Associate Professor of African Politics at the University of South Africa, Everisto Benyera, has stated that the diamond represents all illegitimate transactions by colonizers and that it is time for South Africa to get back what is rightfully theirs. He argues that all colonial transactions are illegitimate, and therefore the diamond belongs to the people of South Africa and the people of Cullinan, where the diamond was found.

 

This is not the first time that calls for the return of the Cullinan I diamond have been made. The leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters party, Julius Malema, called for the diamond to be returned to South Africa, stating that it was stolen from the country during colonial times. Malema also called for the return of other cultural artifacts that were taken during colonialism, including the spear of King Cetshwayo, which is currently held in the UK’s Royal Collection.

The issue of repatriation of cultural artifacts has gained traction in recent years, with calls for European museums to return items taken during the colonial era to their countries of origin. French President Emmanuel Macron commissioned a report that recommended the return of African artifacts held in French museums to their countries of origin. The report called for the “temporary or permanent restitution” of items taken “without consent” during the colonial period.

However, the issue of repatriation is a complex one, and there are arguments on both sides. Some argue that cultural artifacts should be returned to their countries of origin as a matter of justice and decolonization, while others argue that they should remain in the collections of Western museums, where they can be preserved and studied. The debate raises questions about ownership, provenance, and the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage.

In the case of the Cullinan I diamond, it remains to be seen whether the calls for its repatriation will gain any traction. The diamond is a valuable part of the British Crown Jewels, and any decision to return it would be a significant one. However, the issue of repatriation is likely to remain on the agenda, as calls for justice and decolonization continue to be heard around the world.