Services Offered
Our team is able to support and guide clients through the necessary heritage and social processes required by legislation. Vhubvo provides a broad range of heritage and social services to the private and public sector; amongst which are:
Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)
There are certain types of developments that require HIA to be conducted as a requirement of Government Regulations under the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). This is in cases where a listed activity is triggered. Such activity may include any linear development exceeding 300 m in length, a bridge exceeding 50 m in length, and any development which will change the character of an area of land exceeding 5 000 m². HIA is prepared to provide a detailed and holistic framework for decision-making and for the implementation of a coherent set of appropriate actions for the conservation of natural and cultural heritage sites. HIA highlights many issues facing sites in terms of site management, conservation, monitoring and maintenance of the environment in and around the site. The success of a comprehensive HIA entails the inclusion of a variety of studies such as archaeology, paleontology, tourism, and visual, social and public awareness. The incorporation of these studies addresses aspects related to landscapes and natural features of cultural significance, historic buildings, places linked to oral tradition, geological sites of cultural significance, archaeological and paleontological sites, any graves not covered by the Human Tissue Act (Act No. 65 of 1983), sites related to the history of slavery, sacred space and any moveable objects, such as books and documents, excluding those that are public records as defined in section 1 of the National Archives of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996).
Heritage is one of the most sensitive resources on earth. It cannot be successfully relocated, renewed or simulated, and once lost, can never be recovered. The recording and retention of the heritage realm and integration with public interest contribute to the potential success of new developments. International conventions require tangible and intangible heritage to be assessed, protected and conserved. Vhubvo has heritage expertise in working with variety of institutions and diverse cultures. The sub-disciplines of HIA which are offered include the following:
Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA)
The Purpose of AIA is more than just a matter of meeting regulatory requirements. Archaeology is about human beings’ involvement with the earth, and AIA highlights many issues facing sites in terms of their management, conservation, maintenance, monitoring and the environment in and around the sites. Vhubvo has a proven track record of success with major archaeological projects, often involving significant challenges such as industrial development vs. obliteration of archaeological sites.
Grave Relocation
If AIA is not properly done, burials and burial grounds are often accidentally encountered and threatened during construction projects. Vhubvo is involved in organised exhumation and re-interment of graves and burial grounds, and has vast experience in processing of rescue and burial permits in accordance with relevant legislation. Vhubvo has a multilingual team of archaeologists and anthropologists who are experienced in all aspects of relocation, including project planning and conceptualisation, locating and liaising with next of kin, as well as skeletal analysis. Vhubvo also collaborates with a highly experienced undertaker who specialises in grave relocation.
Paleontological Impact Assessment (PIA)
Palaeontology is essential in working out the history of the earth and the main aim of the PIA is to document fossils in the development area and make recommendations for the protection or mitigation of these fossils, as well as interpretations of age and paleoenvironment. Vhubvo provides expert services in documenting ancient organisms, assessing the impacts of proposed developments on fossil heritage and ensuring the conservation of this heritage.
Tourism Impact Assessment (TIS)
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing and largest contributors to GDP in recent times. Tourism is increasingly being seen as a developmental tool that can address issues of poverty, employment and community development. Tourism has social, economic, cultural, environmental and political implications for these communities who should adequately be considered when framing tourism policies, and guidelines on assessing development impact. Vhubvo provides specialist services to inform developers about tourism resource, and devising mitigation measures around such resources.
Heritage and Tourism Management and Monitoring
Due to ever-increasing development, heritage sites with tourism potential often come under threat from infrastructure developments such as power lines, roads and mining. Vhubvo offers specialised advice where developments encroach heritage sites. We also offer site condition surveys which are critical in the sustainability and maintenance of heritage sites, as well as heritage education and awareness campaigns through developing multimedia promotional material.
Visual Impact Assessment (VIA)
VIA addresses the potential landscape and visual impacts associated with a project. Our consultants provide expert service in the analysis of visual impacts for a wide variety of developments. We provide advice on mitigation and input to the project design. In addition, we identify the potential visual impacts of a proposed development at project design stage to help minimise any potential impacts. Where required, this includes computer-generated representations and photomontages.
Applied Social Research and Social Facilitation
Vhubvo offers a multi-skilled team of experts who offer specialist services in Applied Social Research and coordination of public and social facilitation. The team of Vhubvo has conducted baseline studies and social audits throughout South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
Vhubvo’s core expertise includes the preparation of RAPs when a project results in the physical or economic displacement of individuals, families or groups. RAP establishes the eligibility and entitlement granted to affected persons as well as defining the implementation policy needed to ensure efficient livelihood restoration.
Geographical Information System (GIS)
Applied GIS has become an essential tool for any planning or decision-making that involves any aspects of heritage studies. Vhubvo adds value to projects through the application of spatially explicit methods using revolutionary web technologies and employs modern GIS to deliver real-time, accurate, dynamic, geospatial web solutions and ensures that every map we produce is readable and clearly conveys the desired information to the client.
