The Format and Procedure for Nomination of World Heritage Sites in the Republic of South Africa was developed and Gazetted for implementation in 2015, in terms of section 6(1) of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No. 49 of 1999). It provides guidance for anyone who intends to propose properties for World Heritage status to UNESCO through the department and covers key requirements for both the tentative listing and nomination process for inscription.

The Format and Procedure is guided by the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention as published by UNESCO and the department ensures that requirements in both documents are fulfilled before submission to UNESCO.

Through experiences gained in the past five years of implementation of the format and procedure, number of challenges concerning the nomination process and the new emerging requirements that needed to be embedded in the Procedure. A need was identified to strengthen this procedure through review for the subsequent submission of all future World Heritage nominations, including those that are currently on the Tentative List.

Nomination of properties to the World Heritage List enables the State Party to fulfil its commitment to the Convention. In addition, it contributes to South Africa's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as well as Outcomes 10 and 14 Delivery Agreements to conserve our biodiversity, transforming our society and uniting the Country. It is anticipated that this Procedure will assist in ensuring that the State Party's World Heritage properties maintain their status on the World Heritage List.

Once inscribed, these properties must be managed in accordance with international best practice models as well as conform to national legislation. For its part, UNESCO has developed the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (Operational Guidelines), to assist State Parties with the implementation of the Convention. The Operational Guidelines sets procedures for:

It is important to note that the process outlined in the Operational Guidelines remains the primary guide but all nominations will henceforth have to adhere to the national process as outlined herein.

The WHCA outlines the national processes that must be followed with the nomination and proclamation of World Heritage properties. Therefore, this Procedure should be read together with the UNESCO Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention as well as the WHCA.

A check list (Annexure 1) has been appended to this procedure to assist proponents in ensuring that their nominations meet the requirements of the State Party before they can be submitted to UNESCO.