Question NW1356 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
16 July 2020 - NW1356
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
What number of applications has his Department (a) received and (b) approved for the (i) removal and/or (ii) relocation of a statue since the enactment of the National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999, on 28 April 1999. (NO 1726E)
Reply:
The Department does not receive or approve applications for the removal of statues. The National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999) provides for a three-tier heritage resource management system in which heritage resources of national significance are managed by the Department’s entity the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). Heritage resources of provincial significance are managed by Provincial Heritage Resource Authorities (PHRAs). Heritage of local significance are managed by local authorities. SAHRA would receive applications only if the resources were on a property that is declared as a national heritage site. The removal or relocation of statues would require the issuing of a permit by the relevant PHRA. SAHRA has only participated by commenting on applications made to PHRAs and local authorities.
.The Department through its entity SAHRA has therefore (a) not received any application and (b) not approved any application for the (i) removal and/or (ii) relocation of a statue since the enactment of the National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999, on 28 April 1999.