Since its inception, Bushmans Kloof has shown a rare dedication to the preservation of this rich cultural treasure, and, accordingly has been awarded South African Natural Heritage status.

There are many research projects being conducted throughout Africa due to renewed interest in the early civilisations of the continent. Studies include subjects such as botanical/medicinal plants, spiritual beliefs and the unique language of the Bushman. The rock art provides a textbook, which is slowly being translated.

The University of Cape Town has a permanent research facility, the Living Landscape Project, which is based in Clanwilliam, the nearest town.

Living Landscape is a community based heritage and education project aimed at returning the archaeological archive to the Clanwilliam area. Here a set of teaching curricula has been established for local and visiting school groups, and a job creation programme was designed to generate sustainable small businesses built around the local archaeological record.

“The priceless natural and cultural historical heritage on Bushmans Kloof is in the form of numerous pristine rock paintings. It is not difficult to understand why the Bushman chose this specific spot for its shelter, water, game and vegetation, to live for many generations.” – Dr John Hanks, Peace Parks Foundation, South Africa.

In accordance with the vision of Bushmans Kloof, Resident Archaeologist, Siyakha Mguni, has been appointed to record, document and research all of the known rock-art sites as well as potential new sites on the reserve, to create a database linked to a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. This database will culminate in an integrated Rock Art Management Plan that can be used as a standard in the region. It will be presented to the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) as a model for rock art management, ensuring the integrity of Bushmans Kloof’s sites for generations to come.

This endeavour is essentially a partnership between Bushmans Kloof and the University of Cape Town, and Siyakha works closely with Professor John Parkington, head of the department of Archaeology at the University of Cape Town. This archive is of national relevance, in that it will serve as a platform for further research for the entire region.