According to Professor David Morris, Head of Archaeology at Kimberley’s McGregor Museum and Extraordinary Professor of the Sol Plaatje University’s School of Humanities, the site was declared a National Monument in 1971 and in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 is now regarded as a Provincial Heritage site and is therefore a formally protected site.

In a thesis based on this site, written by Margueritha Prins in 2005, the author observed: “The site has a long and chequered history, varying from the enthusiastic efforts of a few concerned individuals, to the apathy and disinterest of the official bodies concerned. … In spite of its status as a declared national monument, the site has become progressively more neglected.’

Although the Klip Power Station and coal mine once stood near the rock art site, there are concerns about the impact this massive mining development would have on the heritage site.

Located on the farm Waldrift the sandstone rock features a variety of petroglyphs (rock engravings). The 244 engravings identified at the site represent a few animal figures and many unusual geometric designs and are particularly interesting because of their unusual nature and symmetry.

According to Professor David Pearce of the University of the Witwatersrand’s Institute for Rock Art the site has not been directly dated because the engravings are almost impossible to date.

“The imagery at Redan is of a type linked by some to Khoesan herders. If this association is correct, the art would have been made within the last 2000 years,” Pearce said.

According to Pearce all archaeological sites, including rock art sites, are automatically protected by the National Heritage Resources Act.

“As a declared site, Redan receives additional protections in terms of the act. The High Court review last year of the illegal mining at the Canteen Kopjie site (Northern Cape) made it clear that mining may not take place on declared heritage sites and that mining applications may not ignore heritage legislation,” Pearce said.

Canyon Resources (Pty) Ltd of which Glubay Coal Pty. Ltd. is a subsidiary has not commented on the yet, although enquiries were sent through.

The South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) wa also approached for comment but have not replied yet.