UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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PV-powered membrane system control for continuous autonomous water solution in remote areas
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Renewable EnergyThis research addressed the challenge of Solar Irradiance (SI) fluctuations, which
adversely affect the performance of photovoltaic-membrane (PV-membrane) systems
used for water purification. These fluctuations lead to reduced permeate volume and
quality, as well as increased specific energy consumption. The primary aim of this
research is to incorporate mechanical energy storage and develop a hydraulic buffering
control method to enhance system performance under varying SI conditions. To achieve
this, a hydraulic energy storage system utilizing a bladder tank was implemented, designed
to buffer periods of SI fluctuations. A control algorithm was developed that allows the
hydraulic bladder accumulator to discharge during low solar irradiance periods for
buffering and charge during high solar irradiance periods by monitoring power ramp down rates. Results indicate that, in the worst-case scenario of a very cloudy day, the
system produced an additional 98.5 L of permeate while maintaining permeate quality
within the WHO palatable limit of 1.13 mS/cm. Furthermore, the average specific energy
consumption was reduced by 38%. The algorithm effectively prevented system pressure
from dropping to zero, thereby maintaining system stability despite fluctuations caused
by SI changes. Future investigations should focus on minimizing pump shutdowns during
hydraulic buffering due to increased pressure resistance. This research contributes to
sustainable water solutions in remote areas, offering a promising approach to enhance the
reliability and efficiency of PV-powered membrane system
Reading material culture to construct a history of trade and self-governance between Oukwanyama and its neighbours in the nineteenth century (1801 – 1900)
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in HistoryFor the Oukwanyama and other Kingdoms, the Berlin Conference (1884-1885)
resulted in restricted trade and movement within Kingdoms which were divided into
different colonial territories. This research attempted to identify and document the
items most traded between the Ovakwanyama and their neighbours and how trade
patterns changed during the nineteenth century; to evaluate and document how some
materials and cultural objects were valued as status symbols and whether this was
due to the skills needed for their manufacture, the rarity of the materials used or the
ritual significance of the material culture, to investigate and document the sources of
the items traded and finally, to establish and document the trade routes and the
evolution thereof. The examination of material culture sought to provide evidence of
regular interaction and trade between the communities. The research, which was
framed by the theories of Afrocentrism, Postcolonial Theory and Decoloniality, was
carried out using the qualitative research method while combining various research
instruments which included an analysis of archival documents, semi-structured
interviews and the examination of cultural objects. Although it is common to study
trade patterns and movements of tangible materials, which this research found to be
amongst others, copper, beads, shells and even people, this research also examined
the trade of intangible assets such as ideas, knowledge, and processes such as
smithing and jewellery-making. Finally, the prevalent trade items were contingent on
the specific period within the nineteenth century, colonial borders, regulations, and
accessibility, which influenced aspects such as the demands of the community, the
nature of items or concepts being traded, and the trade routes themselve
Workers’ experiences of COVID-19 challenges: A case study of Safari Court Hotel’s retrenched employees, Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in SociologyThe repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt not just as a worldwide health
issue, but also in Namibia's economy and employment rates. Various industries suffered
economically as a result of lockdown measures put in place to slow the spread of the virus.
The Namibian hospitality industry was one of the most impacted since it relies heavily on
foreign tourists; as a result, many workers in the hotel industry were laid off or had their
salary reduced. The study aimed to investigate and analyse the issues faced by workers
retrenched from the Safari Court hotel as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as
how their livelihoods altered as a result. Data was acquired through semi-structured
interviews with twenty individuals (15 retrenched workers and 5 relatives/friends of the
retrenched workers) using the qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling was used
to select the participants. Based on the findings of the survey, all workers had difficulties
as a result of retrenchment. Financial issues, health (including mental health), and
employment challenges were among the most significant challenges faced by workers.
Finally, the study recommends that the government and many companies should build
effective pandemic preparation strategies for the futur
The Perivoli Schools Trust early child care and education model: Exploring lived experiences and wider social impacts in Namibia
No full textThe University of Bristol and the University of Namibia
undertook an exploratory qualitative investigation into
the Perivoli Schools Trust Teacher Training Programme.
The study explored the lived experiences of the early
child care and education approach offered by the Perivoli
Schools Trust (PST) in Namibia. The programme provides
training for teachers (Educarers) who are caring for and
providing education to, children aged 0-6 years old, in all
of Namibia’s 14 regions.
The purpose of the study was to respond to needs
on the part of the Perivoli Schools Trust, the Ministry
of Education, Arts and Culture (MEAC), the Ministry of
Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare
(MGEPESW), and the local academic community. Evidence
was sought in relation to understanding the impact of the
Perivoli Schools Trust approach on the lives and wellbeing
of children, families and communities, the future potential
of the PST programme’s core focus on the sustainable use
of waste materials to create educational materials and
activities for classroom and home settings, and to gain
understanding about the fidelity of PST practice to the
principles and ideals of the approach.
The study offers rich qualitative insights into personal
and community experiences of those involved with the
PST training programme in three diverse regions of
Namibia. Data was collected through semi-structured
interviews, observations of centre-based practice in six
Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) situated
within Kavango West (north), Otjozondjupa (central north)
and //Kharas (south). Regions were selected based upon
diverse environmental and spatial characteristics, poverty
rates and budgetary allocation from the State Revenue
Fund through Namibia’s development programme. Talking
circles were facilitated with a diverse range of community
members in each of the three regions including individuals
from the early years care and education sectorThe study explores the impact of the PST Teacher
Training Programme (NTTP) on the lives and well-being
of children, families and the wider communities in three
selected regions of Namibia. It provides a preliminary
evidence base in relation to the fidelity of the PST
approach ‘on the ground’ to the model’s principles, and
the future potential of using waste materials to build
environmentally conscious, sustainable, educational
activities and resources to support children’s learning
and development in their formative years. The study’s
findings aim to contribute understanding of the PST
Educarer training approach, so as to reap its full potential
in Namibia and beyond. The study offers knowledge
on Educarer training to the early years’ education and
care sectors to help inform the development of Early
Childhood Development policy and programming
throughout Namibia.The Perivoli Foundatio
Promoting access to justice through court-connected mediation in Namibia: Prospects, challenges and opportunities
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Laws (LLM)Applying a qualitative approach, this study aimed to evaluate the prospects,
challenges and opportunities of court-connected mediation in promoting access to
justice in Namibia. It found that there are many obstacles to access to justice in
Namibia which include a lack of knowledge on the rights granted to Namibians,
prolonged adjudication, locus standi, costly legal proceedings and lastly, case
backlog. An evaluation was conducted by studying the right of access to justice in
Namibia and how the predominantly adversarial Namibian civil justice system
currently operates to specifically highlight the hindrances to access to justice. It
further sets out the growth and development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR),
which incorporates the different forms and purposes of ADR, mediation as a general
form of ADR. It explained and elaborated on court-connected mediation in Namibia.
Furthermore, a comparative study was conducted on court-connected mediation in
Tanzania and India to draw differences and similarities between the jurisdictions.
Moreover, it concluded with recommendations on how court-connected mediation in
Namibia can be improved. From an access to justice perspective, this study
emphasised the need for Namibia to adapt its civil justice system in order to meet the
ever-changing needs of the community it serves. As a result of this evaluation, the
study concluded that ADR, and more specifically that court-connected mediation, can
have a significant impact on the promotion of access to justice by aiding in the
solution to the hindrances of such access to justice since the process is less costly, less
time consuming and allows the disputing parties to take part in the process to settle
their dispute. However, the study also indicated the limitations and challenges of an
ADR system premised on court-connected mediation given the technical and
adversarial nature of the Namibian legal system and the growing economic inequality
between the rich and poo
Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among university young adults in Zambezi, Namibia
No full textThis study defines RSBs as actions that increase the likelihood of contracting
STIs or experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Based on published research, RSBs include engaging
in unprotected intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, participating in sexual activity under
the influence of substances or having sex immediately after exposure to pornographic material
(Urassa et al. 2008; Kalolo et al. 2019).This study investigates the prevalence of RSBs, associated factors and the need for
targeted interventions among university students in the Zambezi region, it emphasises the importance of developing culturally sensitive
interventions that promote consistent condom use and improve sexual health education to
reduce STI risk and adverse sexual health outcom
Livelihood challenges amongst the !Xun San in the Okongo community forest and conservancy
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in GeographyThe !Xun San are one of the most marginalised people in the Okongo Community
Forest and Conservancy. Traditionally, their economic system largely centred on
hunting and gathering. The arrival of the bantu-speaking people in the San’s traditional
hunting grounds, however, changed their economic system and livelihoods as the
newcomers were primarily agro-pastoralists. For survival, the San were compelled to
adopt a new economic system based on farming and trading – economic activities
which they were not familiar with. The disruption of the San’s economic systems
negatively impacted on their livelihoods, driving most of them into poverty and
destitution. How the !Xun San have been affected, the challenges they face and their
survival strategies have not been adequately researched. Thus, this study sought to
assess the livelihood challenges amongst the !Xun San in the Okongo Community
Forest and Conservancy, Ohangwena region. The study adopted a qualitative approach
consisting of face-face in-depth interviews carried out with !Xun San households and
other key-informants in the area. The study findings indicated that the majority of the
!Xun San in the conservancy were experiencing acute levels of poverty, suffered high
levels of unemployment and lived in deplorable housing conditions. Their poverty
emanated from the fact that most did not own land and therefore could not productively
produce for themselves. In addition, the majority did not possess productive assets to
enhance their livelihoods. Those that could access land had no skills nor financial
capacity to participate fully in farming or other economic activities such as trading.
Being highly marginalised and vulnerable to poverty, the !Xun San in the conservancy
were resorting to participating in piecework, being engaged by the Owambo to do
various chores in return for money. This was, however, not yielding much returns
economically. A few others were engaging in brewing traditional beer to supplement
their income. Overall, the majority of the !Xun San were facing multiple material
deprivations. The study concluded that the material and socio-economic conditions of
the San were, in comparison to other population groups, precarious and require urgent
attention. The study recommends that government and non-governmental
organizations take a pro-active approach and put in place programmes to address the
economic and material challenges faced by the !Xun San
Understanding pre-service teachers' intention to adopt and use artificial intelligence in Nigerian inclusive classrooms
No full textThis study points to the exigency of
a need to strengthen institutional policies and teacher preparation curricula in a
manner that would advance the infusion of the use of artificial intelligence for
teaching of learners with special needs.This study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of
Technology (UTAUT) to provide an understanding of the behavioral intentions of
pre-service teachers in the adoption and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI)
tools for educational engagement in the inclusive classroo
Factors affecting the implementation of E-learning teaching in grade 8 computer science: A case study of six selected schools in the Khomas region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Educational Technology)The implementation of E-learning has become increasingly relevant, especially during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to online education during the pandemic
highlighted the need to understand the dynamics of E-learning. E-learning is a mode of
learning that takes place electronically, often via the Internet. It requires learners to use
electronic devices such as computers, tablets and cell phones. This research aimed to
comprehend the factors affecting the implementation of E-learning in Computer Science,
at the selected secondary schools in the Khomas Region, where Computer Science is
taught in Grade 8. The study investigates the factors and challenges that learners and
teachers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the teacher’s self-efficacy regarding
their ICT skills. An explanatory sequential mixed method was used for this study. The
study population consisted of all the computer study teachers and Grade 8 learners at the
six selected schools, with a sample of 12 teachers and 90 learners. Random sampling was
used to select the quantitative phase, and purposive sampling was used for the qualitative
phase. In addition, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data
and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The data were
analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis for qualitative data. According to the learners
and teachers, the key benefits were convenience of time and place, a greater degree of
trust in adopting E-learning as a teaching and learning instrument, and ease of contact
between teachers and learners. However, similarly, learners and teachers complained
about challenges such as limited computer and Internet access, a lack of technical support,
and a lack of enthusiasm to use the E-learning platform. The results indicated that a lack
of E-learning training for teachers and learners, poor awareness programs, and inadequate
infrastructure contributed to the failure of E-learning implementation in schools. The
study recommends that the Ministry of Education introduce mandatory E-learning courses
into the curriculum for all learners, particularly those in primary schools, to prepare the
learners well for E-learning and increase their accessibility to it. Once E-learning is
introduced in schools, stakeholders in the field of education must ensure that the necessary
resources, such as stable Internet, computers, and trained teachers, are accessible for
successful E-learnin
Assessment of the performance of a Photovoltaic (pv) system for powering electrolysers in the green hydrogen project at Tsau//khaebs National Park using modelling and simulation approach
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Renewable EnergyThe Namibian government, through the Southern Corridor Development Initiative
(SCDI), aims to produce 300,000 tons of hydrogen annually at Tsau //Khaeb National
Park using wind and solar energy. This thesis focuses on the PV system required to power
the electrolyser, involving site analysis, component selection, and system optimisation
using PVsyst and Fraunhofer Zenit. Economic evaluation was conducted via Levelized
Cost of Energy (LCOE) calculations. A site investigation using QGIS, Google Earth, and
SolarGIS determined the coordinates, area, topography, and solar resources. System
sizing and optimisation indicated that 4,586,736 monofacial modules (610 W) are needed
for the fixed-tilt system and 4,181,184 modules for the tracked system. The fixed system
requires 803 inverters, while the tracked system needs 732. The land area required is 21.7
km² for the fixed system and 32.2 km² for the tracked system across both Springbok and
Dolphin sites, respectively. Simulation results showed differences in performance ratio
(PR). At Springbok, PVsyst reported 83.55% for the fixed system and 82.42% for the
tracked system. At Dolphin, PR was 83.99% (fixed) and 82.75% (tracked). In Zenit,
Springbok's PR was 76% (fixed) and 81.4% (tracked), while Dolphin's PR was 76.1%
(fixed) and 81.6% (tracked). Zenit’s results were deemed more realistic due to its
comprehensive modelling. The purpose of this study is to address the lack of independent
research on the proposed SCDI Namibian Green Hydrogen project. The tracked system is
recommended due to its superior performance, though further cost evaluations are
necessary to address uncertaintie