Session 6 – Grant – Participatory practices, a win-win for all

Описание: The COSMO-ART Conference on Rock Art
Rock Art Site Management in Southern Africa: Towards a Cosmopolitan Approach
30 Nov. – 5 Dec. 2025, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, South Africa

Session 6 – 5 December 2025
Julie Grant (University of Johannesburg) – Participatory practices, a win-win for all: lessons from San communities in South Africa

In recent years participatory practices regarding heritage, tourism and conservation etc. have been popularised due to their alleged potential to result in Win-Win outcomes for all involved. While ethically and in theory, the approach has much to commend it, associated complexities and difficulties are often overlooked. This paper draws on the author’s 20 years of research fieldwork and NPO experience to consider these complexities. Through exploring the experiences of the ‡Khomani San of the southern Kalahari, South Africa, and to a lesser degree, the !xun and Khwe San of Platfontein, Kimberley, also in South Africa, the challenges of participatory practices are considered; based on these, suggestions for improvements to the process to encourage more successful implementation, processes and/or improved sustainable outcomes will also be highlighted in regard to sites such as Twee Riverian interpretation Centre, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre, Platfontein, South Africa.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this talk are those of the speakers and are based on their scientific research. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the conference organisers.