Life as a National Heritage Site

Whilst Bushmans Kloof’s status as a designated South African National Heritage Site is something that undoubtedly carries a great significance, it may not be exactly clear to everyone what this means. For this reason, we’ve asked Bushmans Kloof General Managers, Gerhard & Michelle Thom, a few questions to explore more deeply what this honour entails.

As part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself, and as custodian of ancient San rock art, Bushmans Kloof is declared a National Heritage Site. How much pride do you take in this?

Our dedication to preserving the cultural history of the Bushmen, South Africa’s earliest inhabitants who roamed this region during the Later Stone Age, is unparalleled. Through Bushmans Kloof, both guests and local staff are inspired to widen their awareness, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the traditional peoples of the area, preserving and holding precious the value of the San people in the identity and ideology of the Southern African region.

What is a National Heritage Site, and how does it earn this designation?

A National Heritage Site in South Africa, managed by SAHRA (South African Heritage Resources Agency), is a place declared to be of exceptional national significance due to its cultural, historical, or natural value, and requiring protection and management to help preserve it.

What kind of responsibilities does the status of National Heritage Site bring for Bushmans Kloof?

The primary responsibility is to ensure the protection and management of the site.

The rock art sites are located within a near-pristine natural environment with effective access control, and where scientific research is actively encouraged. Site visits are facilitated by trained guides, and benefit from regular conservation monitoring, as part of a conservation management plan that has been implemented for more than a decade. This allows for unique research into the efficacy of preventative heritage conservation measures.

What role do local communities play in the management and preservation of the site?

Local communities employed at Bushmans Kloof work purposefully towards sustaining the beauty and natural balance of this unique land through a process of vigilant wildlife and botanical conservation, as well as preserving the heritage of the traditional Bushman People who lived in the area thousands of years ago, and whose presence still is felt through the culture and creativity of the people of today.

Are there any main challenges a National Heritage Site faces in terms of preservation and management?

Insufficient Management, lack of resources, and overtourism.

Are there any ways that guests can help contribute towards its preservation?

Even when they do so little as pay them a visit, guests contribute towards the preservation of heritage sites, as this contributes towards the funding that goes into preserving them. Another vital tool that contributes to preservation efforts is education, and guests at Bushmans Kloof are also blessed with no shortage of ways to educate themselves, whether that’s by making an excursion to one of our rock art sites or by paying a visit to our Heritage Centre.