Democratic Resettlement Community

Just beyond the city limits of Swakopmund, where well-paved roads and colonial buildings contrast with the quiet cafes and international cuisine, lies the Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC). Originally a temporary holding area for those awaiting government housing, the DRC has evolved into a thriving settlement of around 6,000 residents. Built from reclaimed materials discarded by the city’s affluent, the DRC offers a stark glimpse into the lives of Namibia’s less privileged, many of whom work in the service industries that cater to the country’s elite and tourists. Visitors can explore the community’s active youth center, free health clinic, and home for orphans and vulnerable children, gaining insight into the resilience and daily life of its inhabitants.