War over heritage-site averted
An explosive situation was defused after a compromise was reached with all stakeholders in the Koppewaai-area, which is also a known heritage site.
During an urgent meeting at Bela-Bela Municipality between Bela-Bela Heritage, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), Bela-Bela Municipality, the Department of Corporate Governance, Social Development, and Traditional Affairs (COGSDTA), the Housing Development Agency (HDA), with local members of the Koppewaai Community, Cllrs Mary Koover (ANC) of Ward 25, Andries van der Heyde of the DA, and JeeDee Cloete of the FF Plus, the issues raised about the destruction of a heritage site was addressed.
The main issues that caused consternation were the extension of services and construction that occurred on the northern border of Koppewaai, which spilled over into a known heritage site that spans the Iron Age (1500-1800), Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), as well, as Apartheid-struggle archaeology from 1990, (Die Pos, 5 July).
Fears that the construction might impact the heritage site were raised with the municipality in October 2023, by Bela-Bela Heritage, and after several unsuccessful attempts to get the Muni-
cipality to act and prevent the destruction of a heritage site, the issue was reported in writing to SAHRA in February 2024.
It was discovered that construction work spilled over into the heritage site in June this year, and rescue efforts were launched, by Bela-Bela Heritage and archaeologists to preserve as many artifacts as possible.
In July it was found that the situation deteriorated to such an extent, that Bela-Bela Heritage, on advice from SAHRA opened a criminal case with the Bela-Bela police, for contravention of the Heritage Act 25/1999.
SAHRA issued a Stop Order, on all construction at the site with immediate effect and the residents of Koppewaai, who would benefit from the construction were up in arms about the delay. They threatened to escalate a volatile situation with protests, and riots, as they did not grasp the impact of SAHRA’s actions.
On Tuesday, 30 July, an urgent meeting was held at Bela-Bela Municipality, and after a site visit with all those involved, a compromise was reached. COGSDTA has to apply for a Mitigation Permit and appoint archaeologists to investigate the site. The Iron Age site will receive full protection, while the Anglo-Boer War site will be partially preserved. Artifacts will be collected on the part affected by the construction for preservation.
The Municipal Manager, George Ramagaga, and the Head of Planning and Economic Development, Nkhangweleni Siliga were in agreement that the establishment of a museum for Bela-Bela, would be in the best interest of the community, and will receive urgent attention. Nkosazana Machete from SAHRA, made it clear to all present that the issue of heritage protection, is just as essential as any other service in South Africa.
Although there were some individuals present that refused to accept the importance of heritage protection, the outcome was considered a success, and the believe remains that the challenges in the near future, will be approached in a constructive manner, and the future seems a little brighter.
