SAHRIS South African Heritage Resources Information System (SAHRA)

Overview

SAHRIS (South African Heritage Resources Information System) is South Africa's national online database and heritage management tool, administered by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). SAHRA is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, established on 1 April 2000 under the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). SAHRIS was developed in 2011 and publicly launched in April 2013; a major generational upgrade was released on 30 October 2023, with the new system accessible at sahris.org.za.

History and Mandate

SAHRA was established to replace the former National Monuments Council and to introduce an integrated system for the identification, assessment, and management of heritage resources in South Africa. The development of SAHRIS was mandated by Section 39 of the National Heritage Resources Act, which requires SAHRA to compile and maintain an inventory of the national estate in the form of a database of heritage resources worthy of conservation. SAHRIS was built on the Drupal open-source platform and is freely accessible to the public. It has since been upgraded to a new system following restructuring in 2023.

Functions and Collections

SAHRIS serves three primary functions: first, as a heritage sites repository, recording and archiving all known heritage sites in South Africa, including data derived from museums, galleries, and prior surveys; second, as a heritage collections management tool, storing digital records of repository registers and monitoring the conservation and movement of objects and collections; and third, as a heritage management process platform, allowing the public to apply online for heritage comments and permits, and enabling heritage officers to review and process applications. SAHRA also owns and manages a portfolio of 36 state-owned heritage properties across eight provinces.

Access and Usage

SAHRIS is freely accessible online at sahris.org.za. Registration is required to use application and data-creation features. The system is used by members of the public, developers, archaeologists, heritage officers, museums, provincial heritage authorities, and government agencies. It supports permit applications for development, excavation, and export of heritage objects, as well as nominations for site declarations.