04/06/2026
This morning, as I sit down and reflect on the past two days of commemoration, my heart is filled with profound gratitude, humility, and hope.
The successful observance of the 2026 Genocide Remembrance Day in Lüderitz stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of our people, the strength of our shared history, and above all, the spirit of unity that prevailed throughout this important occasion.
First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God for His guidance, protection, and grace. It is through His divine favour that we were able to gather in peace, remembrance, and solidarity to honour the memory of our ancestors who endured unimaginable suffering during one of the darkest chapters in our history.
On behalf of the people of the ||Kharas Region, I wish to express my deepest and sincerest appreciation to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, for entrusting the ||Kharas and Hardap Regions with the honour and responsibility of hosting the 2026 Genocide Remembrance Day Commemoration. Your unwavering commitment to preserving our collective memory, restoring dignity, and advancing national healing is deeply appreciated and will continue to inspire generations to come.
I further extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed keynote speaker, the Honourable Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Philipus Katamelo, for honouring our invitation and sharing words of reflection and encouragement that enriched this sacred commemoration.
To our invited guests, traditional authority leaders, regional councillors, and local authority councillors from both the ||Kharas and Hardap Regions, I thank you for your unwavering support, leadership, and presence. Your participation demonstrated our collective commitment to preserving our history while building bridges of unity and reconciliation.
To the Nama and Ovaherero communities, whose painful histories remain deeply woven into the fabric of this remembrance, I extend my deepest respect and appreciation. Your resilience, dignity, and commitment to honouring the memory of our ancestors continue to guide our national journey toward healing and justice.
To our young people, the Youth of ||Kharas and Hardap, thank you for showing up with energy, commitment, and a willingness to carry the torch of remembrance forward.
You are the custodians of our history and the builders of a united and dignified future.
To the broader communities of ||Kharas and Hardap, thank you for embracing this commemoration with open hearts and demonstrating what true unity looks like. Your support, participation, and spirit of togetherness made this event meaningful and memorable.
I also extend sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, volunteers, organisers, law enforcement agencies, health workers, media houses, support staff, and every individual who contributed behind the scenes to ensure the success of this important national event. Your dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed.
As we conclude this period of remembrance, let us continue to reclaim dignity, restore culture, and rise in unity.
May the lessons of our past strengthen our resolve to build a Namibia rooted in healing, justice, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.
Together, let us remember.
Together, let us honour.
Together, let us rise.
Hon. Gaob DC Gertze
Governor: ||Kharas Region
