Fragmented human skeletal material from at least two individuals, believed to originate from a shallow burial that had been previously disturbed over time, was found earlier today while installing underground earthing cables at the Ilikwa Solar Power site outside Parys.

Parys Gazette reports that Ilikwa reassured community members that the discovery has been handled with care and respect, in full compliance with the guidelines of the relevant authorities and with due regard for the area’s cultural and historical heritage.

“The project’s chance find procedures require that work stops immediately when anything of heritage significance is discovered. The area must also be secured and authorities informed without delay,” explained Jennifer van Rooi, the head of health, safety, security and environmentat at Ilikwa Solar. “These steps ensure that all finds are treated with dignity and in full compliance with the law,” Van Rooi said.

Police and heritage response

SAPS attended the site, conducted an initial assessment and collected the exposed remains for forensic verification. The remains were taken to the Sasolburg mortuary.

Following guidance from heritage specialists and the South African Heritage Resources Agency, the area has been carefully covered and clearly marked as a protected zone, Ilikwa said.

Construction activities have since been adjusted to ensure there is no further disturbance and nearby works will continue to be carefully monitored by qualified heritage professionals.

Appointed heritage specialists who assessed the site did not find other remains or heritage features elsewhere on the solar facility, Ilikwa confirmed.

About Ilikwa Solar PV Plant

Ilikwa Solar PV Plant is a 50MW solar photovoltaic facility currently under construction in the Free State. Developed by Mainstream Renewable Power, holding a 70% equity stake, in partnership with Investec (30%), the plant is designed to supply multiple private commercial and industrial customers under flexible, shorter-term power purchase agreements known as renewable energy supply agreements.

Construction of the Ilikwa Solar PV Plant commenced in October 2024, with commercial operations expected to begin in early 2026.

Once operational, the facility will produce approximately 141GWh of clean electricity annually, powering the equivalent of more than 42 000 homes and avoiding the annual release of about 100 000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

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