A collection of cultural artefacts, linked to railway workers and communities affected by colonial rule, has been returned home from Switzerland after more than 120 years.

The historic repatriation was celebrated at Usakos, where leaders described the moment as an act of justice and the restoration of a long-lost piece of Namibia's heritage.

The first batch of the collection was officially handed over to the Usakos Museum, marking a major milestone in Namibia's efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage.

Many of their ancestors were forced to build railway infrastructure under harsh conditions, during a period marked by war, oppression and genocide.

"It is with immense pride, deep humility and a profound sense of historical duty that I stand before you today, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the people of the Erongo Region, to officially receive this first batch of repatriated artefacts that belong to us, that have always belonged to us, and that have finally found their way home," stated Erongo Regional Governor, Nathalia |Goagoses. 

The Usakos Mayor, Clerens Katorab, said the act is more than just the return of historical objects.

"As we welcome back the railway workers' collections, we are doing far more than receiving artefacts. We are reclaiming memory, restoring dignity and returning history to where it rightfully belongs because the people disconnected from their history risk losing their identity. Usakos is just not a town. It is a place of legacy, sacrifice and generations whose contribution helps to shape Namibia."

Samuel Bachmarn, who formed part of the Historical Museum Team, adds, "I am extremely confident this museum can become a place for the people. With the communities that it has shown so much dedication to, this place can also create amazing things, and I'm very confident about that."

The collection was replicated through a partnership with the Bern History Museum, which worked alongside Namibian institutions and communities to trace the origins of the artefacts and facilitate their return.

The collection will now form the foundation of the Usakos Museum, preserving the stories of the railway workers and their descendants.