The participation of the communities and traditional leaders of the two southern regions is required for them to take ownership of issues captured in the Joint Declaration on the Genocide.

Simultaneous feedback sessions were held with the affected communities in the seven identified regions on Thursday.

||Kharas Governor Aletha Fredericks acknowledged that the participation of people of the Hardap and ||Kharas regions is pivotal to the collective effort to dismantle the legacies of colonialization and oppression that have long plagued society.

"Our history is marked by painful retribution through acts of genocide that have left indelible scars in our communities."

Fredericks added that as they reflect on these historical injustices, it is crucial to acknowledge the spirit of resilience of the affected communities. 

"It is this spirit of resilience that drives us forward as we seek to heal and rebuild."

Speaking at the same occasion, Deputy Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Maureen Hinda- Mbuende said more had been achieved through the renegotiated Joint Declaration.

"As affected communities, we ought to give our voice before the final signature is done."

The deputy minister noted that social upliftment realised through the atonement of the genocide, as descendants of the victims, deserves to participate in restorative justice.

"Restorative justice can only be realised if you share in that cake that is meant to restore the dignity that was taken away."

Hinda-Mbuende and Lucia Witbooi, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, were assigned as envoys of the Vice President in terms of the Cabinet decision of Thursday, 12 December, to inform the communities of the Joint Declaration.

The absence of the leaders of the Namibia Traditional Leaders Association was conspicuous.