Shark Island to Undergo Historic Reclamation as Government Plans New Museum
The Namibian government is moving to reclaim and restore Shark Island’s historical identity, announcing plans to build a museum on the site after years of criticism over its use as a recreational campsite. A total of N$400,000 has already been allocated for the project.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the initiative follows Cabinet Resolution 20th/09.11.21/016, which ordered the transfer of Shark Island’s management from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) to the National Heritage Council (NHC). A technical committee has since been established to ensure the site is managed in a way that reflects its painful past and national significance.
For years, heritage activists and historians have argued that Shark Island once the site of a brutal German colonial concentration camp was being treated casually, with tourists camping on grounds where thousands of Namibians lost their lives. The government’s latest move signals a shift toward restoring dignity, memory and historical accountability.
Once the transfer is complete, the NHC plans to introduce guided and unguided tours to educate visitors about the island’s history, alongside the development of a dedicated museum to preserve and present its legacy.
The project marks a significant step in Namibia’s ongoing efforts to confront and honour its past.
