Case Decision - 383677

The application was considered by the Provincial Heritage Authority, the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute on 16 July 2025. The documents submitted in support of the application were reviewed. The committee noted that the application was for a windfarm for 90 turbines, access roads, and cables to the Bloedrivier substation. 

The HIA and PIA reports and PP had been done in 2014 and this application was for the finalization of the development sites. The committee noted that the area is rich in heritage resources from the Stone Age through to the Boer Wars. A long list of resources was identified. A walk through of the areas to be intervened on was carried out by the EAP. The following was noted in that report: No-go signage to be erected between the project footprint and sites WAA014, WAA041, WAA042, WAA046 and WH004; The road in the vicinity of WAA021 may not be widened towards the east; No-go signage should be placed adjacent to all features at WAA021 only if road upgrade work is required there; The developer must appoint an archaeologist to monitor all grubbing and initial (upper 0.5 m) excavations in the vicinity of Turbine 25 (site WAA046); and ASHA Consulting (Pty) Ltd | Reg. no.: 2013/220482/07 iii;  It further noted that, if any archaeological material or human burials are uncovered during the course of development, then work in the immediate area should be halted. The find would need to be reported to the heritage authorities and may require inspection by an archaeologist. Such heritage is the property of the state and may require excavation and curation in an approved institution. 

A palaeontological report was submitted as well as a walk-through report and the report concluded that the project area of the proposed Waaihoek WEF and associated infrastructure is of ZERO to VERY LOW palaeosensitivity. The construction phase of these renewable energy developments will not entail significant impacts on local palaeontological heritage resources. There are no outstanding palaeontological heritage issues concerning the proposed final layout. Pending the potential (but unlikely) discovery of substantial new fossil sites before or during construction, no further specialist palaeontological studies, monitoring or mitigation are recommended for the WEF project. Chance finds protocols were recommended. The KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute has no objection to the proposed development.

CASE CONDITIONS

1. You are also required to adhere to the below-mentioned standard conditions:
   1. The KwaZulu Natal Amafa and Research Institute should be contacted if any heritage objects are identified during earth-moving activities and all development should cease until further notice.
   2. No structures older than sixty years or parts thereof are allowed to be demolished, altered, or extended without a permit from the KwaZulu Natal Amafa and Research Institute.
   3. Under no circumstances may any heritage material be destroyed, inundated, collected, or removed from site unless under direction of the KwaZulu Natal and Amafa Research Institute and a heritage specialist.
   4. Should any remains be found on site that is potentially human remains, the South African Police Service (SAPS) should also be contacted. No SAPS official may disturb or exhume such remains, without the necessary permission from the KwaZulu Natal Amafa and Research Institute.
   5. No activities are allowed within 50m of a site, which contains rock art.
   6. Sources of all-natural materials (including topsoil, sands, natural gravels, crushed stone, asphalt, etc.) must be obtained in a sustainable manner and in compliance with the heritage legislation.
2. Failure to comply with the requirements of the National Heritage Resources Act and the KwaZulu Natal Amafa and Research Institute Act could lead to legal action being instituted against the applicant.