The Governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, has called for a collective commitment to the preservation of the country's rich and diverse heritage. 

Gertze made the call in a message delivered on his behalf at the official opening of the 2026 Heritage Week celebrations in Vaalgras. 

The settlement of Vaalgras is hosting the ||Kharas Region's Heritage Week celebrations, which began with displays of cultural dances, art exhibitions and cultural performances highlighting the country's rich heritage. 

"Let Vaalgras and the ||Kharas Region demonstrate that heritage is not a burden from the past, but a resource for the future. Let us transform our heritage from a forgotten inheritance to a living classroom. A source of pride, a foundation for community resilience and a catalyst for sustainable community development."

The ||Kharas Regional Director for Education, Nicolas Eiman, said this year's heritage celebrations place special emphasis on Witbooi's Einde Heritage Site in Vaalgras. 

The site marks the exact location where the legendary Nama leader Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi was fatally wounded by the German imperial colonial forces in October 1905.

"The site carries considerable historical significance, but its potential has yet to be fully unlocked in terms of heritage interpretation, conservation, community engagement and tourism development." 

The Vaalgras traditional leader Martin Biwa urged communities to value and preserve heritage as a legacy inherited from their ancestors.  

"We must ask what we are doing to protect this heritage. What are you and I doing to protect this heritage and hold onto it? Our responsibility is shared between the government and community. We must work hand in hand."

Themed 'Preserving the Heritage for the Future of the Generation,' the Heritage Week celebrations end on Friday.