The Governor of ||Kharas, Dawid Gertze, has officially opened the 69th edition of the Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo (KAITE). 

The governor said the hosting of the annual event is a testament to collective spirit, resilience and unwavering commitment to progress. 

Held under the theme 'Promoting Innovation through Agriculture and Trade for Sustainable Economic Development', the event serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. 

Gertze stated the annual event is a dynamic platform where ideas converge, partnerships are forged, and opportunities are created.

"We envision a future where ||Kharas is a hub of innovation, a leader in sustainable agriculture, and a premier tourist destination, and the Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial, and Tourism Expo will be instrumental in realising this vision."

The governor also called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to expedite the second phase of the Neckartal Dam Irrigation Scheme. 

"What we need now is an urgent and decisive decision. As your government, I stand ready to play my role to whatever extent possible. I will knock on every door in the corridors of power. I will not rest because I know you don't rest. My mandate is to act in the best interest of my people, and I intend to fulfil that. As a servant of this government, I remain a believer in our collective mission. And I fully commit myself to my government, confident that our concerns will be heard. I am convinced that they really understand the urgency of the resort to free us from the bond of poverty."

Also speaking at the event was ||Kharas Regional Council Chairperson Joseph Isaack, who said, "To the youth, the wind of change is blowing; from where? From the South. Harness it; use this platform to innovate, to connect, to lead industries that carry our name, as your ideas into the future."