From the 8^th to the 14^th December 2024, Mr Manfred Gaeb, a seasoned expert in heritage and culture and the Director of National Heritage and Culture Programme’s at Namibia’s Ministry of Education, Arts and culture, as well as media experts Shelleygan Petersen, participated in an information visit to Germany on the topic of “Culture of Remembrance and Cultural Preservation”.

This study trip aimed to address the colonial past, museum cooperation and restitution, cultural preservation, cultural and social relations with African countries.

Mr Gaeb reflected on this experience, saying:

‘The visit to Germany underscored the role of museums and historical sites as platforms for remembrance, debate, and cultural renewal. It opened avenues for governance and policy collaborations through discussions with the Federal Foreign Office, the Agency for Internationale Museumskooperation and the Deutsche Afrika Stiftung, including efforts related to repatriation and cultural exchanges.

Engagements with the Grassi Museum, Humboldt University, and the Humboldt Forum enriched understanding of best practices in curating, policy development, and international cooperation, culminating in a successful and enlightening experience.’

Mr Gaeb also identified projects of collaboration with the Agency for Internationale Museumskooperation to foster international museum partnerships and support implementation agencies. He also plans to partner with the Deutsche Afrika Stiftung to engage in policy dialogues, promote cultural exchange through German Africa Awards and newsletters, and address visa and immigration issues. Working with the Grassi Museum in Leipzig on consultative workshops for restitution and repatriation, including placing the Cape Cross artifact in a Namibian museum is also high on his agenda.

Background on the visitors programme.

The “Visitors Programme” of the Federal Republic of Germany is an important instrument of Germany’s foreign communication/relations. It enables important persons of the host country (multipliers) to participate in fact-finding trips to Germany, each with a specific theme.

Themed trips with guests from all over the world convey an authentic and multifaceted image of Germany and enable the formation of networks. Through the participants’ personal experience, they can forge long-term connections to Germany as well as to the other participants.

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