Preserving Windhoek's historical legacy
A City of Windhoek initiative aims to convert historically significant homes into heritage assets.
As Windhoek strives to preserve its unique cultural heritage, the City of Windhoek’s voluntary exchange programme for 1959-1960s houses in Katutura and Khomasdal is working to identify seven historically significant properties to convert into heritage homes.The initiative seeks to do more than just preserve buildings; it aims to safeguard the memories and stories woven into them.
Maria Hamataa, the City of Windhoek's arts and culture coordinator, emphasised the project's goals and significance. "Our goal with the [house project] is to conserve heritage and shape the narrative of Windhoek. Our goal is to use these historical houses to tell Windhoek's true story," she explained.
The programme aims to preserve historical homes in parts of Katutura and Khomasdal, including a focus on residences known as 'matchbox' houses, which serve as important historical links to the past, standing as living monuments to the city's history.
The project also seeks to address historical inequities.
"There's a skewed imbalance in our cultural heritage, and we want to redefine that by telling our stories through these houses," she said.
These homes contain stories about perseverance, community and the lived experiences of early Windhoek residents. "No amount of photographs or written documents will be able to tell the story better than having the real house there, with the real experience," Hamataa explained.
Capturing life
Henry Nakale, assistant curator at the Windhoek City Museum, outlined the specific types of homes and artefacts the city is looking for as part of this project.
"These homes are more than just structures; they are vessels of history, culture and identity," Nakale said. Preserving homes built in the late 1950s and 1960s will ensure that the city's stories are passed down to future generations, the project coordinators explained.
The programme focuses on capturing the essence of life within these historical homes, not just maintaining their physical features.
"We're also very interested in the artefacts within these homes, as items left behind by people will play an important part in conveying the lifestyle and history of Windhoek's icons," Nakale said.
The emphasis is on unique ‘matchbox’ residences with distinguishing elements including metal doors featuring the original house numbers and outside toilets.
"We are looking for houses in six locations within Katutura and one in Khomasdal," Hamataa explained. Once bought, these residences will serve a variety of purposes, including as homestays or museums dedicated to specific communities or personalities.
Hamataa said that 'Katutura' refers to numerous localities in Windhoek's western suburbs, including Dolam, Donkerhoek, Herero Location, Damara Location and Havana suburbs. This definition helps residents determine whether their homes are eligible for the programme.