Repatriation and Restitution: From Conversation to Action

A roundtable that will discuss active claims and aim to propose ways to approach and move inter- and cross-continental repatriation/restitution issues forward. What are African responses to European policies and vice versa? What is the case for reparations? What are good examples of successful restitutions? Where are the challenges? What is the status of and next steps for outstanding restitution requests? Is the repatriation of ancestral remains/ cultural objects a vital act of cultural revitalisation and reclamation of heritage?

Introduction and moderator: Prof Ciraj Rassool (South Africa) – Senior Professor of History at the University of the Western Cape  

Panellists:

• Rasoarifetra Bako (Madagascar) – President of ICOM Madagasikara
• Veronika Châtelain (Senegal) – Senior Programme Officer; Culture and Art Open Society Foundation/African Restitution Fund (AReF)
• Emmanuel Kasarhérou (New Caledonia, France) – President of The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
• Simbayi Cogen Qwasira (Zimbabwe) – Chief of Makoni District
• Zakhele Ndlovu (South Africa) – Heritage Officer at the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)
• Dr Rudo Sithole (Zimbabwe) – Founding Director AFRIMUHERE (African Museums and Heritage Restitution) and Senior Lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe
• DSAC representative (South Africa)

Funding Restitution: Challenges of  Levelling the Field 

Veronika Châtelain (Senega) – Senior Programme Officer; Culture and Art Open Society Foundation/African Restitution Fund (AReF)