KHARAS — In her fifth State of the Region Address (SORA) on Wednesday, Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick urged residents to combat the divisive forces of tribalism, racism, and regionalism, highlighting their detrimental impact on social harmony and economic progress.

According to Namibia Press Agency, these divisive elements hinder collaboration and unity among different cultures, which are essential for societal cohesion and economic advancement. She emphasized that Kharas, known as Namibia’s southern economic powerhouse, is vital in driving the nation’s economy with its abundant natural resources. The region’s economic strengths are primarily rooted in sectors like mining, fishing, agriculture, and tourism, making it a pivotal area in propelling Namibia towards economic prosperity.

Frederick also pointed to emerging opportunities that could redefine Kharas’s economic landscape, including developments in green hydrogen, oil and gas, and the Neckartal dam green scheme. These initiatives position Kharas at a crucial juncture to leverage its potential for significant economic and social benefits. “As we navigate this path towards progress and prosperity, let us strive to create a future where every citizen of the Kharas Region is enabled to thrive and prosper,” she stated.

The governor further underscored the critical role of education in building human capital to meet the demands of a developing global economy. With significant developments on the horizon, she highlighted the importance of enhancing education and skills training. Institutions such as the University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, I-Care, the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology, and the upcoming Keetmanshoop vocational training centre are poised to offer tremendous opportunities to the youth of the region.