The Herero and Nama genocide is a moral and legal crime, and therefore, there is a need to revisit the dialogue between Namibia and Germany at the community and people-to-people levels. 

These were the sentiments of Professor Andre du Pisani during a public discussion aimed at raising awareness and educating youth on the Ovaherero and Nama genocide.

Professor Du Pisani emphasised that it is essential to revisit the dialogue on the Herero and Nama genocide to reconcile and strengthen the bond between Namibia and Germany.

He, however, noted that there should first be a community engagement.

"It's imperative that we obviously develop another set of dialogues that can run at different levels. And remember, the dialogue is not only at the state-to-state level. It should also be at the people-to-people level. It should also be at the community level. Because if you look at the issues of reconciliation, which is the core concept that the Germans develop, reconciliation, what is the essence of reconciliation? It's a moral construction, and it is a cultural project, a cultural project where you value equally the importance and significance of a diversity of cultures."

He said the genocidal history of Namibia and the legacy of colonialism are significant parts of German multidimensional history, as its impact extends to those who were not directly involved.

"I think clearly there has been a dialogue for more than almost a decade now. And there have been various stages in that dialogue process. And we did see the framework agreement of 2021. And subsequent to that, we did see some amendments to that framework. But what is missing in the dialogue are the fundamental principles of natural justice. In other words, the principles that would determine that issue are directly affected by the outcome of decisions."