The three-year campaign, in which members of the public have been asked to help identify heritage sites, was launched by the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture.

"The first postcard we got was from a person nominating the site where Nama chief Hendrik Witbooi died at Vaalgras," Silvester told The Namibian.

Another nomination came from one of the oldest residents of Tsumeb, who proposed the site of an old waterhole that led to the settlement of Tsumeb.

Subsequently copper was discovered in the area.

"This campaign is really an opportunity to map the hidden history of Namibia," said Silvester.

He added that as new sites were revealed, it would broaden the country's view of itself in retrospect.

Silvester said one difficulty was Namibians' perception about what was considered "heritage".

"People have a concept that monuments are old forts, churches and German buildings.

"It's important that we also recognise battlefields, sites of traditional ceremonies, even sites associated with traditional leaders and kings," he said.

"When you step into a bar you'll hear people talking about sites or objects that they think should be recognised nationally, but what we're trying to do now is get that in writing and document it."

Proposals must explain the significance of the place or object.

During the first four months, the campaign will concentrate on the northern regions of Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati and Oshana.

The remaining nine regions will be covered during 2006.

Silvester said the campaign was working closely with Regional Councils, traditional authorities and local authorities.

Sponsors like Standard Bank and NamPost are pitching in with the production of promotional T-shirts and the free mailing of nomination postcards, Organisations and individuals are encouraged to submit written suggestions to the National Heritage Council, who will in turn make recommendations to the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture.

Nominations can be sent to the office in Windhoek, or to the regional facilitators.

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