As a resident of Swakopmund and a dedicated cultural practitioner and activist, Laidlaw Peringanda plays a vital role in raising awareness about the history of his Ovaherero ancestors and Nama people who suffered in concentration camps and beyond under Germany’s colonial genocide in Namibia.

It is important to note that Laidlaw Peringanda’s contributions to cultural heritage and memory preservation have been recognised nationally and internationally. His work provides valuable information and education for students and researchers worldwide, shedding light on the German Kaiserreich’s genocide in Namibia and the enduring legacy of German settler colonialism, particularly in Swakopmund. Recently, even the Federal Republic of Germany acknowledged this genocide on an international level, albeit with the caveat of “from today’s perspective.”

Considering the significance and gravity of this historical and present day context, it is both unjustifiable and irresponsible for the Swakopmund Municipality to deny Laidlaw Peringanda and his services to the community. His efforts are crucial for fostering understanding, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that the memory of the victims is preserved for future generations.

Furthermore, we would like to draw attention to the emblem of the Swakopmund municipality, which depicts colonial structures such as “Die Alte Kaserne.” While the description of the building as “serving as living quarters for German troops responsible for the construction of the pier and early railway works” is neutral, it highlights the urgent need for a revisiting of memory culture in the coastal town.

In light of the aforementioned circumstances, we hereby urge the Swakopmund Municipality – instead of impeding him – to significantly support Laidlaw Peringanda’s work. This support should encompass, but not be limited to, the recognition and accommodation of his important cultural heritage work and of the Swakopmund Genocide Museum. The Municipality should also provide full support for the operation of the Swakopmund Genocide Museum, including structural and financial assistance through direct contributions of forms of sponsorships.

It is essential that the Swakopmund Municipality embraces its mission to react to the needs of its residents and visitors. By supporting Laidlaw Peringanda’s work, the Municipality would demonstrate a commitment to fostering cultural understanding, promoting reconciliation, and confronting the colonial legacy that still lingers in the community. 

We urge this matter be given the attention it deserves and that immediate actions be taken to rectify the situation. Failure to do so would be a disservice to the residents and (inter)national visitors of Swakopmund and would perpetuate the denial of an essential cultural heritage resource.