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FRAMING OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NAMIBIAN NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NAMIBIAN, NAMIBIAN SUN AND NEW ERA
No full textMedia plays a central role in communicating risks to the public during outbreaks of infectious
diseases. Since Covid-19 was first discovered, media has played a critical role in providing health
information and people have relied on the media for information about Covid-19. While much
of what the public knows about COVID-19 and ways to prevent infection has come through
various media platforms, the framing or how such messages were presented, to some extent,
influenced public’s understanding, perception and behaviours in light of the pandemic. The aim
of this study was to determine how newspapers in Namibia reported on the COVID-19
pandemic. A total of three (3) national daily newspapers were selected for the study namely,
The Namibian, New Era and Namibian Sun newspapers. The study was anchored on the framing
theory and a qualitative research design was used for the study. The study focused on selected
articles which were written between 13 March 2020 and 31 December 2020. Findings of the
study reveal that newspapers used different frames to report on COVID-19. Specifically, the
frames that were employed by the Namibian print media include, among others, the alarming
frame, the social frame, the recovery and the assurance frame. It was found that newspapers
mainly utilised war terminology and pessimistic language in their reporting. The themes that
emerged in the framing of the COVID-19 pandemic focused on crime-related issues, the impact
of the pandemic and the medical-related issues. The study argues that media frames, which
were used by the three newspapers can influence public’s understanding and response to
Covid-19 interventions. It is therefore imperative for the media to consider the frames or ways
in which messages are packaged as frames of media messages could have serious implications
on how messages are received and acted upon
An evaluation of the writing competencies of 3rd year students of bachelor of business management at Namibia University of Science and Technology
No full textTHESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SUPERVISOR: PROF HAILELEUL ZELEKE WOLDEMARIAMThis study evaluated the writing competencies of 3rd-year students of Bachelor of Business Management at Namibia University Science and Technology. The rationale behind the study was to generate an understanding of the elements students find challenging when they engage in academic writing at the same time assessing their writing competencies and finding out what is lacking in their writing skills and whether there is a gap between their writing competency and what is expected of them in their professional world. The relevance of mastering the academic writing competency is crucial in the sense that the same skill is required when in the world of work. These students are not only required to write in class, but the skills should be able to assist them when they are employed in different organisations. To accomplish this aim, the study used a mixed-method research design. A total study population of NUST students (N1 = 80) and bank employees (N2 = 60) was used. The sample size was derived from the Krejcie and Morgan, (1970) sample size determination table and hence, the sample from NUST students (S1 = 70) and bank employees (s2 = 50). The study used a sample size of 70 students which translates to a purposive sampling procedure which is an alternative sampling technique of non-probability sampling. This procedure is more operational for the reason that it is an inherent bias method and stays robust even when tested with other control groups. The research tools used were a writing competency test and questionnaires. The study findings revealed that students find it difficult when they are given writing activities both at university and at work. The following are some of the major errors committed by students: inappropriate use of tenses, unable to use the correct essay structure, lack of punctuation, lack of coherence, inappropriate sentence formation, unable to use discourse markers and unable to comprehend the essay question. The study findings collected from the banking indicates that they value all the language skills, but the writing skill is rated higher since they are engaged in a lot of writing. Also, the study revealed that a high number of business studies graduates are employed in the banking sector. Therefore, it indicates that there is a gap between what is taught at university and the writing needs expected in the world of work. Therefore, the study recommends that NUST must consider developing an ESP (English for Specific Purposes) course for Business Studies students. This ESP course must be specifically related to their programme of study only
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Natural Resources Management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology
No full textAngola has high biodiversity, representing the second-largest ecoregional diversity in Africa, with 7 biomes, 15 ecoregions, 22 vegetation types, and 4 regional centres of endemism. The first studies on the distribution, composition and classification of vegetation in Angola at a national level were part of the floristic exploration and scientific missions during the colonial time. The Kaokoveld Desert and Namib Escarpment Woodlands are ecoregions represented in Iona National Park. Few vegetation or ethnobotanical studies were done in the south of Namibe province, where the oldest park of Angola is located: Iona National Park. Himba community are semi-nomadic herders, they move with their herds both on a daily and seasonal basis, according to fodder availability. This is reflected in a long deep traditional ecological knowledge, cultural heritage developed. Information on plant species and the distribution of vegetation types is an essential baseline for conservation management and planning of the natural resources for any country. This research aims to study the spatial patterns of the vegetation, as well as the use of the plants by the communities in Iona National Park, in Namibe province, southern Angola, as well as the potential that plants present for the economy and tourism. Vegetation data were obtained using sample plots and all the species that were seen in the field during the trips were recorded. The field sampling was randomly stratified. Multi-Response Permutation Procedures and Indicator Species Analysis results were used to determine the number of vegetation communities. Environmental variables were selected as predictors for the vegetation analysis based on the correlation with the ordination axes and contribution to Random forest model. Random forest was used to investigate the vegetation patterns and create a vegetation map.
In total 157 different plants species were recorded, of which 120 species were identified that belong to 49 genera. Of the 120 species, 89 are listed in the Checklist of Angola plants, 31 are new species for the Checklist of Angola plants, with 4 are listed as endemic. The vegetation in the area was divided into eight communities, 1- Acacia mellífera, 2- Terminalia prunioides -Colophospermum mopane, 3- Calicorema capitata, 4- Commiphora multijuga - Rhigozum virgatum, 5- Salvadora persica - Combretum imberbe, 6- Grasses, 7- Euphorbia virosa - Commiphora wildii, 8- Welwitschia mirabilis. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, slope, bedrock and annual precipitation were the most important variables in the model aiming to map the vegetation.
The analysis demonstrated that the quantity of the plots used and the choices of environmental variables for the model are the main factors to cause the high OOB error for Random Forest modelling.
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The interviews made with the local people that are familiar with plants, resulted in the description of 45 native plant uses by communities living in Iona National Park.
Future studies may consider collecting more vegetation data and environmental variables for the model. Comparing the Kaokoveld vegetation between Angola and Namibia, makes more sense to consider plants as endemics to the Kaokoveld region rather than to each country
An investigation into the aetiology of anaemia in pregnant women in Namibia.
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the award of a degree in Master of
Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences
Namibia, University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia.Anaemia is a condition in which the number of circulating red blood cells
(RBCs) and/or haemoglobin (HB) is reduced for the person’s age, gender and geographical
specifications, which consequently affects tissue oxygenation. The common causes of
anaemia are nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12 and folate), infectious diseases
(malaria, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and helminths infestation), chronic blood
loss and closely spaced pregnancies. Anaemia in pregnancy impairs the health and wellbeing
of women, and it is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and
elevates the risk of perinatal and neonatal mortality. This study therefore sought to determine
the etiology of anaemia in pregnant women and unravel socio-demographic factors
associated with its developmen
Politicising and commercialising death and pain: An analysis of The Uncertainty of Hope, We Need New Names, and Kwezi - The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo
No full textTHESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
Supervisor: Dr Max Mhene 31 October 2022This study analysed the politicising and commercialising of death and pain in The Uncertainty of Hope by Valerie Tagwira, We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo and Kwezi-The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo by Redi Tlhabi, through the lens of the trauma and resilience theories. The study was a desktop qualitative research, and it used content analysis to interpret and analyse the chosen texts. The purpose of the study was to explore and interpret the myriad interrelations that exist between death, pain, politics and commercialisation as presented through the three selected texts.
The study found that death and pain as presented in the selected novels are closely intertwined with politics and commercialisation. The politicisation of death and pain in the three selected texts is portrayed through character deaths and pain amidst the political and economic turmoil in the three selected texts. Death and pain are subsumed in the larger political and economic environments and they are also commercialised through the female body in particular. The three texts outline that death and pain are transformed to satisfy political and monetary needs. Whereas people’s emotions and feelings are not considered and death is used as a form of generating income for businesses, the focus is rather on politics and death. The texts reflect the death of loved ones and the pain that they endure because of the political decisions by those in power. In addition, the texts depict the manipulation and ‘overuse’ of power for political reasons viewed through the empowered against the marginalised which as a result has essentially evolved the meaning of death and pain. The three texts portray the betrayal of the marginalised by the black leaders. The irony in all the three selected texts is that the systems that replaced the colonial rule continue to recommend repressive and brutal tactics on the common people. Henceforth, the marginalised masses feel betrayed by the black leaders because they hoped for better living conditions after independence, rather than a life of deprivation and poverty. Therefore, the study revealed how death and pain are subsumed in the political and economic turmoil environments in South Africa and Zimbabwe as represented in the three texts. However, despite all the challenges that characters in these texts undergo, they employ various survival techniques in order to be resilient from their adversities
A bibliography: The urban question in Namibia
No full textDr Elsemi Olwage
Institute for Land, Livelihoods and Housing• Research on urbanisation, urban development and urban socio-spatial dynamics remains limited and underfunded.
• A strong need to foster an urban research agenda
• First step: A bibliography of existing literature on urban development in Namibi
Contested identities, race and culture: An analysis of The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe by Roger Douglas, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah and Negro Land: A Memeoir by Margo Jefferson
No full textA THESIS SUBMITTED IN FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS
AT
NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BY
SESILIA KASIKU NAMAKASA
219155038
JANUARY 2022
MAIN SUPERVISOR: DR. JULIET PASI
CO- SUPERVISOR: DR. M. MHENEThis study analyses contested identities, race, and culture in The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe by Douglas Rogers, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah and Negroland: A Memoir by Margo Jefferson through the lens of the postcolonial theory. One of the main focuses of the postcolonial theory is identity, and it is identity crises which give rise to multiple and fluid identities. Through the postcolonial theory the themes of race, culture, hybridity, and double consciousness are addressed. The study is a desktop qualitative research, and it uses content analysis to interpret and analyse the chosen autobiographies. The purpose of the study was to explore, the construction and contention of identity, race, and culture, as presented in the three selected text, through the lens of the postcolonial theory.
The study found that all the three texts that were analysed are testament to how identities were constructed during apartheid, slavery, or colonisation and how identities were contested in postcolonial societies. The aftermath of all forms of colonisation led to the rise in identity problems being faced by individuals in contemporary societies. The study also found that, colonisation impacted identities of both the colonised and the colonisers to a great extent.
The study recommends that more studies analysing identities in autobiographies using the post-colonial lens are conducted especially in African countries not covered in this study and that the black man’s identity be analysed in other genres of literature such as poetry and drama using the postcolonial theory. Lastly, the study also recommends that more studies are conducted, analysing Namibian autobiographies to scrutinise the Namibian identity
Schematizing societal problems in Namibian novels: The cases of The Other Presence and The Hopeless Hopes
No full textThis article is open access and is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International LicenseThe current research presents a cognitive stylistics study of two Namibian novels: Francis Sifiso Nyathi’s The Other Presence and Salom Shilongo’s The Hopeless Hopes. These novels were selected because they present societal problems specific to Namibia from two different perspectives. The study also argues that only a few such Namibian novels have been investigated via conceptualising cognitive stylistics. The researchers have raised three fundamental questions: How does cognitive metaphor help explicate psychological hitches as captured creatively in the two novels? What is the mind’s contribution in conceptualising and comprehending contextual meanings in the two novels? How does content schema contribute to the understanding of the two novels? It is, therefore, against the backdrop of these three questions that the two novels were purposefully selected and studied. Conceptualising and implementing the cognitive metaphor, the current study also analyses the root causes of societal problems, such as unemployment, unfair treatment of people, HIV/AIDS, and witchcrafts, prevailing in the Namibian social fabric. In The Other Presence, it is the HIV/AIDS which is referred to as the other presence. Shilongo’s The Hopeless Hopes also reveals how Robert and the other fellow Namibian ex-combatants gathered at a Big House in Windhoek to hand over their petition to Honourable Zopa. It indicates clearly that the State House is being contextualised as a Big House in the novel, while the ‘Founding Father’ and the former president of the country Honourable Sam Nuyoma is referred to as Honourable Zopa. The contextual meaning of the selected novels can thus only be understood if the readers of these novels have a general background knowledge of the Namibian society. Within a cognitive stylistics theoretical framework, the study also follows a schema theory to explain mental problems and contextual meanings. It manifests how a cognitive stylistics approach to Namibian novels can advance the literary understanding of the multiplicities of themes, such as culture, taboo, superstition, unemployment, colonialism, corruption, and mental health
A corpus linguistics study of English in written essays by third-year students in the Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism at the University of Namibia Katima Mulilo Campus
No full textIn partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of English and Applied Linguistics (MEAL)
Supervisor: Prof Haileleul Zeleke WoldemariamThis study sought to investigate the influence of nativisation in the written essays by third-year students in the Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism at University of Namibia (UNAM) Katima Mulilo Campus. The study population comprised of 15 students, from which a sample of 14 students was drawn. The research identified and examined words that are nativised by the third-year students, examining their frequency of occurrence, the structures of sentence patterns and other grammatical patterns. A mixed research methodology was adopted in the analysis of the word frequencies, structures of sentence patterns and grammatical patterns. The results from the enquiry indicate that a total of 2290 words were nativised by the students. The structures of sentence patterns also evinced that students used five structures of syntactic patterns in their writings, while their patterns of grammar were more phrasal, with noun phrases being the most frequently preferred phrase structure followed by prepositional phrases. It is envisaged that the findings from this study will help facilitate the teaching of English to the students in the Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism at Katima Mulilo UNAM Campus. On the basis of these results, recommendations for further research have been suggested. Pedagogical implications to assist language lecturers in assisting students develop proficiency in the English language have also been proposed
Assessment of Namibian Agricultural export diversification and trade complementarity
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
award of a degree of Master of Agribusiness Management
In the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences
Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Science
Namibia University of Science and Technology
Windhoek, NamibiaThe reliance of Namibia on primary commodities and their unstable prices has left the country vulnerable to external price shocks, thus the need for appropriate agricultural trade research. This study was carried out to fill this gap by providing quantitative information regarding agricultural export diversification and trade complementarity. Specifically, the study measured the export diversification of the Namibian agricultural sector (export basket and trade destinations), analysed the trade complementarity of Namibia and trade destinations, and estimated the intensity of agricultural trade with trade destinations.
To meet these objectives, the normalised Hirschman- Herfindahl index (NHHI), trade complementarity index (TCI) and trade intensity index (TII) were used to compute diversification, complementarity, and intensity respectively. The study used secondary data on the exports and imports of 19 agricultural commodity groups from 2000 to 2020 obtained from the UN COMTRADE database. Twenty trade destinations comprising ten African countries (Malawi, Mauritius, Botswana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Lesotho, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) and ten non-African countries (United States of America, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, China, Netherlands, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil). The 19 agricultural commodities at SITC digit-3 level have been selected by considering their contribution to Namibia's export and import basket and the sample makes up the whole agricultural sector and the availability of data.
In addition, trade destinations were selected based on the top percentage shares in exports and imports of Namibia's agricultural commodities. The results indicated that the Namibia agricultural sector exhibited a fair diversification in terms of the export basket, but it is highly concentrated in terms of destination/market. For trade complementarity, Namibia is strongly complementary with the selected trade destinations except for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Namibia intensively traded with South Africa (4.90%), Zimbabwe (1.44%), Zambia (3.92%), and Botswana (14.47%) as the rest of the trade destinations registered a TII value of less than 1. The study recommends that Namibia increases trade in the following commodities: live animals, Meat and Meat preparations and Fish and also increase bilateral trade between African trade partners, especially Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Additionally, there is a need for the Namibian government to substantially intervene in the export promotion activities to oversee the agricultural practices in the exports sectors with stimulation mechanism to increase Namibian export and attention should be focused on identifying realistic export
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opportunities for Namibia to boost and diversified agricultural export to trade destinations through research and development