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A study on the historical and contemporary significance of Omwele Gwoshipika among Aawambo communities
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in HistoryOmwele Gwoshipika is (or was) one of the celebrated objects of Aawambo material culture of the
19th to 20th century, and an object of historical status in the social and political structure of
Aawambo communities. Omwele Gwoshipika excelled as a tool for the king to exercise political
and social authorities in Aawambo subjects. The aftermath of Germany's colonial administration
over Namibia from 1884 to 1915 has resulted in some of the Aawambo material culture being taken
away to Germany. Omwele Gwoshipika was among the items taken away from the source
communities to Germany in 1909 and kept in the Berlin Ethnographic Museum. The removal of
Omwele Gwoshipika by the Germans as an instrument of authority in the royal delegation of power
left a void in hierarchical representation of the king in the Aawambo kingdoms. This study attempts
to establish the significance of Omwele Gwoshipika among the Aawambo communities, their views
on its restitution to Namibia and it is design structure. The data of the study were collected using a
qualitative research method, which incorporated focus group and semi-structured interview with
groups and individual participants. The study found out that Omwele Gwoshipika has a very great
historical significance in the world of kings1
. There is mixed feelings among Aawambo regarding
the contemporary importance of Omwele Gwoshipika. The study established the excitement and
joy among the Aawambo regarding the restitution of Omwele Gwoshipika and that the ancient
design of Omwele Gwoshipika can be reinstated. Moreover, the study established mixed feeling
whereby some Aawambo communities felt that the restitution of Omwele Gwoshipika is not
valuable because the traditional and spiritual ways that used to keep Omwele Gwoshipika have
been compromised. The study concluded that for Omwele Gwoshipika to be successfully re-
integrated in use in Aawambo community with its original cultural characters, there are certain
behavioural changes that Aawambo youth need to favour such as discipline, orderliness and
adhering to the accepted standards of Aawambo cultural behavioural norms for the re-integration
of Omwele Gwoshipika to be installed successfully among Aawambo communities’
An evaluation of the social and economic impact of Non-Governmental 0rganisations in Namibia: A case study of Katutura youth enterprise centre and women’s action for development
No full textA Dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of philosophy in political and Administrative studiesSince gaining her independence, Namibia has witnessed steady growth in economic
performance, expansion of industries and impressive expansion of social services.
However, there remain wide disparities between income and wealth leading to
extensive hunger and poverty. There has been an explosion of NGO activities aimed
at alleviating poverty and reducing the gap between the poor and the rich, more
importantly, shifting from welfare to sustainable skills development-oriented
programmes directed at marginalised communities. Despite these developments, very
little is known about the overall impact of NGO activities and very few details of
specific project interventions are accessible in the public domain. This study is a meta critical evaluation of the socio-economic impact of the Katutura Youth Enterprise
Centre (KAYEC) and Women Action for Development (WAD) training programmes
on targeted youth in Namibia.
This research unfolded within the context of the realisation that NGOs play a
significant role in enhancing development among the youth in Namibia. A mixed
methodological approach consisting of questionnaires, interviews and document
analysis was employed to determine the effects of KAYEC and WAD training
programmes on beneficiaries’ socio-economic development. The intellectual premise
of this research was buttressed by viewpoints solicited from a sample of 100 students,
comprising 25 participants from each of the four regions selected for this study.
Structured questionnaires were administered with the selected participants, based on
course, gender and age. Interviews were used to understand the impact of the training
programmes as well as the challenges faced by beneficiaries of the KAYEC and WAD
training programmes. The research employed descriptive and regression analysis to
analyse the data.
The results of the study established that KAYEC and WAD vocational and skills
training programmes in bricklaying and plastering, ICT, office administration,
needlework and tailoring contributed significantly to the socio-economic development
of the beneficiaries. Moreover, the study reveals there is a significant improvement in
financial status and improved access to social amenities (public buildings and other
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infrastructural facilities which are shared and become convergence spots for the local
communities) as a result of the beneficiaries’ gainful employment after completing the
training programmes. However, the results show a moderate impact on mechanic and
horticultural skill
The influence of Silozi as a medium of instruction on literacy in junior primary schools: A case study of four schools in the Zambezi education region
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of educationThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Silozi as a medium of
instruction literacy in junior primary schools through the case study of four primary
schools in the Zambezi Region. Although the study was mainly qualitative, it adopted
a pragmatic parallel mixed methods design employing both qualitative and
quantitative research designs. The following data collection methods were used:
questionnaire, observations, and semi-structured interviews. The purpose of using
parallel mixed methods was to enable the researcher to collect and concurrently
analyse data to gain in-depth information and perspectives on the use of Silozi as a
medium of instruction. A total of 29 respondents were chosen for the study: 12
teachers, 4 principals, 1 advisory teacher and 12 parents. Data obtained through
questionnaires, observations and semi-structured interviews were triangulated into
themes and categories, documented, and interpreted after analysis. The study revealed
that the language situation in the Zambezi Region is complex and not cognisant of the
region’s linguistic heterogeneity. The study further revealed several factors that
influence using Silozi as a medium of instruction which included the differences in
the languages spoken at home and the language of classroom instruction, lack of
adequate instructional materials, inadequate Silozi reading materials within the school
and home environments, lack of proficiency in Silozi for some teachers and learners,
negative parental and teacher attitudes towards the use of Silozi as medium of
instruction. It was therefore recommended that the Ministry of Education, Arts and
Culture should promote the Silozi language among communities in the Zambezi
Region, strengthen Silozi as a medium of instruction through teacher training and
supporting the development of instructional materials to bridge the gap between the
language of classroom instruction and the home languag
Types of information
No full textTo meet the demands of the 21st-century digital economy and the fourth industrial revolution, dominated as they are by technologies and generation Z users, there is a need to understand the different types of information that people use in everyday life for decision-making. Information users need to develop independent critical thinking and effective use of information and information technology. There is a variety of information sources, and users must have the relevant skills for searching and to ensure discoverability to the full. Therefore, information and digital literacy skills are of paramount importance for the socioeconomic development of a countr
The relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health of employed and unemployed young adults in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in clinical psychologyUnderstanding and nurturing emotional intelligence is vital for maintaining good mental
health. By recognizing and managing our emotions effectively, we can navigate life’s
challenges with resilience and foster healthier relationships both with ourselves and
others. The present research explores the relationship between emotional intelligence
and mental health of employed and unemployed adults in Windhoek, Namibia. The
study was guided by a quantitative, exploratory cross-sectional research design.
Convenience sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to select the
participants of the study correspondingly. A total sample of 400 adults participated, aged
between 20 and 35, of which 199 were officially unemployed and 201 were officially
employed. The Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and
Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to collect data regarding emotional intelligence and
mental health respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also
conducted to determine if there was any significant relationship between emotional
intelligence, mental health, gender, age, marital status, and employment status. A
significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and depression, as
well as emotional intelligence and stress. Furthermore, a significant relationship was
found between emotional intelligence and employment status. Overall, the employed
participants experienced a higher prevalence of moderate emotional intelligence
(96.5%) and 3.5% experienced high emotional intelligence. Moreover, 7.5% of
unemployed participants experienced low emotional intelligence and 86.5% of
unemployed participants experienced moderate emotional intelligence. No significant
association was found between emotional intelligence, gender, and age. Furthermore, a
significant relationship was found between depression and employment status. The
prevalence of mental health problems was higher amongst the unemployed participants
with 25.5% severe depression, 44% severe anxiety, and 20% severe stress, as compared
to employed participants with 17.5% severe depression, 42% severe anxiety, and 17%
severe stress. The study recommends the implementation of platforms where issues of
emotional intelligence and mental health can be discussed, and emotional intelligence
skills and healthy coping strategies can be introduced, which could promote a more
prosperous and thriving Namibi
Effects of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) oil cake as a partial replacement of soyabean meal on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens
No full textThis paper discusses the effects of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) oil cake as a partial replacement of soyabean meal on the
production performance and egg quality of laying hen
A training programme to support social workers in the facilitation of field education supervision
No full textA Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social workSupervision of social work interns is a mandatory specialised function that requires
additional skills and knowledge to be executed optimally. Little is known about the
experiences and needs of field supervisors within a Namibian context. This study
explored the needs, experiences, and current practices of student supervision amongst
the social workers and student social workers in the Khomas region of Namibia. The
outcomes of the exploration led to the development of an evidence-based intervention
programme to empower social workers in the field supervision role. This was an
intervention research, conducted in three phases. Phase one was a situational analysis
embedded in a qualitative approach and phenomenological design, and its data were
collected from purposively selected 20 social workers and 10 social work students,
using open-ended questions to conduct in-depth interviews. The data was analysed
using the Tesch method of qualitative data analysis. This was followed by the design
and development of a training programme in Phase Two, and programme evaluation
by experts in Phase Three. The main findingsreveal that field supervisorsreceived little
prior training in field supervision, are not fully aware of the supervisory functions
associated with studentsupervision, have challenges with the integration of theory into
practice, and that there are no comprehensive training programmes for field supervisors
in Namibia. These findings led to the development of a comprehensive training programme
and implementation guidelines , which became the outcome product of this study. The
programme was found to be viable and feasible by international and local social work
experts in student supervision. They assessed the programme’s feasibility and viability,
specifically focusing on adequacy of learning content, appropriateness of facilitation
methods and allocated times. They further made suggestions for improving the
programme. The experts expressed satisfaction with the programme content and
relevancy of topics and acknowledged its potential to put the social work field
education at the forefront. This study’s emerging knowledge is solidified through the
developed training programme, as well as description of unique experiences of field
supervisors and student social workers from a Namibian context. The study’s
recommendations underscore the importance of CPD and post-qualifying training in
field supervision, and that a supervision framework for Namibia need to be developed
urgently, to re-engineer field supervision processes. Future research could evaluate the
impact of the developed training programme on field supervisors’ competencies, both
from the field supervisors and student social workers’ perspectiv
An exploratory study of perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence amongst adolescents in Omuthiya district, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in social workOne of the most counterproductive behaviour in disease control both in clinical trials
and clinical practice is non-adherence to medication especially among patients with
chronic illnesses. This study sought to explore the perceived barriers to Anti-Retroviral
Therapy (ART) adherence amongst adolescents in Omuthiya District, Namibia.
Omuthiya was selected because it was where the researcher resides so they identified
the problem among the Omuthiya vicinity and therefore this study is a way to solve
challenges faced by Omuthiya district inhabitants. To help research this study, the
researcher used a qualitative and exploratory implementation design conducted within
the theoretical perspective of ecological system. Participants were Ten (10)
Adolescents Living with Human Immuno-Deficient Virus (ALHIV) aged 15-19 as
well as Six (6) Health Care Workers as key informants. Both were purposively
sampled. Data for the study were gathered through in-depth interviews using interview
guides as research instrument. The study employed the thematic data analysis method.
The study found that perceived barriers to non-adherence were mostly family related
with the main reason being poor parental care at home. Other factors also contribute
which include side effects, stigma associated with having Human Immuno-Deficient
Virus (HIV) drugs and socio-economic challenges such as dietary restrictions. It was
further found that health care facilities provide adequate support to all patients
including ALHIV in addressing barriers to treatment adherence, however some
ALHIV had a negative attitude towards ART adherence. It was also found that Health
Care Workers perceive that the barriers to ART adherence amongst ALHIV are due to
lack of knowledge and poor parental care at home. It is therefore recommended that
the treatment regimen be thoroughly explained to ALHIV upon full disclosure and at
every resupply visit to ensure they understand the importance of not defaulting. Multi sectored interventions’ including parental involvement in the adherence promotion
initiatives is recommended. It is further recommended that the ALHIV receive support
through adherence advocacy programs at local, district and national leve
An investigation into illicit drug trafficking and its Implications for national security: A case study of Khomas Region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Degree of Masters of Arts Degree in Security and Strategic StudiesThe present study investigated drug trafficking and its implication for national security,
using Khomas Region as a case study. Illicit drug trafficking is one of the variables that
offer a bigger threat to a country's national security since it has evolved into an
international problem that threatens international peace and security. In recent years, the
smuggling of illegal narcotics has increased in Namibia. According to Lieutenant-General
Sebastian Ndeitunga, Namibia is in serious jeopardy due to the alarming increase in drug
trafficking, (De Klerk, 2018, p.6). Statistics from Namibian Police’s Drug Law
Enforcement Division show that between 2017 and 2020, 7151 persons were detained in
Namibia for drug-related crimes (Namibian Police, 2020). In addition, according to a
declaration made by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, for
the Commission on Narcotic Substances’ 64th Session, Namibia seized 843,892 kg of
cannabis; 4,930 tablets of Mandrax; 1,072g of cocaine powder; 650 units of crack cocaine
and 2,922 g of crystal meth in 2020. This study employed a qualitative research
methodology, using a case study research design. The study found among others that, drug
trafficking in Namibia could lead to the spread of small arms and other weapons; a high
possibility of violence and extremism; a threat from international terrorism; a pervasive
culture of corruption and other security challenges. Moreover, an additional burden on
government spending to address the problem was uncovered in this study. Based on the
findings, the study put forward the following recommendations. A strong legislative
structure that addresses the problem is necessary to control and prevent drug trafficking;
a public health and intelligence approach to raise public awareness of the threat of drug
trafficking on the country’s national security is equally necessary. The Government should
also derive ways to address the high unemployment rates among the youth to deter the
majority of them from succumbing to the allure of drug trafficking in the country
The effectiveness of counselling services as an equity measure to support vulnerable and marginalised students at selected higher education institutions in Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Inclusive education)Higher education offers a high prospect of job opportunities, has more significant
economic gains for individuals and communities and impacts social cohesion. It
remains the pathway to career opportunities and contributes to individuals' physical
and cognitive well-being. Despite the various support services including financial
support and counselling services in higher education to increase access and ensure
inclusion, anecdotal and media reports indicate that students from marginalised
communities in Namibia continue to face exclusion and have low academic
achievements. The study explored and discussed the perceived effectiveness of
counselling services offered as an equity measure to support students from
marginalised backgrounds in higher education in Namibia. This study employed a
pragmatic parallel mixed methods design. It comprised two phases: situational analysis
covering chapters one to five, and the development of the Student Assistance
Programme (SAP) and implementation strategies in Chapter six. Eleven individual
semi-structured interviews with the referrers for counselling support were conducted.
In addition, six semi-structured interviews from a subset of beneficiaries from the
quantitative sample were performed. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic
analysis paired with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). In addition, a
quantitative descriptive correlational case study design was conducted, and a
consecutive sampling method was utilised to recruit 85 beneficiaries. Despite different
funding programmes and counselling services aimed at the retention and inclusion of
students from marginalised communities in higher education, the study found that
students from marginalised backgrounds continue to endure economic, physiological,
psychological, and academic challenges in higher education. Counselling
effectiveness as an equity measure is compromised by various factors. Besides the
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delays and lacks thereof, counselling services were found to be more effective in
addressing the psychological needs perceived as secondary, such as depression and
anxiety. However, the counselling services proved wanting in addressing the primary
causes of student distress, such as economic, physiological, social and academic needs.
Moreover, the study established significant important clusters of related attributes that
promote student resilience and academic success. The findings informed the
development of a person-centred, culturally sensitive Student Assistance Programme
(SAP) and guidelines for implementation, with well-defined psychological and non psychological support service