Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow Day 2 – A Keynote Address on Restitution by Molemo Moiloa

The Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow convening took place from 13th to 15th February 2024 at the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town.

On the second day of the convening, Molemo Moiloa – who is one half of interdisciplinary artist collaborative MADEYOULOOK, Director and Head of Research at Andani.Africa and co-founder of Open Restitution Africa – gave a keynote address called A Radical Commitment to Repair: Perspectives on Restitution. Moiloa started off the address on the following note, “Today is restitution day, which is a tricky and tough subject; but it’s also Valentine’s Day. For those of us who know a little about love, we know that love is not about chocolates and roses. Love is hard, because it’s human. So think of this talk I’m going to give today as a bit of a love note to restitution and the processes we’re embarking upon.”

In her address, Moiloa gave a personal view of restitution, and her discomfort with it, as well as a bit of its history. Moila highlighted the African voices that have consistently gone unheard in the restitution conversation. She also spoke to restitution not simply as the return of objects, but of the restoration of people, memories, histories and legacies.

Watch the address in the video below, as Molemo Moiloa unpacks the processes, voices and feelings of restitution, as well as what more is needed to ensure that this journey aligns with those of us on African soil as we honour our heritage.