Windhoek Stakeholders Gather to Shape City’s Heritage and Urban Future

Windhoek Stakeholders Gather to Shape City’s Heritage and Urban Future. A diverse group of stakeholders convened in Windhoek this morning for a consultative workshop focused on the city’s heritage resources and the future of its urban landscape. The session, hosted by the City of Windhoek, provided a platform for institutions and community representatives to reflect on the importance of preserving history while embracing meaningful transformation.

Central to the discussion were major initiatives such as the proposed Zoo Park Development and a Heritage Impact presentation. These projects are being reviewed to ensure that modernization efforts respect and incorporate the city’s cultural and historical context.

The workshop also revisited the idea of a Windhoek Heritage Forum — envisioned as a space for ongoing dialogue, policy engagement, and coordinated action around heritage conservation. Stakeholders noted the value of such a platform in promoting inclusive narratives and encouraging broader community participation.

Participants also reflected on the significance of replacing the Curt von Francois statue, which has been a topic of national conversation. The proposed change is viewed as part of a broader shift toward a more inclusive and representative urban identity.

Attention was further directed to the Katutura and Khomasdal Heritage Houses Project, which aims to celebrate the lived experiences and resilience of historically marginalized communities. Rooted in place-based storytelling, the initiative is seen as a meaningful way to preserve memory and foster civic pride.