Human remains found on solar construction site
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.
Fragmented human skeletal material from at least two individuals, believed to originate from a shallow burial that had been previously disturbed over time, has been found while installing undergound earthing cables at the Ilikwa Solor Power site outside Parys.
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.
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 SAHRA, 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:
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 141 GWh of clean electricity annually, powering the equivalent of more than 42,000 homes and avoiding the annual release of approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
