Historical Windhoek homes granted heritage status
Seven houses to become cultural centres
The Windhoek municipal council has given the green light for the preservation and celebration of seven houses that have stood for over half a century.These homes, located in various townships, including Herero, Damara, Wambo, Donkerhoek, Gemengde, and Khomasdal, will soon be designated as heritage resources.
The houses are slated to undergo a transformation, wherein they will serve as repositories for the social, political and educational narratives that defined the 1960s, thereby offering a window into the past.
The chief aim of this ambitious undertaking is to dismantle the lingering vestiges of the apartheid era that continue to cast a shadow over Katutura and Khomasdal.
By doing so, these townships are poised for a metamorphosis into thriving hubs, replete with employment opportunities and immersive cultural experiences.
"The main goal of this project is to transform the apartheid-era legacy of the Katutura and Khomasdal townships into vibrant hubs offering employment creation opportunities as well as experiences for people to immerse themselves in Namibian culture and art," said Windhoek mayor Joseph Uapingene during the recent council meeting where the announcement was made.
Windows into the past
The historic houses identified in Katutura and Khomasdal are set to fulfil a multifaceted role in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of these townships. These homes will primarily serve as historical museums, where they will house exhibits, photographs, and interactive displays that narrate the stories of pivotal social, political, and educational figures from the 1960s.
Furthermore, they will become vibrant hubs for cultural performances, offering a dynamic space for traditional music, dance, and storytelling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Namibian culture.
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to experience authentic Namibian dishes and participate in age-old daily routines. The initiative will also provide a platform for local artisans to display their crafts within these historic houses, promoting local artists and offering visitors unique, handmade souvenirs.
A selection of the houses will be transformed into accommodations, offering homestay experiences that facilitate cultural exchange, while others will operate as local cuisine restaurants, serving regional specialties, thereby enriching the overall visitor experience.
The initiative takes inspiration from the success of heritage preservation projects in other southern African cities, most notably Johannesburg-Soweto, where the late Nelson Mandela's family home stands as a revered national heritage institution.