to ensure that any issues that may arise are tackled in a timely manner and interim report is used to monitor the works along with any other supporting documentation.  The HIA provided was deemed sufficient in its scope and articulating the heritage significance of the site. And the subsequent discussions held with the appointed Heritage Practitioner on the project has assisted in giving assurance to SAHRA that the level of mitigation measures as well as the implementation of the project will be guided by the recommendations made within the report. 

From the documentation submitted, SAHRA issues this permit with the following conditions: heritage-related principles are duly followed as set out in the Heritage Impact Assessment: Old Fort Constitution Hill, Braamfontein by Mr Brendan Hart, 2023. SAHRIS Case No.21227.

CONDITIONS:

1. If Mr Brendan Hart (MayatHart Architects) is not to be present on the site at all times. Then SAHRA must be provided with the names and qualifications of the authorized representatives.

2. The activities will consist of:

• All relevant excavations and preparation of the site for construction
• Removal and disposal of all waste material related to construction.
• The building of the structure and making good according to documentation.

3. All waste material and leftover equipment will be removed from the site once the construction has been completed, and the site will be left in the manner it was found (save for the new action).

4. The landowner must be consulted before any intervention and (the permit holder) or representative of the landowner should be on site on the first day of the action).

5. The applicant will photograph the affected area prior to the construction and again after the construction has been completed and submit to SAHRA as-built drawings highlighting any revisions.

6. A final report on the results of the activities in the form of a close-out report should be submitted to SAHRA by the applicant no later than 30 days after the final completion of works by the contractor on site.

7. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain permission from the landowner for each visit, and to ensuring that she has an understanding with the landowner concerning: the number of visitors and workers; speed limits on access roads; possible prohibitions on off-road driving; size, type and number of vehicles permitted; possible prohibitions on trespassing beyond the site; disturbing fauna, flora or substrate; appropriate hours of visiting and working on the site; use of firewood, electricity and water; lighting fires and the prevention of uncontrolled fires and any fencing necessary to protect livestock.

Conditions of access imposed by the landowner must be observed.

8. SAHRA 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.

9. SAHRA reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder.

10. This permit is subject to a general appeal and may be suspended should an appeal against the decisions be received by SAHRA within 14 days from the date of the permit. SAHRA may not be held responsible for any costs or losses incurred in the event of the suspension or retraction of this permit.