Prof Amanda Esterhuysen's research interests reside in the recent historical past and in contemporary issues affecting the practice of archaeology. This interest grew from a wide range of practical archaeological experiences encountered whilst working on education and heritage projects, and from her concern that archaeology should contribute towards building a more comprehensive understanding of recent history and the formation of modern identities in South Africa.
Prof Esterhuysen's involvement with the Heritage Management sector, and northern Ndebele communities in Limpopo Province, turned her eye towards issues affecting communities and the profession of archaeology.
She has highlighted weaknesses in heritage compliance, which allows unscrupulous developers and government officials to exploit community land and gravesites. Prof Esterhuysen is of the opinion that the State’s overriding economic obligation has resulted in a lack of willingness to protect and advise people of their rights towards their heritage, particularly in the face of mining and development.
