Metal Detecting in South Africa

South Africa’s National Heritage Resources Act requires a permit for disturbing archaeological sites or removing, collecting or owning archaeological material. It also specifically restricts bringing or using metal detecting equipment at archaeological or palaeontological sites without the necessary permit. Meteorite recovery is regulated too. These heritage rules should not be turned into a blanket statement that every search for modern beach losses is prohibited or allowed. Before searching, check with the responsible municipality or land manager and, where heritage may be involved, SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage authority. Permission to enter a beach does not automatically permit digging or recovering historical objects.