Newly appointed governor for //Kharas region Dawid Gertze called on residents to join hands as partners in driving much-needed socio-economic development for the collective benefit of all.
Gertze says during his tenure, he aims to deal with access to land and land ownership, access to water and agronomic policies. Gertze is also an unrecognised chief of the /Hawoben Traditional Authority at Blouwes in the //Kharas region which belives ancestral land should be restored to the indigenous traditional communities.
The governor assumed office on Monday during a transfer of leadership ceremony from former governor Aletha Frederick at Keetmanshoop. The leadership transition was witnessed by regional political leadership, traditional leaders, government officials, and community members.
“Land is everything and land has cost us a lot, hence these massacres you have seen. So I will endeavour to address this in my small way. But the government needs to take serious note that we are landless and that causes pain and perpetuates the poverty cycle we are finding ourselves in. So that’s one fundamental issue that needs attending to,” said Gertze.
The governor said addressing land issues is complex in nature, as one has to look at land administration as well where many hindrances and blockages are caused by people who did not feel the pain experienced by victims and do not execute their mandate efficiently and accurately.
He said in line with this, economic politics also hinders and jeopardises all good intentions. He said as a son of the soil he is familiar with the challenges facing the inhabitants, and invited them to join him on the journey of unblocking hindrances.
“We must remember that our challenges are common and require all political formations to make sure that we act in commonality to ensure the needed services are taken to our people. The instruction from the president was to go and work with the people. That’s my mandate. I have my own political allegiance, which I respect and will uphold. But when it comes to the region, I am here to serve everybody. Let us, the political commissars in the region, do away with unnecessary small politics when people are waiting for services.”
Former governor Frederick reflected on her five-year term in office since 2020, calling it a dynamic experience marked by both obstacles and achievements.
“I wish you the wisdom to navigate the complexities ahead, the strength to overcome challenges, and resounding success in your tenure. It is with a mix of reflection and gratitude that I stand before you today at the end of my five-year term as governor of this remarkable region. This ceremony marks a significant transition, a moment to acknowledge the past and embrace the future of the //Kharas region.”
The //Kharas Regional Council chairperson, Joseph Isaack, pledged the council’s collaboration with the newly appointed governor to the benefit of all residents in the region.
“Let us key stakeholders reaffirm our shared commitment to build a region of prosperity, restoration of our people’s dignity, and opportunity for all. May the transition be one of strength and unity for //Kharas.”
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