Session 5 – Mnikathi – Comments and reflections on 25 year’s of rock art guiding and management

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 5 – 2 December 2025
Raphael Sicelo Mnikathi (Rock Art Guide – Kamberg Nature Reserve) – Community management and rock art management: comments and reflections on 25 year’s of rock art guiding and management

Since the democratic elections in 1994, government, civil society and institutions of learning have been working to promote interest in southern African cultures and history both for South Africans themselves and foreign visitors. The encouragement of community participation and beneficiation of local communities from tourism has been a vital part of tourism initiatives.
In 2000 several agencies and institutions cooperated to establish a tourism centre at the Kamberg Nature Reserve, In KwaZulu-Natal South Africa. The rock art site of Game Pass is one of the best preserved and largest rock art sites in South Africa and has played an important role in rock art research. A visitors’ centre was constructed including an audio-visual presentation, a bookshop and a restaurant. The nearby community of Tendela was included in the planning of the centre, with the aim of educating and creating employment for people in the area.
Some 25 years later, it has become clear that there is a gap between the original plans and ambitions for Game Pass rock art site. Expected visitor numbers did not materialise. The restaurant and book shop which were intended to be self-funding closed after three years. The number of guides has dropped from the original nine people who were trained, to two guides, who earn less than the equivalent of a full monthly salary. Rafael reflects on the question of whether Game pass has reached its limit in terms of the number of tourists it can attract and invites discussion of these and other issues from delegates.

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.