University Botswana Journals
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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELIABILITY OF MISSING SCORES IMPUTATION TECHNIQUES
Get PDFExamination boards commonly face problems of missing marks during examinations. Examinations data may gomissing due to various reasons including hectic logistics and adverse conditions under which the examination waswritten. In educational assessments, a number of methods have been used to address this problem but theirreliability has not been fully explored. This study sought to compare the reliability of five techniques used bymembers of the Southern Africa Association for Educational Assessment (Regression Analysis, Criterion MeanMethod, Same Percentile Position, Z Score Method, Standard Mark Calculation) and another technique used inthe United Kingdom (Absolute Standard Deviation Method) in order to recommend a more valid, reliable andfairer technique. The study used Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) data fromBotswana Examinations Council (BEC) and National School Certificate (NSC) data from Umalusi1. Scores wererandomly selected, deleted and then estimated using each of the specified techniques. Predicted scores werecompared to actual scores using Paired Sample T-test, RMSE and Cohen`s D statistic. The results revealed thatCriterion Mean Method (CMM) was superior since precision of its estimated scores was higher. Despite goodperformance displayed by this method, the study identified limitations which could hinder its full potential. Thestudy developed an improved version of the CMM, tested its performance against the original version and theimproved version of CMM is recommended for estimating missing scores
Introspection on the state of natural resources, indigenous knowledge, waste management and tourism development in the Botswana
Get PDFA review of customary and statutory water management institutions in Botswana and Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe role of institutions (indigenous or modern) in the management of water resources cannot be overemphasised. This paper is a review of literature on customary and statutory water resource management institutions in Botswana and Zimbabwe. It specifically assesses the existing traditional water management practices and institutions amongst different ethnic groups in the two countries. It examines water governance structures in customary and statutory water management practices and assesses the impact of colonialism on customary water management practices and governance. A critical review of literature on water management statutes and policies (that is, the Water Acts, Water Policies as well as Master Plans) and journal articles on customary and statutory water management institutions was carried out. The prevailing themes in the literature reviewed indicate that although governments are silent on the role of indigenous knowledge systems in water management, customary water management institutions are strongly rooted in rural areas, and there is a clear distinction in terms of water access and ownership between rural and urban areas. While traditional leaders are seen as proxies for the ancestors, with the latter conferring on the former custodianship of water resources in rural areas, people in urban communities view water as a natural resource with a commercial value, and this consequently engenders access and control rivalry amongst different stakeholders. Given the divergent approaches associated with water governance in rural and urban settlements, the paper recommends a hybridisation of water resources management institutions in Botswana and Zimbabwe. 
Sustainable Development Goals, Stateless Individuals and Inclusive Education
Get PDFThe paper posits that the notion of universal fundamental human rights for all underpins all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. It provides human dignity moorings for the SDGs as the SDGs are constitutive of universal dignity values in terms of which no human being should be sidelined in human rights matters regardless of such person’s circumstances in life. This is the context in which this paper discusses SDG4 through which the UN seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for everyone. In terms of this discussion, which is based on international law, the paper argues that a reservation made by Zambia, a State Party to the 1954 Statelessness Convention, by which it limits elementary education to its citizens alone and excludes children of stateless persons, undermines the human rights basis of SDG4. It is, also, illegal in international law as it goes against the object and purpose of the Convention, which is to provide certain human rights to stateless individuals to enable them to maintain their human dignity. Hence, the paper contends that the reservation must be withdrawn
Human-wildlife conflicts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana: What are sustainable management options?
Get PDFHuman-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) threaten natural resource sustainability and livelihoods in Botswana. Using the notions of sustainability, human wildlife conflict and conflict resolution, this paper analyses causes, consequences and management options of HWCs in the Okavango Delta (OD), Botswana. Primary and secondary data sources were used in the study. The results of the study show that there are primary (underlying) and proximate factors that cause HWCs in the OD. The main causes of HWC include crop damage caused by wild animals such as elephants, kudus and hippos. Livestock predation caused by lions, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs and crocodiles are some of the cause of HWC in the delta. Proximate factors of HWC include increased human and wildlife population (e.g. elephants), policy and institutional failures, livestock diseases and veterinary fences. These result in insecure livelihoods, and negative local attitudes towards wildlife conservation. Policy and institutional barriers increase HWC in the OD. This is reflected by the fact that government policy tends to favour wildlife-based tourism over agro-pastoralism in the OD. The result has been an increase in HWCs and poverty in the wetland. In addition, institutional policies on land use are not harmonized and are top-down to development planning and in the implementation of development programmes. In conclusion, land zonation for land uses and compensation for crop damage and livestock predation are potential options for sustainability and HWC resolution
Beneficial Ownership under Tax Law in Botswana: A Foregone Opportunity with the Cresta Marakanelo Case
Get PDFBeneficial ownership is pivotal to any discussion of tax avoidance, especially international tax avoidance which forms the backbone to the phenomenon of base erosion and profit. It is a concept under which an attempt is made to find the “true” or “real owner” of tax benefits especially where another person or entity claims such benefits under aggressively designed tax avoidance schemes. Its importance notwithstanding, the concept of beneficial ownership has been notoriously difficult to define. This paper argues that the 2010 Cresta Marakanelo case was an ideal opportunity for the High Court in Botswana to elucidate on the meaning and application of the concept, but, surprisingly, this was not done. A brief review and discussion of the case is preceded by a discussion of notable cases from other jurisdictions, which highlight the importance and difficulty of defining beneficial ownership, and by an overview of the incorporation of the concept in some international tax treaties
Discriminatory Customary Inheritance Law in Nigeria: Judicial Activism or Legislative Intervention?
Get PDFIntestate inheritance in Nigeria is faced with legal issues. This is due to the pluralistic nature of the Nigerian society, where there exist different native laws or customs on inheritance. Some of the native laws or customs discriminate against the rights of women to inherit. This has generated endless legal battles. There abound a number of legal frameworks that provide for women’s rights, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, CEDAW, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. These legal frameworks are targeted at abolishing any customs or cultural practices that discriminate against the rights of women. Further is the constitutional provision on non-discrimination found in section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). In spite of the foregoing legal frameworks the rights of women to inherit continue to be discriminated against. This article examines the customary laws of inheritance in two ethnic groups in Nigeria which tend to discriminate against the inheritance rights of women in intestacy. Further, the paper examines these discriminatory customary law practices against the backdrop of international human rights instruments. Finally the paper advocates for a penal legal regime to address such discriminatory customary law practices rather than judicial endeavor
UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA’S HISTORY STUDENT RESEARCH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GENERATION OF HISTORIANS IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Get PDFSince 1976 the Department of History at the University of Botswana (UB) has run a course that for a long time was unique in the Southern African region whereby final year undergraduate students conducted field research and produced dissertations. These were bound and kept in the UB’s library for consultation by local and international researchers. The quality of some of these essays was so good that they were revised and published in scholarly journals. This paper looks at brief biographies of two students who were in the course in the past five years, their preparation for the course, research topics, awards, and publication of their projects. We also indicate how they went on to attain MAs in History of Botswana at Trent University and later enrolled for PhDs at Calgary University in Canada
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPUTY SCHOOL HEADS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BOTSWANA
Get PDFThe position of deputy school head has in recent years attracted the attention of researchers and debate globally (Cranston, 2007). Deputies, in their individual capacity or collectively working with other members of the school management, perform a variety of tasks that contribute to the day-to-day operation of the school. As would be expected, they work very closely with school heads, who have increased delegation of responsibility to deputy heads (Kwan & Walker, 2008). In Botswana as in other countries, deputy school heads play a very significant role in the management of schools. They are actively involved in a broad range of school responsibilities that include the function of head of academics and those delegated to them by school heads. In spite of the significance of their leadership and management school functions, their perspective of the role and responsibilities they perform have not been subjected to any extensive research. This exploratory study sought the views of primary deputy school heads about their role and responsibilities as members of the school management team. The study adopted heuristic case study design and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The sample of the study consisted of fifty deputy school heads. Data were analysed inductively using themes. The findings of the study show that they are aware of what their duties entail. The conclusion drawn from the study is that deputy-school heads are overwhelmed with duties that are not part of their job description. The study recommends that their duties be confined mainly to their job description to give them more time to focus on the supervision of teaching and learning, which is their core business. The findings of the study have implications for research and practice