The Governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, has encouraged young people to embrace their historical roots and understand the painful history of genocide committed against their ancestors by the German colonisers. 

He said this while addressing youth from the Hardap and ||Kharas regions, who attended the "Heritage Meets Development" stakeholder conference in Luderitz. 

The conference themed 'From Genocide to Renaissance' places special emphasis on youth participation to ensure they play an active role in shaping the future. 

It aims to highlight the importance of local content policy, as well as training and development initiatives, and to equip young people with skills. 

"Simple because they resisted oppression and refused to surrender their dignity and humanity. "Our forefathers and foremothers were not whip victims; they were courageous and heroic people who stood firm against occupation and against being treated as sub-human in their land. Their sacrifices and resilience laid the foundation for the freedom and opportunities we enjoy today."

He further reminded the conference participants not to take the opportunity lightly. 

"Listen, engage, and ask questions for you to be informed, to be confident, to be skilled and capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of our regions and our nation. You are no more, and I say no more, expected to remain spectators or onlookers while others shape the future on your behalf."

Also speaking at the occasion was the mayor of Luderitz, Brigitte Fredericks; she said it is fitting for the southern coastal town, which is close to Shark Island, to host the Genocide Remembrance Day. 

"What was once a place associated with extermination and humiliation is now steadily becoming an economic gateway and symbol of hope for our nation and the broader region."