Artefacts from the Royal Nkuna family, taken more than a century ago, have been returned to South Africa by Switzerland. The Nkuna royal family expressed elation over the recovery of these items, which are vital to their legacy and the nation's heritage. This restitution highlights South Africa's efforts to reclaim cultural treasures lost during the colonial era.
The return of the looted Royal Nkuna artefacts marks a significant moment in South Africa's heritage restitution process. These items, seized over a century ago, were repatriated from Switzerland, where they had been held abroad for more than 100 years. The Nkuna royal family described the artefacts as essential not only to their family's legacy but also to South Africa's broader national heritage.
Troy Phili, Repatriation and Restitution Manager at the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), played a key role in facilitating the return. He emphasized that this event represents a milestone in the country's mission to restore significant heritage items taken during the colonial period. Phili stated: “One of the key objectives of this government and post-1994 has been healing and reconciliation, and… the national President, by inventing, is to facilitate that healing and reconciliation. From the pain that families and communities endured over the colonial period up until the apartheid period. It is quite important that we achieve that through heritage, through this policy, which also further ensures that it doesn’t only end with a return of the artefacts, but also cements relationships between the government of Switzerland and South Africa.”
The restitution underscores ongoing efforts to address historical injustices, promoting healing and strengthening international ties. Reporting by Botlhale Phele highlights the elation within the Nkuna family and the historic importance of this repatriation.