Chapter 12: HERITAGE RESOURCES

Authors:Wouter Fourie(1), Polke Birkholtz(2), Otsile Ntsoane(3) and Stuart Mangold(4)

1. Matakoma Environmental & Archaeological Management Consultants, Krugersdorp, Johannesburg
2. Helio Alliance Pty Ltd, Pretoria
3. North West Dept. of Social Services Art Culture and Sports Heritage, Mafikeng
4. North West Dept. Agriculture, Conservation & Environment, Mafikeng

CONTENTS

Cultural Heritage Resources
Natural Heritage Resources

References

Maps:

Protected areas in the North West Province (Map 56)

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Selected cultural heritage sites and landscapes of the North West Province
Appendix 2: North West Province parks and nature reserves
Appendix 3: Selected natural heritage sites of significance in the North West Province

12.1 Cultural Heritage Resources

12.1.1 Introduction

The North West Province is richly endowed with a wide variety of cultural heritage resources, representative of South Africa's deep-rooted history and cultural diversity. Cultural heritage resources can be divided into two main components, namely tangible and intangible resources. Tangible resources include objects, features and landscapes such as graves, forts, battlefields, and archaeological sites. Intangible resources include aspects such as oral history, traditional knowledge and cultural practices and folklore.

According to the United Nations Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, cultural heritage is considered as:

Monuments - architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science.
Groups of buildings - groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science.
Sites - works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites that are of outstanding universal value from the historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.

The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999), defines the heritage resources of South Africa which are of cultural significance or other special value for the present community and for future generations must be considered part of the national estate, which includes:

places, buildings, structures and equipment of cultural significance;
places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage;
historical settlements and townscapes;
landscapes and natural features of cultural significance;
geological sites of scientific or cultural importance;
archaeological and palaeontological sites;
graves and burial grounds, including-
1. ancestral graves;
2. royal graves and graves of traditional leaders;
3. graves of victims of conflict;
4. graves of individuals designated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette;
5. historical graves and cemeteries; and
6. other human remains which are not covered in terms of the Human Tissue Act, 1983 (Act No. 65 of 1983);
sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa;
movable objects, including-
1. objects recovered from the soil or waters of South Africa, including archaeological and palaeontological objects and material, meteorites and rare geological specimens;
2. objects to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage;
3. ethnographic art and objects;
4. military objects;
5. objects of decorative or fine art;
6. objects of scientific or technological interest; and
7. books, records, documents, photographic positives and negatives, graphic, film or video material or sound recordings, excluding those that are public records as defined in section 1(xiv) of the National Archives of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act No. 43 of 1996).

(3)Without limiting the generality of subsections (1) and (2), a place or object is to be considered part of the national estate if it has cultural significance or other special value because of-

its importance in the community, or pattern of South Africa's history;
its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa's natural or cultural heritage;
its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa's natural or cultural heritage;
its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South Africa's natural or cultural places or objects;
its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group;
its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period;
its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons;
its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of importance in the history of South Africa; and
sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.

12.1.2 Driving Forces

The driving forces affecting cultural heritage resources are often interlinked, producing both positive and negative effects on these resources. Tourism development, for example, may influence and drive the need for the conservation and further research pertaining to heritage sites and landscapes in the Province. However, the possibility does exist that these resources may become degraded due to unmanaged development of the tourism industry that in turn may lead to the damage of some sites or landscapes. Other significant driving forces in this section are policy and legislation and recreational demand.

Population growth and development

The growth and development of the population is a major driving force in the Province. This has both positive and negative socio-economic implications for cultural heritage resources. A positive driving force would be the preservation of cultural heritage resources for future generations and for the tourism potential. The negative driving forces include possible vandalisation and deliberate degradation of sites for econiomic gain.

Policy and legislation

Policy and legislation have the potential to be both positive and negative driving forces for cultural heritage resources. The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) encourage heritage resources conservation. Unfortunately historical policies led to the separate development and settlement of, in most cases, rural communities in marginal areas with little regard to the conservation of cultural heritage resources. This in effect caused the degradation of some cultural heritage sites and landscapes due to neglect by the State.

Tourism development

Tourism development, linked to community participation and growth, is one of the main priorities in the North West Province. The Province's rich cultural heritage resources as a basis for such developments are the most obvious and possibly cost effective way for local communities to become part of the growing self-sustainability drive in South Africa. Subsidies on development of tourism are a positive driving force in the preservation and development of existing known cultural heritage resources. This may also drive the need for research into the state and possible function of these resources for optimal conservation and utilisation in the Province.

Recreational demand

Recreational demand is linked to the tourism potential of cultural heritage resources which is growing in the North West Province. Due to its proximity to Gauteng Province, the North West is ideally suited to provide the resources for these activities. This is closely linked to tourism development and requires extensive management to preserve the heritage sites and landscapes which are the main driving force.

12.1.3 Pressures

Rapid industrialisation and expansion of mining activities place a great deal of pressure on cultural heritage resources. In comparison to the emphasis placed on the environmental and social components of environmental management activities, very little attention is given to the heritage component of similar activities. Likewise, living heritage resources such as contemporary cultural practices, oral history and initiation schools are often ignored in planning and development projects.

Concerns exist that the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) does not sufficiently protect these aspects of living heritage. In some cases, it seems, that the provisions of the Heritage Resources Act are not accessible, nor understood. Heritage resources in the North West Province seem to receive very little attention or funding for the management of cultural heritage resources. Certainly tourism development activities, in which heritage resources are utilised, take place without the proper Cultural Resources Management Plans to conserve and sustainably manage these resources.

Very few activities to encourage the creation of awareness amongst role players, stakeholders, participants in the cultural environment and the general public take place. In some cases, such as Kaditshwene, the Iron-Age Bahurutshe trading centre near Zeerust, disputes over ownership of land and cultural heritage resources may occur.

12.1.4 State

Heritage resources trace the fabric of the country's heritage all the way back to the dawn of humankind, with sites such as Taung Heritage Site and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site signifying the depth of the history represented in the Province and neighbouring Gauteng respectively (see Appendix 1).

Stone Age history, as a heritage resource, is well represented in the Province and includes sites such as Kruger Cave. However, it is especially the rock art associated with the Later Stone Age of the Province that is well known, including the Bosworth Rock Engraving site near Klerksdorp and Thaba Sione near Mafikeng. Thaba Sione consists of more than 559 rock engravings, with especially predominant depictions of rhinoceros.

Iron Age sites are also common in the Province of which a good example is the stone-walled settlement of Kaditshwene in the Madikwe area. This site was a major city of the Bahurutshe between 1600 and 1823, which was documented to be larger than Cape Town at that time.

South Africa's often-tumultuous recent past is also well represented in the Province, including battlefields from the South African War such as the Battle of Silkaatsnek (11 July 1900). Numerous forts, graves and blockhouses from this period, are also fairly widespread.

Other heritage resources more recently recognised in the Province include the piece of land where Sol Plaatjie lived, called Seweding, as well as Maratiwa, the home and surgery of the well-known politician, surgeon, poet and writer, Dr. Seetsele Modiri Molema in Mafikeng.

The condition of the known cultural heritage resources found within North West Province is deemed to be fairly good, however it is believed that a large portion of the cultural heritage resources of the Province remain unknown. In addition to this, there exists a very low level of awareness amongst the general public and persons not directly involved in the cultural heritage environment. Some of the more important heritage sites such as Kaditshwene and Taung Heritage Site are being developed for tourism purposes. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and its associated tourism development is also partly located in the North West Province.

A listing of cultural resources in the Province shows the large variety of sites (Appendix 1). This list is not exhaustive, but merely aims to portray the richness of the Province's cultural heritage.

12.1.5 Impact

Impacts on cultural heritage resources include:

Considerable degradation of especially living heritage resources, takes place during various forms of development, largely due to ignorance or inadequate documentation;
Many cultural heritage resources have been negatively affected, or even destroyed by rapid urban and agricultural expansion;
Knowledge of cultural heritage resources and traditions are being lost due to the fact that this information is not being passed down from one generation to the next, as well as the adoption of the more westernised culture;
Heritage resources, which are exposed to tourism activities, are often damaged, due to a lack of appropriate management measures being in place;
Due to a lack of awareness, cultural objects are often removed from archaeological sites;
Rapid urban expansion and development has resulted in the demolition of many buildings of historical significance;
Natural events and processes such as desertification, soil erosion, weathering and flooding;
Tourism related activities provide an economic incentive to safeguard and restore heritage sites. However, the associated development may have a negative impact on the aesthetic quality of the site concerned, and
Museum collections and displays also play a role in preserving cultural artifacts and furnishing information about heritage resources.

12.1.6 Responses

Several responses to the need to protect South Africa's and the North West Province's cultural heritage are evident:

Legislative Responses

International treaties and conventions

World Heritage Convention - UNESCO Convention concerned with the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage, ratified by South Africa on 10 July 1997. The convention aims to promote cooperation among nations to protect natural and cultural heritage which is of such outstanding universal value that its conservation is of concern to all people.

The convention enhances recognition of South Africa's outstanding heritage sites, and promotes tourism and creation of employment opportunities for communities living in the vicinity of these sites. Once they are inscribed on the World Heritage List and they receive international protection as World Heritage sites.

South Africa currently has three world heritage sites, namely, St Lucia Wetland, Robben Island and the Cradle of Humankind (Sterkfontein Caves). The Taung Heritage site is being proposed as a World Heritage Site serial nomination to the latter.

National legislation

The promulgation of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999), which provides a wide range of protection for cultural heritage resources and the establishment of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). The National Heritage Resources Act also sets out conditions for identification, assessment and management of heritage resources. The Act also covers research, education, tourism and the integration of heritage resources conservation in urban and rural planning.
National Heritage Council Act (Act No. 11 of 1999) gives effect to the establishment of the National Heritage Council, which is tasked with the protection and management of national heritage (including living heritage and indigenous knowledge systems).
Drafting a Provincial Heritage Resources Bill, on a provincial level, in order to ensure protection, preservation and control of resources.
National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) - Chapter 5 on Integrated Environmental Management requires that the impact on cultural heritage must be assessed prior to the granting of authorisations for development.
With specific reference to the east and southeast of the province, EIAs, and in particular heritage impact assessments, are required by DEAT. In other words, there is a certain measure of awareness for heritage in terms of development and mining projects. This, however, is not necessarily the case in all areas of the Province.

Institutional responses

Institutions / Organisations involved with cultural heritage management:

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), are increasingly involved in the awareness campaigns aimed at both government and non-governmental bodies and institutions. The SAHRA has a number of other functions granted by the National Heritage Resources Act. These include the establishing of heritage resources assessment criteria and grading. SAHRA, in consultation with the Minister and the MEC of every province, establish a system of grading of places and objects which form part of the national estate, and which distinguishes between at least the following categories-
- Grade I: Heritage resources with qualities so exceptional that they are of special national significance (managed by SAHRA)
- Grade II: Heritage resources which, although forming part of the national estate, can be considered to have special qualities which make them significant within the context of a province or a region (managed by a provincial heritage resources authority);
- Grade III: Other heritage resources worthy of conservation, which must be used by a heritage resources authority or a local authority to assess the intrinsic, comparative and contextual significance. The North West Province's South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) office is based in Mafikeng.
Department of Social Services, Arts, Culture & Sport, North West Province.
North West Parks and Tourism Board has taken responsibility for heritage sites within declared parks and reserves.
Local and Provincial museums also play a role in the gathering and management of information on cultural resources.

Other responses include the designation of important heritage resources as national heritage sites or world heritage sites under the World Heritage Convention. The Taung Heritage Site at Buxton where the skull of an early hominid was discovered in 1924 and described as the "missing link" in hominid evolution proving that mankind evolved in Africa, not Asia. This site is currently a national heritage site designate and is being proposed as world heritage site as a serial nomination to the Cradle of Humankind.

12.1.7 Outcomes

Some outcomes of the responses are:

Several known sites (especially those that serve as tourist attractions) have been well researched and are well managed;
An increased understanding of the importance of heritage resources management within development programmes;
Greater understanding of the National Heritage Resources Act, resulting in improved management of cultural heritage resources;
Through the establishment of SAHRA, a more aggressive approach is being taken with regards to the management of cultural heritage resources in the Province.

12.1.8 Linkages

This section links with:

Chapter 2 on the biophysical environment;
Chapter 3 on the social environment;
Chapter 5 on policy and legislative environment;
Chapter 6.2 on settlement and land use patterns;
Chapter 7.7 on tourism and leisure;
Chapter 9 on land transformation and soil quality;
Chapter 11 on biodiversity and conservation;
Chapter 14 on environmental education and capacity building;
Chapter 15 on Integrated Development and Planning Frameworks and Integrating Environmental Considerations in Decision Making.

12.1.9 Data issues

A large amount of data is available on cultural resources in the province, but is fragmented and not standardised. There is an overall lack of co-ordination between data organisers from the various organisations within the Province (e.g.museums or provincial departments).

12.1.10 Conclusions and recommendations

The Province has a rich variety of cultural resources which include: archaeological sites, graves, forts, bushman paintings, battlefields, historic buildings and national monuments. Of particular note are the Taung archaeological site and Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (actually in Gauteng). Despite the status of many sites and their tourism potential, there seems to be little attention given to cultural matters by the Province.

Although there is little information on their status, evidence suggests that there has been considerable degradation of many of the Province's cultural resources. This degradation has taken place because of:

Natural degradation due to the harsh climate;
Vandalism and removal of artefacts;
Demolition and disturbance due to urban expansion and development;
Negative perceptions of some sites by certain cultural groups; and
Poor management.

Management of cultural heritage is a co-function of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), NWP&TB, Provincial Dept of Social Services, Arts, Culture and Sport as well as district and local councils.

It is vital that the value of cultural heritage resources (conservation, tourism development and related activities, research and interpretation) is promoted within the Province.
The following needs to be undertaken:

Development of a provincially-based data-recording centre, where all information related to the Province's cultural heritage resources can be processed. SAHRA is the ideal organisation to manage this function;
Museums, as centres where cultural heritage is represented and interpreted, should be integrated into the tourism industry in a more meaningful way;
A better-coordinated and inter-departmental approach integrating all components from the various stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental organisations);
Although valuable research has taken place, there is a need for further research of cultural heritage resources throughout the Province. This would require increased funding to be allocated to the Province's heritage resources and their management.

12.2 Natural Heritage Resources

12.2.1 Introduction

The North West Province is blessed with an array of natural heritage sites and landscapes. Some of the more well known examples include the Magaliesberg Mountain Range in the east of the Province and Barberspan in the central region, which is a declared RAMSAR site. However, little is known about other natural heritage resources which fall outside of formally protected areas, as no real survey has been conducted in the Province.

According to the United Nations' Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, natural heritage is considered as:

Natural features consisting of physical and biological formations or groups of such formations, which are of outstanding universal value from the aesthetic or scientific point of view, for example the Barberspan RAMSAR site.
Geological and physiographical formations and precisely delineated areas which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation, for example the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, the Pilanesberg area and the Vredefort Dome Meteoric Impact Crater.
Natural sites or precisely delineated natural areas of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty, for example Wondergat, a well-known large dolomitic sinkhole, near Ottoshoop.

Conservation of these sites carries a high priority with the North West provincial government not only from a heritage viewpoint, but also the possible development of these sites for tourism potential and job creation in the Province.

A close link exists between tourism development, recreational demand and the conservation of natural heritage resources in the North West Province. The growing trend of community development through tourism assist the possible utilisation of the natural resources in the Province by providing the backbone for sustainable utilisation of the resources can develop. Although tourism can provide the financial input from the international market, there is a need within the Province and the neighbouring Province of Gauteng for places for recreation through the natural experience for relaxation, leisure and spiritual and aesthetic needs. Natural heritage sites and landscapes such as the Magaliesberg Mountain Range can provide the environment for these kinds of experiences and the subsequent conservation and management of these is thus essential.

12.2.2 Driving forces

The forces that affect natural heritage sites are often interlinked with both positive and negative implications for the natural heritage at provincial and national level. Tourism development, for example, may influence and drive the need for the conservation and research into possible heritage sites in the North West Province. However, the possibility that over-exploitation of these resources may occur due to unmanaged development of the tourism industry that in turn may lead to the damage of some sites or landscapes. Apart from tourism development, policy and legislation, and recreational demand are the driving forces in this section.

Population growth and development

The growth and development of the population in the Province is a major driving force behind land transformation, be it for agriculture, small-scale industries or settlement. This has already resulted in large areas of land being transformed in the Province, with this driving force likely to increase pressures on the environment in the future.

Tourism development

Tourism development, linked to community participation and growth, is a major priority in the North West Province. Utilising the natural heritage resources as draw card for such developments is the most obvious and probably cost effective way for local communities to become part of the growing self-sustainability drive in South Africa. Subsidies on development of tourism are a positive driving force in the preservation and development of existing, known natural heritage resources. This may also drive the need for research into the state and possible function of these resources for optimal conservation and utilisation in the Province.

Policy and legislation

Policy and legislation have the potential to be both positive and negative driving forces on natural heritage resources. The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) and National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) encourage heritage resources conservation. Unfortunately historical policies led to the separate development and settlement of, in most cases, rural communities in marginal areas. This in effect caused the degradation and damage of many important areas of natural heritage significance due to population pressures and neglect by the State.

Recreational demand

Recreational demand for places of relaxation and leisure is growing and the North West Province. Due to its proximity to Gauteng Province, the North West is ideally suited to provide the resources for these activities. This is closely linked to tourism development and requires extensive management to preserve the natural heritage that provides the incentive for these recreational activities to take place there. Examples are Pilanesberg and Magaliesberg as well as the Vredefort Dome.

12.2.3 Pressures

Although a large portion of the natural heritage resources in the North West Province are situated in reserves and parks where they are conserved and managed effectively, many natural heritage sites and landscapes fall outside these reserves and are deteriorating due to neglect and ignorance. These areas are under pressure from population demands for housing, energy and expansion, while industries put pressure on these areas' capacity to absorb waste and effluent.

The lack of managed utilisation of resources in the previous 'homelands' led to a large disparity in the development and conservation of lesser-known natural heritage sites. The slow process of developing management guidelines and implementation of these guidelines only prolongs this situation in the present. Pressures on the natural heritage resources include, deterioration of resources due to neglect and ignorance, unsustainable utilisation, industrialisation and the expansion of agricultural activities, and changes in land use.

Deterioration of sites and landscapes as a result of neglect or ignorance

The larger well-known sites and landscapes in the North West Province do have conservation management plans in place, particularly those which are located within formally protected areas. However, other lesser-known landscapes are deteriorating due to the absence of management plans or ignorance due to the absence of a registry of natural heritage resources in the Province.

Unsustainable utilisation of natural resources by poor communities and short-term, wealth-generating activities

The over-utilisation of natural resources by poor communities who have few other options available to meet their energy and building needs exerts pressure on the sustainability and preservation of natural resources, whilst the lack of proper education and management of the use of these resources contributes to the problem. Short-term wealth generating activities such as mining activities place great pressure on the natural heritage and resources of the Province. The occurrence of minerals in sensitive areas only compounds this problem. For example, the norite "koppies" in the Brits region are under severe pressure for the mining of granite.

Industrial development, industrialisation of rural communities and the continued expansion of agricultural activities Socio-economic development of an area places large pressures on the natural resources in that area. This is also the case in the Province where the need for industrial development and development of local communities receives priority. However, the exploitation of such natural resources and the resultant degradation of these, may result in the potential loss of affected natural heritage sites and landscapes. The management of these developments through active governance, policies and procedures is of utmost importance.

12.2.4 State

Fortunately, many of the Province's natural heritage resources are situated within the national parks and provincial nature reserves (see Map 56). Due to management initiatives and conservation by the North West Parks and Tourism Board, these areas are generally well protected and development of these heritage sites are to some extent well underway in the existing twelve parks and reserves in the Province (see Appendix 2 for list of parks; North West Parks & Tourism 2001a).

Other natural heritage sites of significance in the Province are listed in Appendix 3. However, these sites presently do not have formally protected status and are therefore vulnerable to expoitation or degradation.

12.2.5 Impacts

Natural heritage landscapes are impacted by over-grazing and poor land use, which can be seen as a direct cause of subsistence farming by communities in the rural areas of the North West Province. Commercial agriculture also causes large-scale sterilisation of natural resources and changes the overall visual appearance of areas (see Chapter 9).

Many sites and landscapes have been irrevocably transformed or lost through industrial development such as mining and agriculture. Historically, industrial development did not need to take the environment into account and construction of new structures was done where it was most convenient for the developer. This caused damage to natural areas and the transformation of these areas to new uses. However, the environmental movement of the 1990's in South Africa put pressure on indiscriminate development and legislation like NEMA, the National Heritage Act and the Environment Conservation Act required the completion of Environmental Impact Assessments and Heritage Impact Assessment, before development could take place. However, the continued rapid urban expansion and development particularly in the eastern region of the Province has impacted on many natural heritage sites and landscapes, such as the norite "koppies" in the Brits region.

Tourism related activities provide an economic incentive to safeguard and restore heritage sites. However, the associated development may have a negative impact on the aesthetic quality of the site or landscape concerned.

12.2.6 Responses

Both the DEAT and heritage resources policies stipulate the need to safeguard, protect and preserve natural heritage sites, as well as providing guidelines for the development and sustainable utilisation of heritage resources through tourism. These policies strive to ensure that the integrity of such sites and landscapes is maintained; that the industrial developers do not destroy the landscape or heritage worthy areas; that rural developmental plans interface with the needs identified in the RDP and rural development plans by local authorities.

Legislative responses

Conventions and international agreements

In 1972 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) adopted the World Heritage Convention which is concerned with the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. The purpose was to adopt a convention for 'establishing an effective system of collective protection of the cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value' (UNESCO 1972). See section 12.1 for more details.

National policy and legislation

The management of the impacts resulting from the pressures listed above is through governmental policy and legislation, which makes provision for the management and minimisation of the impact to conserve the natural heritage of the Province. The following legislation pertains to the North West Province's natural heritage:

Mountain Catchment Areas Act (Act No. 63 of 1976), which recognises mountain catchments as sensitive areas and makes provision for their conservation.
The Minerals Act (Act No. 50 of 1991), which makes provision for the compilation of an environmental management plan in which all aspects of the environment must be indexed, including heritage sites.
National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), which mandates environmental impact assessments for various kinds of change in land use. It also notes "the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity is avoided, or, where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimised and remedied".
The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) addresses issues pertaining to the environmental and heritage justice systems to enforce human activities to become more sensitive to the environment. See responses of section 12.1 for more details.

Institutional responses

Within the North West Provincial Government numerous departments contribute to the management and conservation of natural heritage resources. These include:

The national Department of Arts and Culture, who through their Heritage Desk aim to keep track and list all heritage sites within the Province.
North West DACE, which, through implementing the national standards set in NEMA, provides guidelines for the conservation efforts during development projects.
Conservation and management of natural heritage sites and landscapes within the Province's protected areas is the responsibility of the North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWP&TB). The NWP&TB has developed a management plan for each reserve which includes the conservation and restoration of important natural heritage sites within each reserve (North West Parks & Tourism 2001a).

The sites and landscapes outside of the parks and reserves are receiving varying levels of management and conservation. Sites like Wondergat and Marico Eye are predominantly managed by the owners of the land on which they are situated or by independent organisations, like diving clubs, that utilise these sites from time to time. Efforts are, however, afoot to develop regional management plans for areas like the Magaliesberg Mountain Range (which falls within the MPNE and is managed jointly by NWDACE and Gauteng DACEL) and the Vredefort Dome. These initiatives aim to provide a structured process for the development, utilisation and conservation of these natural heritage landscapes for future generations. However, important sites and landscapes which have no formally protected status have little legal protection.

In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, SAHRA has to assist with standards and policies for the management of landscape and natural features of cultural significance. Law enforcement agencies are helping to curb illicit trading in heritage resources.

Museum collections and displays also play a role in preserving and providing a reflection of the wealth of natural about heritage resources.

12.2.7 Outcomes

Many of the sites and landscapes of significance, which are protected by nature reserves, are generally well preserved or have been restored. The aim is to develop these sites and landscapes for the benefit of the local communities. This is being realised in some areas. It is however of great importance to develop this initiative further in future to assist in the overall growth of the North West.

Some natural heritage resources have been lost due to plundering, ignorance or industrial development and changes in land use. The implementation of NEMA and the National Heritage Resources Act will assist the Province in managing this. Education of communities and industry on the value of conserving these resources is of provincial importance. However the implementation on provincial level is lacking in some cases, where a shortage of personnel and expertise is currently being experienced. This shortage of personnel results in a lack of research on natural heritage resources, which may lead to detrimental impacts due to ignorance.

12.2.8 Linkages

This section links with:

Chapter 2 on the biophysical environment;
Chapter 3 on the social environment;
Chapter 4 on the economic environment;
Chapter 5 on policy and legislative environment;
Chapter 6 on settlement and land use patterns;
Chapter 7.7 on tourism and leisure;
Chapter 9 on land transformation and soil quality;
Chapter 11 on biodiversity and conservation;
Chapter 14 on environmental education and capacity building;
Chapter 15 on Integrated Development and Planning Frameworks and Integrating Environmental Considerations in Decision Making.

12.2.9 Data issues and indicators

Data issues - Although numerous studies within the North West Province have been conducted over the past years, no central database for the management and manipulation of data on natural heritage sites and objects exists. There is a need for coordinating scientific research and investigation to compile a basic inventory of sites.

The review of data collected from such research must be aimed at realising two objectives:

To provide information for the management of natural heritage sites, and
To present the data in such away as to make it accessible to the larger population and give context to these sites and landscapes.

Inter-governmental resource information sharing needs to be pursued to enable the development of tourism strategies to integrate the management of the Province's natural heritage sites on a provincial, as well as on a national level. This will enable a system of development initiatives on a national and more importantly provincial and grassroots level.

Further research into natural heritage resources in the North West Province is imperative for the identification of all landscapes, as many of these sites remain virtually unknown. Such documentation of sites is crucial, before they are lost through ignorance or deliberate exploitation forever.

Indicators - The South African national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) has developed a set of national environmental indicators for use in South Africa. A list of potential indicators of natural heritage resources is presented in Table 12.2.1 as proposed in the National Core Set of Environmental Indicators (DEAT 2001). It is recommended that the North West Province identify appropriate indicators from this national set which they can then use at a provincial level for reporting on natural heritage resources.

Table 12.2.1: The proposed list of Natural Heritage Resources Indicators for South Africa (Source: DEAT, 2001).

Issue	Indicator	Type	Level	Frequency	Scale	Linkages
Natural Heritage Resources	Number and conservation status of natural heritage resources	S	2	5 yearly	National	CBD, World Heritage Convention
	Investment in maintenance and research of natural heritage resources	R	2	5 yearly	National	CBD, World Heritage Convention
	Trends in the number and conservation status of natural heritage resources	R	2	5 yearly	National	CBD, World Heritage Convention

CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity
World Heritage Convention: Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage

Type refers to the D-P-S-I-R model categories (Driving Forces, Pressures, States, Impacts, Responses respectively).

Level indicates the current availability of information pertaining to each indicator:

Frequency refers to the proposed frequency of reporting on each indicator for meaningful results and trends to be obtained. However, data collection will necessarily be more frequent than the reporting frequency.

Scale refers to the geographical scale at which the indicator is applicable: national, provincial, local or catchment level.

Linkages refers to possible commonalities between the particular indicator and other indicators used for reporting obligations as required by international conventions ratified by South Africa.

Please refer to the section on environmental and sustainable development indicators for more information on these proposed indicators for future monitoring and reporting.

12.2.10 Conclusions and recommendations

The Province has numerous outstanding natural features. This includes Pilanesberg, the Magaliesberg Mountain range, the Vredefort Dome, Wondergat and other dolomitic eyes. The full social and economic value of these has not been recognised.

Management of the natural heritage resources which do not fall within formally protected areas is currently inadequate.

Both the DEAT and Heritage Resources policies stipulate the need to safeguard, protect and preserve natural heritage sites, as well as giving guidelines for the development and sustainable utilisation of heritage resources through tourism. These policies strive to ensure that the integrity of such sites and landscapes is maintained; that the industrial developers do not destroy the landscape or heritage worthy areas; that rural developmental plans interface with the needs identified in the RDP and rural development plans by local authorities.

There is a need for further research and documentation into natural heritage resources to ensure that such sites have their economic, environmental and heritage potential identified and developed. From this a comprehensive database needs to be established on the locations, habitats, population status and biology of all sensitive species, landscapes and sites throughout the North West Province. This database will need to rank sensitive species' vulnerabilities and set priorities for conservation efforts.

The database will then provide the data in a variety of formats for the purpose of avoiding potential conflicts with development projects and for prioritising conservation planning efforts.

There is a need for the establishment of inter-departmental collaboration (between NWP&TB, NWDACE, SAHRA and local authorities) since there are several linkages between issues affecting heritage resources. A combined effort towards a management goal is important for the optimum utilisation of the natural resources in the Province.

For this inter-departmental collaboration to be efficient, an assessment and audit of natural heritage resources in the North West Province is needed. This will guide both government and non-governmental organisations in managing and preserving the natural landscapes and sites.

A strong link must be developed between these natural heritage sites and tourism within the Province. This can play a role in assisting local communities to realise the economic importance of sustainable utilisation of heritage resources. By then educating the community on the utilisation of these resources it will enable the preservation and conservation of natural heritage resources for generations to come.

References

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). 2001. National Core Set of Environmental Indicators for the State of Environment Reporting in South Africa: Scoping Report. DEAT, Pretoria.
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). 1999. National State of the Environment Report on the Internet for South Africa. www.grida.no/soesa/.
Nevada Natural Heritage Program. 1998. Natural Heritage Program: 1998 Biennial Report. NNHP, www.state.nv.us/cnr/heritage.htm
North West Parks & Tourism Board. 2001a. Mission Statement. www.parks-nw.co.za/mission.html
North West Parks & Tourism Board. 2001b. Protected Areas, National Parks and Nature Reserves in the North-West Province, South Africa. www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/ parks/parkrate.html
North West Parks & Tourism Board. 2001c. South Africa's North West Province. South Africa's Heritage Destination. Rainbird Publishers, Cape Town. 24 pp.
North West Parks & Tourism Board. 2001d. South Africa's North West Province. The Treasure Route on the N12. Rainbird Publishers, Cape Town.
North West Parks & Tourism Board. 2001e. South Africa's North West Province. Game Parks & Nature Reserves. Rainbird Publishers, Cape Town.

Appendix 1: Selected cultural heritage sites and landscapes of the North West Province (Source: North West Province Dept. Social Services, Arts, Culture & Sport).

MMABATHO / MAFIKENG
Maratiwa	House built by Silas Molema (son of the founder of Mahikeng) who also built the first school in the area in 1878. The house was occupied by Sol T Plaatjie, a writer, journalist, politician and First Secretary General of the ANC. Recently declared a National Monument.
Seweding	The piece of land on which Sol Plaatjie lived, comprises remains of this house, well, kraal and pepper trees planted by him.
Mahikeng Methodist Church	This church was built in 1885 in the original tribal town of Mahikeng by General Sir Charles Warren.
Kgotla of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi	Mahikeng tribal Kgotla of Chief Montshiwa has been in use since the 1850's. It contains a monument to Barolong who died in action during the Mahikeng Siege of 1899 -1900.
Dr Modiri Molema's home and surgery	Dr Molema is a great writer, historian, intellectual and son of Silas Molema.
Moshoeshoe graves	The graves of Philemon Moshoeshoe and his wife. They were the founders of the suburb of Ramosadi.
Molema Cemetery	Graves of local historical figures, including Dr Molema.
Battle Of Tigela Site	31 June 1884 saw the largest battle of the Bechuanaland War between Barolong and Goshenites. 67 Bangwaketse were buried here. Declared a National Monument.
Rowlands Cemetery	The cemetery includes the grave of Christopher Bethell. Bethell was the nephew of General Sir Charles. He married into the Montshiwa family, was killed in the battle of Tigela and became known as a hero of the Barolong.
Cannon Koppie (Makane)	Goshenites launched an artillery attack on Mafikeng from here in 1882. The British held this fort during the Anglo Boer War Siege of Mafikeng.
Warren Fort	This stone was built by General Sir Charles Warren in 1885 to protect the Barolong. The fort was captured for one day by Commandant Sarel Eloff towards the end of the Siege of Mafikeng.
Warren Well	Built in 1885 by Warren's Royal Engineers.
Warren Weir	A stonewall was built in 1885 by Warren to form a small reservoir on the Molopo River to provide water for horses and livestock.
Siege Graves - Mafikeng Cemetery	The military and civilian graves of siege casualties.
St John's Church	An Anglican church designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built in 1902.
Mafikeng Museum	An Old Town Hall built in 1902. Impressive steel ceilings, old town clock and elaborate architectural style.
Manyane	Three small rock engravings near Molopo River about 15km east of Mmabatho.
DINOKANA IN LEHURUTSHE
Ikalafeng Monument	The monument was built in 1867 by the Bahurutshe of Chief Ikalafeng on the orders of General Pretorius to symbolise peace.
Dinokana Church	An old (+/-1890) Lutheran Church with an interesting interior - brass candelabra, ornately carved wooden pulpit and canopy. Outside is a small bell tower, made in Germany in 1885 and is inscribed in Setswana and German.
The Old Lutheran Mission	The graves of the first missionaries, the Jansens, are here.
Dinokana Springs	The springs are an attractive and interesting geological feature.
MALMANI NEAR OTTOSHOOP
Malmani Farmhouse	The farmhouse contains the Gubbins Africana collection.
Mzilikazi's Wall	This 1 km long stone wall was built by Mzilikazi in the 1830's along the Malmani river to act as 'hopo' or animal trap.
Old Water Mill	The oldest water mill in the Old Transvaal, restored and in working condition.
Malmani Store	The ruins of the store used by Dr Jameson as a rendezvous from his force from Pitsane and Mafikeng.
Mosega	Mzilikazi's military Headquarters in the 1830's - the battle of Mosega, 17 January 1837.
Gopane (Mabotsa)	David Livingston's first mission station 1834 - 1846. There is a stone monument and ruins
MADIKWE AREA
Kaditshwene / Gaditshwene (Tshwenyane Hills)	The largest iron Age stone-built city in South Africa. In 1820 this city was larger than Cape Town. It was the manufacturing, trading and cultural capital of the Bahurutshe from before 1600 to 1823.
Silkatskop / Egabeni	Mzilikazi's camp was attacked by Potgieter in November 1837 forcing Mzilikazi to migrate north to Zimbabwe.
Marula Kop	A hill-top stone-placing which dates from and Iron Age settlement with stone terracing.
Abjaterskop And Dwarsberg Hills	Numerous ancient iron and copper mines are here, as well as many Iron Age stone-built settlement.
Bosman's School	A school built in the 1920's, where HC Bosman (writer) taught, lies near Abjaterskop.
Derdepoort	A limestone cave or caves which are largely unexplored. A battle site of the Anglo Boer War.
Jacobsdal	An Iron Age settlement excavated by Revil Mason, near Mosega.
Khunwana	The Barolong capital in 1820's to 1830's and the site of two battles of Difaqane in 1823 and 1832. On 6 August 1832, the town was attacked by Mzilikazi's Ndebele, thus precipitating the Barolong migrations. Sol Plaatjie based his novel, Mhudi, on this event.
Kraaipan	Kraaipan is the site of the first engagement of the Anglo Boer War, 12 October 1899. The monument is near the railway crossing.
Thaba Sione	A well-known rock engraving site near Khunwana and Kraaipan.
HARTEBEESPOORT DAM AND THE MAGALIESBERG
Lesedi Cultural Village	Visitors can experience the cultural diversity in the traditional architecure, dance and song of some of the many people of the Province.
BroederstroomOlifantspoort	Early Iron Age settlement dating to between AD 500
RUSTENBURG, BRITS, PILANESBERG
Late Iron Age	This area is well known for its vast treasure of archaeological Iron Age settlements that are scattered between Brits and Rustenburg and to Pilanesberg in the North
Molokwane	To the west of Rustenburg lies this Late Iron Age settlement occupied by the Bakwena Bamodimosana tribe between 1650 and 1770. It covers and area of approximately 4km�.
Boekenhoutfontein	Farm of Paul Kruger, President of the old ZAR around 1900
Preller House, 491 Welgegund Street	National Monument
Syringa Tree Stump, Church Street	National Monument
The Old Anglican Church, Van Staden Street	National Monument
Nederduitse Gereformeerde Church, Plein Street	National Monument
Old Lutheran Church, Kroondal, RustenburgDistrict	National Monument
Old Library, Kroondal, Rustenburg District	National Monument
The Schoch House, Boschdal, RustenburgDistrict	National Monument
POTCHEFSTROOM, KLERKSDORP, STILLFONTEIN AND FOCHVILLE
Potchefstroom
The Gereformeerde Church Complex, Molen Street	One of the oldest Reformed churches in South Africa dating to 1891
Old Fort And Cemetery	National Monument
Old Powder Magazine House, Wolmarans Street	National Monument
Administration Building andSelbourne Hall, PotchefstroomAgricultural College	National Monument
Nederduitse Hervormde Church, Church Street	National Monument
Tom Street, Potchefstroom	700 oaks line this road, it is now a national monument
House and outbuildings of late president MW Pretorius, van der Hoffweg	The residence of MW Pretorius , first president of the ZAR
The property with the superintendent's residence at the Witrand care &Rehabilitation centre	National Monument
The property with the alleged Voortrekker fort thereon, Elandsfontein, Potchefstroom district	National Monument
Krugerskraal, Tygerfontein, Potchefstroom district	National Monument
The main building and Heimat building, situated on the campus of the Potchefstroom University	National Monument
The Goetz-Fleischack House, Gouws Street	National Monument
W.D. Pretorius House, Church Street	National Monument
Old Magistrates Court, Greyling Street	National Monument
St. Mary's Anglican Church Building, Auto Street	National Monument
Police Station Building, Greyling Street	National Monument
Old Post Office Building, Greyling Street	National Monument
174 Lombard Street	National Monument
76 Lombard Street	National Monument
The Andrew Carnegie Library and Town Hall, Potgieter street	National Monument
The old Nederduitse Gereformeerde Church Building, Maury Avenue	National Monument
The northern wing of the Nutrition And Family Ecology Building of the Potchefstroom University	National Monument
The property with the old Berlin mission complex thereon, including the church building, the parsonage, the school building and the Carraige-house, De Plooy Street, Potchefstroom	National Monument
Klerksdorp
Rock engravings, Bosworth and Doornhoek	National Monument
Station Building & Flag Room, Delver Street	National Monument
Dwelling-House Known As Fountain Villa, 21 Hendrik Potgieter Street	National Monument
Iron House, 13 & 15 Convent Avenue	National Monument
Dutch Reformed Mother Church, Anderson Street	National Monument
Goud Koppie	19th century mining shaft and rock inscriptions of Anglo Boer War British regiment
Klerksdorp Museum	Formerly a prison, this sandstone building exhibits early town life, archaeology and social history
Old Cemetery	Emotive cemetery for British soldier and Boer women and children who died during the Anglo Boer War
Railway Station	Dating back to 1897. National Monument
Fochville
Theron Memorial	A memorial to Boer Scout Danie Theron who was killed in 1900 during an engagement with a British detachment. The memorial is some 8 km west of the town on the N12
Tlokwe Ruins	The ruins of early Tswana stone kraals are located in the hills around the town
Voortrekker Plaque	Marks the site of an early Voortrekker fortification of 1842. Located southwest of the Theron memorial
TAUNG, WOLMARANSSTAD AND CHRISTIANA
Taung
Mmabana Cultural Centre	A modern social and educational centre offering locally produced arts and crafts.
Taung Heritage site at Buxton	An archaeological site where the "Taung child" skull of a 2,4 million year old early hominid Australopithicus africanus was discovered in 1924 in a limestone mine.
Dinkwaneng	Near the village of Manthestad are some excellent examples of San rock art.
Wolmaransstad
Ruins of Rev. Broadbent- Hodson's House,Leeuwfontein	This early Wesleyan Mission Station dates back to the first missionary outreaches in the area.
Thomas Leask House	An early town house where Paul Kruger once stayed
Christiana
Diggers Museum	Conserves displays of mining equipment. A rare photographic display illustrates the early mining history of this town
Stowlands	Unusual San rock art sites located some 6km from town

SOUTH AFRICAN WAR BATTLES
Name	Date
Battle of Kraaipan	12 October 1899
Siege of Mafikeng	14 October 1899
Battle of Molopo River	25 November 1899
Battle of Derdepoort	26 November 1899
British Forces' abortive attack on Game Tree Fort, Mafikeng	26 December 1899
Ambush at Kaya-se-put	19 January 1900
Mahon's relief column sets out for Mafikeng	4 May 1900
Boer forces commanded by Eloff driven back by siege forces at Mafikeng	12 May 1900
Relief of Mafikeng	17 May 1900
British occupy Lichtenburg	1 June 1900
Christiaan de Wet defeats British at Roodewal	7 Jun 1900
Surrender of Scots Greys at Silkatsnek	11 July 1900
Battle of Elands River	4 August 1900
Battle of Tygerfontein	7 August 1900
De la Rey and Smuts attack Clements at Nooitgedacht	13 August 1900
Release of 2000 British prisoners at Nooitgedacht	30 August 1900
Battle of Frederikstad	20-25 October 1900
Battle of Buffelspoort	3 December 1900
Smuts captures Modderfontein	31 January 1901
De la Rey attacks Lichtenburg	2 and 3 March 1901
Battle of Ysterspruit	25 February 1901
De la Rey out-manoeuvers Methuen at Tweebosch/De Klipdrift	7 March 1901
Battle of Boschbult	31 March 1901
Battle of Roodewal	11 April 1901

Appendix 2: North West Province parks and nature reserves. (Source: North West Parks and Tourism 2001a.).

Name	Nearest Town	Size
Pilanesberg National Park	Rustenburg	580 000 hectares
Madikwe Game Reserve	Groot Marico	76 500 hectares
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary	Delareyville	4000 hectares
Mafikeng Game Reserve	Mafikeng	4 600 hectares
Rustenburg Nature Reserve	Rustenburg	4 257 hectares
Borakalalo National Park	Brits	13 000 hectares
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve	Bloemhof	12 000 hectares
Molopo Game Reserve	Vosterhoop	24 000 hectares
SA Lombard Nature Reserve	Bloemhof	Approx 4000 hectares
Botsalano Game Reserve	Mafikeng	Approx 4000 hectares
Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve	Brits	1 504 hectares
Boskop Dam Nature Reserve	Potchefstroom	Approx 1000 hectares

Appendix 3: Selected natural heritage sites of significance in the North West Province (Source: North West Parks and Tourism 2001a.).

Dinokana in Lehurutshe
Dinokana Springs	The springs are an attractive and interesting geological feature.
Malmani near Ottoshoop
Wondergat	A well known large dolomitic sink hole used by diving clubs.
Ottoshoop Cave	A dolomitic cave with typical features and easy access.
Madikwe area
Derdepoort	A limestone cave or caves which are largely unexplored. A battle site of the Anglo Boer War.
Marico Eye	A well known large dolomitic eye used by diving clubs.
Tswaing Salt Pan Crater	Close to Mabopane. This crater creates a unique ecosystem concentrated on the inner rim of this crater.

Biodiversity and Conservation

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