Fragmented Approach to Governance? Critical Review of the Role Played by Various Government Departments and Agencies in the Administration of Heritage Matters in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is one of the leading economic powerhouses in the African continent. With its rising population and the National Development Plan (NDP) aimed at repositioning South Africa, there is an increasing threat posed by the need to sustain positive economic growth patterns and thus create employment opportunities. As a result, various economic development factors such as mining, manufacturing and retail industries, and hosting of international sport games are springing around the country, leading to tensions between the growth and socio-economic development on the one hand and the environment on the other hand. Any opposition, on environmental or heritage grounds, against proposed development is thus seen as a threat to the creation of employment for the destitute communities. One of the heritage sites that have been exposed to one of these threats is the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape (MCL). Of concern in this paper is the interaction of government departments and agencies in the administration of applications from various role players in economic development. Thus, using the Mapungubwe case study, I provide a brief historical background to the mining operations in the area and identify various government departments that had a role in the approval of the mining licence granted to Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) in 2010. Furthermore, how this application for the mining licence was dealt with in terms of coordination between the departments and the steps taken by all stakeholders to resolve the concerns raised is critically analysed. I conclude by offering a recommendation on a best practise to address the evident fragmentation in the approval process within government where heritage matters are affected.