Between 2010 and 2011 complaints
regarding the alleged destruction of graves were lodged with the African Development Bank and the World Bank as
well as their respective independent compliance review mechanisms following
their loan approval for the construction components of the Medupi Power
Station.
After numerous unsuccessful
attempts to address the issues raised through the Medupi Environmental
Monitoring Committee with the assistance of the local Municipality, the
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) was requested to take the lead with setting up and
chairing a task team that comprised of representatives from the DEA, South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), Limpopo Heritage
Resources Authority (LIHRA), Eskom and the affected
families. The task team was responsible for setting up a scope for Eskom to
appoint an independent heritage specialist to undertake additional and more
detailed Heritage Impact Assessments.
At the same time, separate investigations were also carried out by The
Commission for Cultural, Religious and Linguistics Rights. Both investigations
came to similar conclusions and recommendations. The outcome of both processes
have resulted in the development of an Integrated Heritage Conservation
Management Plan which Eskom is now implementing together with affected family
members at the Medupi Power Station.
Integrated Management Plan