In order for an archaeological or palaeontological site to be declared a National Heritage Site, it must first be Graded as being of appropriate national cultural significance. At the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), our approach is that the Grading process should encompasses the lion’s share of the work in assessing a site’s significance in order to compile an extensive Grading nomination dossier. This paper represents observations gleaned from roughly six years’ experience as a heritage officer working with the grading of archaeological and palaeontological sites as National Heritage Sites, within the Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites Unit, at SAHRA.
The Need for Grading
Section 3(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999)(NHRA) requires that all heritage resources be graded in order to be assigned the appropriate level of management responsibility - whether this responsibility rest at the Local, Provincial or National level – to a heritage resource and to indicate its significance. Therefore, cultural significance serves as the primary guideline whereby a site is graded. Grading is the process whereby an appropriate level of significance, and consequently the applicable level of management is established. Grading then informs what degree of formal site protection will be recommended.
Grade 1 sites are expected to exemplify development within South Africa, from its earliest geological formation, to the beginnings of humanity, and through its peopling - that illustrates the traditions, values, conflicts and achievements which formed contemporary South Africa, and possibly South Africa’s contribution to the world. Grade 1 sites are consequently regarded...
