Windhoek: The Witbooi Legacy Project was officially launched in Gibeon on Saturday, with descendants of revered resistance icon, the late Gaob Hendrik Witbooi of the |Khowese, calling for the preservation of the community's history, heritage, and values for future generations.According to Namibia Press Agency, the launch brought together Witbooi descendants, clan elders, family members, community representatives, and other stakeholders to honor the legacy of Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, also known by his Nama name Auta !Nanseb, Reverend Markus Witbooi, Lea Witbooi, and other distinguished leaders.Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, who delivered the keynote address, reflected on the historical circumstances in which the chief lived and led his people. He described Witbooi as a leader whose life was characterized by courage in the face of adversity, commitment to justice and human dignity, and dedication to the welfare and future of his community. Ballotti said Witbooi, born into a respected Nama leadership family, emerged as a unifying figure whose leadership transcended tribal boundaries and promoted a broader vision of unity and nationhood. He further reaffirmed the ministry's responsibility to document, protect, and commemorate historical figures and safeguard Witbooi's legacy so future generations can learn about his patriotism and contribution as a national hero.One of Witbooi's descendants, Petra Peterson, said Gibeon was chosen as the launch venue because of its deep connection to history, heritage, and faith. She described Gibeon as a place of memory, resilience, and inspiration where generations before them walked, served, and sacrificed.Founder of the project, Olga Witbooi, said heritage is a responsibility rather than merely something to remember. 'Our heritage is a responsibility, not just a remembrance. History gives us our identity,' she said. The replica Bible and original whip associated with Captain Hendrik Witbooi were presented for publi c viewing. These artifacts were officially repatriated to Namibia from Germany in 2019 after being looted by German colonial troops in 1893 during an assault on Hornkranz. Olga said the Bible represents faith, moral foundation, and spiritual guidance, while the whip symbolizes leadership, authority, responsibility, courage, and service. 'I never imagined that one day I would stand here and witness these sacred treasures home again through an initiative that God placed on my heart,' she said.Meanwhile, 10 families without household water connections were identified to benefit from water connections through a donation, aimed at restoring dignity and improving living conditions. The outreach also included the distribution of food parcels, items to keep community members warm, and toiletries for school-going children.