Windhoek: Mapping of Colonial and Anti-Colonial Monuments – Namibia | Germany
Themed tours
Hildegard Titus, 2024
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia was first founded in 1840 by Oorlam Chief Jonker Afrikaner, who named it after the Winterhoek Mountains in Tulbagh, South Africa, where he grew up.Yet in 1890, history was rewritten to say that it was founded by Germany’s Imperial Commissioner Curt von François, who occupied the place and founded the fortress Alte Feste. This historical inaccuracy would later, in 1965, be cemented by the erection of his statue hailing François as the founder of Windhoek.
This incident is a strong reminder of the fact that Windhoek’s monuments are reflecting the world views of those commissioning or accepting them. This tour describes various colonial and anti-colonial monuments in Windhoek.
References
Bravenboer, Brenda / Macmillan, Gamsberg: Windhoek. The Capital of Namibia, 2004.
Lau, Brigitte / Stern, Christel: Zoo Park: A History. Documentation of the former Zoo Park (1887-1958), 1989.
Likuwa, K. / Shiweda, N.: Okaholo. Contract labour system and lessons for post colonial Namibia, in: Mgbakoigba. Journal of African Studies, 2017/6, p. 26-47.
Dierks, Klaus: Biographies of Namibian Personalities, URL: https://www.klausdierks.com/Biographies/Biographies_H.htm(accessed 15.5.2024).
Dictionary of African Christianity Biography, URL: https://dacb.org/stories/namibia/hamutumbangela-theofilus/ (accessed 15.5.2024).
Namibweb: Monuments and historical buildings in Windhoek (accessed 15.5.2024).
Camissa Museum. A Camissa African Centre for restorative Memory: Hendrik Witbooi (accessed 15.5.2024).
Stationen
The Owambo Campaign Memorial
The War Memorial
The Genocide Memorial vs. The Reiterdenkmal
The former Curt von François Statue
The Parliament Gardens Monuments