Lesen - Allgemeine Zeitung

Tintenpalast:
Symbol of a
painful past and
the promise of
a better future
By Marc Springer
Of Windhoek’s historically valuable architecture,
the parliament building is perhaps the most significant,
housing the National Assembly and
being the center of the countries legislature.
The political importance of the building as seat
of parliament is reflected by its elevated position
overlooking the central business district of
Windhoek. Strangely enough this prominent
location almost derailed construction of the
complex.
When German Imperial Governor Bruno von
Schuckmann announced the construction of a
new administrative building for the then “German
South West Africa” news spread that the
complex was to be erected on a mountain slope
dividing Windhoek proper from the residential
area of Klein Windhoek. This decision provoked
heavy criticism from the general public
who felt the chosen site high up on a hill was
unsuitable and suggested that government was
lacking transparency by retreating to a locality
removed from the center of town.
Despite the protests the German building company
Sander and Kock was commissioned to
commence construction on 17. April 1912. Except
for wood, lime and sand that were locally
available, all other building material was imported
from Germany and the Cameroon, which
like Namibia was a German colony at the time.
The building, based on a blueprint of German
architect Gottlieb Redecker, who also designed
other historical buildings in Windhoek, was
completed on schedule in November 1913.
On 11 May 1914 the so called “Landesrat”, an
advisory council to the Governor, assembled for
the first time in the new structure. This body was
however disbanded following Germany’s surrender
in 1915. After the building stood vacant
for a while, a new legislative assembly moved
in during 1925, followed by various administrative
offices including that of the Administrative-
General. As was the case during Germany’s
colonial rule the building became the seat of
central government throughout South Africa’s
subsequent administration in Namibia. Prior to
independence the last occupant was the Transitional
Government of National Unity.
Although lawmakers using the parliament
chamber have changed as much over the
years as the political direction being pursued
there, one thing has remained: The building is
still being referred to as Tintenpalast (German
for “Ink Palace”) a term created shortly after its
completion. The name was coined by people
assuming a lot of ink was being used in the
administrative complex by officials and clerks
being employed there.
Just beneath the steps leading up to the main
entrance of the building lays the parliament garden
stretching between the Tintenpalast and the
famous Lutheran church known as Christuskirche.
The small park, which is a popular attraction
for Windhoek residents and tourists alike,
was developed during South African rule in
1931 with the assistance of the prison services
and completed in 1934. Rather recently three
statues were erected at the steps separating
the garden from the parliament building. The
9 June 2009
sculptures depict Chief Hosea Kutako, Reverend
Theofilus Hamutumbangela and Captain
Hendrik Witbooi, who all played an important
part in Namibia’s struggle for independence.
Being situated in close proximity to the old German
fort called Alte Feste and the Equestrian
Statue depicting a mounted soldier of the German
“Schutztruppe” and occupying a similarly
commanding position as the nearby Christuskirche,
the parliament building forms part of the
historical center of Windhoek. Except for a few
renovations in 1985 during which the original
architecture was retained, the building remains
in its original state.
As with the Alte Feste which endured as a symbol
of imperial oppression and now ironically
houses the National Museum dedicated mostly
to Namibia’s struggle for freedom, the Tintenpalast
is in some respect more than a historical
building. The fact that it wasn’t altered or demolished
and still houses the legislature of Namibia
demonstrates that the country has made
piece with its history and has come far on the
road of national reconciliation.
In that sense it is perhaps fitting that the Tintenpalast,
being a symbol of foreign domination
during Namibia’s colonial past now serves as
the venue where freely elected parliamentarians
of an independent nation shape the destiny
of the country. From that perspective the Tintenpalast
combines Namibia’s past and future
like no other building in the country. n
Additional information:
• Sessions of the National Assembly can be observed
from the public gallery without prior
booking.
• Tours of the Tintenpalast are available at advance
notice.
Booking requests should be directed in writing
to: The Secretary
National Assembly , P/Bag 13323
Fax: 264-61-247772 / 256371
Email: parliament@parliament.gov.na