The Erongo Governor has invited residents to gather in big numbers at Swakopmund to honour the victims of the 1904 to 1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide during Genocide Remembrance Day commemorations next week.

Erongo Region is preparing for Namibia's first regional commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day on the 28th of May in Swakopmund. 

The commemoration will take place at the Memorial Park gravesite, historically known as the Ovaherero graveyard.

"Why do I invite all of us? Historically, it's a first in the history of our republic that we are commemorating this day at the regional level. The government of our republic of Namibia recognises the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered and, therefore, ensuring that future generations continue to learn from Namibia's history. This is not a political event, "stressed |Goagoses. 

The governor, who is making arrangements for public transportation, added that the event will bring together government leaders, traditional authorities, historians, descendants of victims, youth, and members of the public.

"If there are interest groups, if there are organised groups in the different respective constituencies, I would encourage them to kindly, by Friday, the 22nd of May, indicate to the office of the governor through their constituency offices as to the needs so that as governor, one could see how to bring these residents to our commemoration. But once again, the call is to the community members, the business communities, the interest groups, our sympathisers, and our development partners to assist us."

Activities on the day will include cultural performances, historical reflections, Nama troops, and Herero horse riders.