Graves in Pietersburg Concentration Camp Cemetery to be restored
The South African Heritage Resources Agency has funded and commissioned the project at an estimated cost of R700 000.
POLOKWANE – Conservationists in the city and in particular among the Afrikaner community, were shocked to learn on social media that the remains of the graves in the Pietersburg Concentration Camp Cemetery were recently demolished in an act that was perceived to be vandalism.
After an investigation, Polokwane Observer learned that the broken concrete slabs and headstones that were removed, were in fact part of an ambitious restoration project of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) which was the outcome of a periodic assessment of the concentration camps across various parts of country every year.
The manager of Sahra, Ngqabutho Madida confirmed that the sites Sahra assessed and deemed to be in urgent need of intervention are selected and prioritised for rehabilitation.
“Several graves at the Polokwane Concentration Camp were identified as needing urgent intervention as they were in a state of disrepair. In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 25, (1999) (NHRA), Sahra is enjoined with the responsibility of identifying and conserving graves of victims of conflict including the South African War (formerly known as the Anglo-Boer War) and the Liberation Struggle. This is done through the erection, refurbishment and rehabilitation of memorials associated with these graves as part of preserving the national estate,” Madida explained and added that similar projects have been done in Brandfort, Makweteng and Pietermaritzburg Concentration Camp.
The project was funded, commissioned and is being overseen by Sahra and the estimated cost of the project is R700 000.
Initially, a total of 247 graves were identified for rehabilitation. However, this number could be reduced to 200. This includes graves of children and adults. This is one of the largest grave rehabilitation projects that Sahra has undertaken, according to Madida.
He explained that, given the extreme damage to some of the graves, the process of restoration involves demolishing the old, damaged grave perimeters, pouring and compacting the G5 crusher before casting the foundation, in situ casting of the concrete grave perimeters and finally pouring white pebbles at the top. The project is envisaged for completion by end of April or mid May 2024, according to Madida.
An archaeologist, Hester Roodt has been engaged to monitor work being done by the contractor to ensure that the work of rehabilitation is compliant with the National Heritage Resources 6589 Act and its guidelines and Polokwane Municipality is involved in the project.
The municipality was consulted and gave authorisation for the project to proceed. Furthermore, they are assisting in providing support for the work conservation being undertaken by alerting Sahra on any emergent threats.
