Why Should  Archaeological Sites be Protected?

While archaeological sites, if properly investigated by trained people, can give us information about the history of the earlier inhabitants of South Africa that cannot be found in written records, palaeontological remains can reveal information about the deeper past of human beings as well as any life on earth, including records of extinction events, climate change and the struggle and survival of life during these events. This evidence is fragile and is often destroyed in the process of being studied. Because it is irreplaceable and cannot be renewed, careful records must be kept during excavation or collection. In the case of archaeology, it is often better to leave the archaeological material in its original place and protect it there, than to remove it to a museum. As weathering can destroy fossils quite rapidly when exposed, it is preferred to remove them from the ground carefully to have the safely secured in a museum for research and public enjoyment.

How are Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Protected?

The National Heritage Resources Act allows archaeological and palaeontological sites to be declared as heritage sites so that they can be protected from destruction and damage.. No person may destroy, damage, alter, excavate, remove from its original site any archaeological material without a permit from the relevant heritage resources authority. The protection of archaeological and palaeontological sites and material and meteorites will become the responsibility of a provincial heritage resources authority (section 35(1) of the Act), when provincial heritage resources authorities are established and have the necessary competence. SAHRA will remain responsible for the export of such material.

What Does the National Heritage Resources Act State?

The National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999, section 35(4)) states that: (a) No person may, without a permit issued by the responsible heritage resources authority: (b) destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site or any meteorite; (c) destroy, damage, excavate, remove from its original position, collect or own any archaeological or palaeontological material or object or any meteorite; (d) trade in, sell for private gain, export or attempt to export from the Republic any category of archaeological or palaeontological material or object, or any meteorite; or (e) bring onto or use at an archaeological or palaeontological site any excavation equipment or any equipment which assist in the detection or recovery of metals or archaeological and palaeontological material or objects, or use such equipment for the recovery of meteorites. Anyone found guilty of an offence in terms of the Act is liable for a fine or imprisonment, or both. In cases where material is accidentally disturbed by mining, engineering or agricultural activities, the finds must be reported to a cultural institution such as a museum or university department, or the South African Heritage Resources Agency.