Issue 2 (JSHSS Vol. 6)

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Analysis of teacher reinforcement practices and reprimands system at the basic education classrooms: An observation study
(University of Namibia, 2017) Ofoha, Dorothy
Access and retention are key components of the basic education programme in Nigeria. However, despite progress in access, low retention rate remains a key issue. Addressing the retention problem re-quires a critical review of current teacher classroom management practices. While positive reinforcement (PR) and reprimands are tools used by teachers to reinforce classroom behaviour, research sug-gests that retention is enhanced when PR outweighs reprimands by a ratio of 4:1. Although research has consistently shown that the use of reprimands is prevalent in Nigerian classrooms, data regarding the level of PR emission is lacking. Using a systematic observation method, this study examined the types, rate, frequency and pattern of PR system currently in use at the basic education classrooms vis-à-vis levels of reprimands with a view to providing baseline data for decision-making. Subjects included 60 teachers drawn from 20 schools (10 primary/10 junior secondary) in Lagos, southwest Nigeria. They were observed for 4 weeks during regular classroom teaching. Data collected were coded into quantitative categories and analysed with the use of frequencies, ratios, percentages, and chi-square test. Results showed that teachers delivered a low rate of PR and a high rate of reprimands at the ratio of approximately 1:6, far below the recommended level. No significant differences were found when the data were analysed by grade level and years of teaching. The findings are discussed in terms of their practical implications. To boost student retention at school, the use of PR strategies needs to be more widespread in the basic education classrooms.
Combating the common enemy? A descriptive account of Namiba's involvement in the Angolan civil conflict
(University of Namibia, 2017) Amupanda, Job S.
Although there are several studies on post-colonial Namibia, the subject of Namibia’s foreign relations in general and military operations in particular has not attracted many studies by local scholars. This subject has been left either for exploration by foreign scholarship or to local journalists to provide somewhat ‘pass-by’ accounts. There is thus little literature available on the subject such as the role of Namibia in the Angolan civil conflict. This reason alone is sufficient to make a compelling case on why there is a need for an account on the role of Namibia in this conflict. Produced on account of necessity, it is the hope of this author that it serves as a foundation for further research; regardless of the perspective – for or against, as long as studies on the subject exist. Most of the studies on conflict resolution and peacemaking are often focused on colonialism as if Namibia and generally southern Africa did not witness more than 20 years of post-colonial majority rule. This article seeks to explain the contours of conflict studies from colonial to post-colonial period.
A critical analysis of universal literature on graduate employability
(University of Namibia, 2017) Shivoro, Romanus S.; Shalyefu, Rakel Kavena; Kadhila, Ngepathimo
Enhancing graduate employability is fundamental to higher education institutions’ role of producing human capital that is capable of performing competitively in the contemporary labour market. This pa-per presents a synoptic review of literature on graduate employability with particular focus on the conceptual and theoretical background as well as models and approaches for enhancing employability at-tributes. The analysis established that the discourse of graduate employability is central to higher education provision across the globe. The notion of graduate employability has evolved from conceptualiza-tion to the development of instruments for guiding integration of graduate employability attributes in higher education curricula. The paper provides a synthesis of existing research and makes recommendation for further research on strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and the industry to enhance graduate employability.
The diplomacy of small states in the international political system
(University of Namibia, 2017) Mushelenga, Peya; Van Wyk, Jo-Ansie
This article interrogates the undercurrents of small states foreign policy and the determinants of foreign policy making in small states. It question small states are positioned in the web of international relations with other player, such as large states. The research is guided by the assumption that small states are somewhat limited by domestic and external factor, which are the driving catalysts of international relations agendas. The analysis aims to determine how the smallness of a state can be a challenge, and how small states can survive the limitations of their smallness. The article makes use of Liberalism/Neo-Liberalism theories of International Relations (IR) Studies.
Environmental protection using indigenous knowledge (IK) methods and skills for sustainability: A case study in the Kavango East and West regions
(University of Namibia, 2017) Sindano, Gerson; Utete, Christina N.; Ilukena, Alex M.
The analysis presented in this study draws from a theoretical framework that sees indigenous knowledge (IK) and discourse as important features of ethno-science publication in Namibia. The study aims to make a meaningful contribution to an on-going debate about IK in Namibia and the world over, the use of IK in the construction of knowledge about ethno-science, and to the analysis and exploration of IK. As such the study looks at the process of authenticating ethno-scientific arguments, knowledge and skills, providing a clear understanding of how IK is used to protect the environment. The study of IK has been concerned with traditional rural activities such as farming methods. The findings and knowledge produced by some IK studies seem to have been arranged as a system of perception rather than real scientific knowledge. The notion put forward is that science rests on facts and evidence, and that it is therefore detached from humanistic rural activities. However, this research paper provides an investigation and exploration of the possible significance of IK for environmental protection. Similtaneously the paper offers an understanding of the place of IK in relation to so-called ‘hard’ scientific knowledge.
Exploring how modern sciences impede the development of indigenous knowledge (IK) [Ethno-science and Ethno-mathematics] in the Kavango East region: A case study
(University of Namibia, 2017) Utete, Christina N.; Ilukena, Alex M.; Sindano, Gerson
The analysis of this research paper is drawn from theoretical framework that indicates the relationship between modern science and Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in their different environments. The focus of this study was to establish the relationship between modern science and indigenous knowledge (IK), particularly how modern science has become dominant over IK. This seems to have resulted in many IK systems becoming extinct and redundant. The significance of this study is to contribute to the existing scientific body of knowledge since there seems to be dearth of IK documented information. It also creates awareness on the existence of traditional methods and skills that were used and still being used in their livelihood. In addition, the research paper provides explanation on the importance of the IK in relation to modern science. In the same vein the research paper draws parallel lines among the ethno-sciences, ethno-ma-thematics and modern science. Since the paper focuses on ethno-sciences and ethno-mathematics, learning systems of imparting knowledge were meticulously investigated. This paper places IK at the center of the knowledge creation instead of being an obstacle to the development of contemporary science and mathematics.
From user questions to a basic microstructure: Developing a generative communication theory for a Namibian German dictionary
(2017) Beyer, Herman Louis; Augart, Julia
This article reports on the initial planning stages of a Namibian German dictionary project, i.e. a dictionary that would primarily provide semantic information in Standard German about Namibian German lexical items. The concept of Namibian German is explained, and existing dictionaries of Namibian German are briefly surveyed. The theoretical framework is that of a new lexicographic theory, i.e. the theory of lexicographical communication. Within this framework, a new classification of three types of dictionary purposes is introduced, i.e. macro-contextual purposes, meso-contextual purposes and micro-contextual purposes. The focus then shifts to the development of a basic micro-structure for the dictionary, which refers to a set of lexicographic messages encoded in lexicographic utterances that would be included in a dictionary article in order to answer specific potential target user questions. Pertinent elements of the theory of lexicographical communication are worked out to develop a basic microstructure for the equivalent relation of full equivalence. This demonstrates that the theory can be applied generatively, i.e. to develop a dictionary model starting from a set of empirically identified user questions relating to a particular user situation. In the process, a formal link between user questions, consultation objectives, lexicographic messages and lexicographic utterances is established. This is followed by an overview of how a basic microstructure could be amplified to ensure successful lexicographical communication.
Handing down the poisoned chalice: Institutionalisation of partisanship, coercion and solipsism in Mlalazi's "They are Coming" (2014)
(University of Namibia, 2017) Moyo, Thamsanqa
The seizure and maintenance of power does not merely involve physical violence or force. In most in-stances, it is a combination of force through coercive state institutions that are used as props of self-legitimating and/or the creation of self-authenticating narratives that are often unquestioned and seemingly ‘logical.’ This paper argues that Zimbabwe, like Rhodesia, depended on the institutionalisation of partisanship and force, in order to sustain the elite’s tenacious hold on power. This involves the blurring of the distinction between party and state so that in the context of this paper, ZANU-PF became a party and the state, and vice-versa. In this way all state institutions and organs invariably became party organs. The paper uses Mlalazi’s short story “They Are Coming” to problematise the ways in which the ruling elite have sought to shut out the possibilities for change through the ballot and, instead, show how violence has muddied the Zimbabwean political culture such that the vistas for democracy and consen-sus-building have become remote. The paper concludes by arguing that the culture of militarising elections and youths, and the counter violence of the opposition, amounts to handing a poisoned chalice to successive generations.
Job satisfaction as a predictor of work engagement of banking employees in Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2017) Pieters, Wesley R.
Operating in an environment with so many banks offering similar products and services requires banks to have employees that are knowledgeable and have positive job attitudes. Enhancing em-ployees’ levels of job satisfaction will likely influence their levels of work engagement. This study investigated the relation between job satisfaction and work engagement, and which dimensions of job satisfaction best predict work engagement of banking employees in Windhoek, Namibia. The negative job attitudes of bank employees impact on the quality of service delivery and negatively affect customer satisfaction. Having satisfied and engaged employees will most likely improve the quality of service and customer satisfaction within the banking sector. A cross-sectional survey design was used, employing questionnaires to collect data on the biographical details, job satisfaction and work engagement of employees within the banking industry. The sample consisted of employees from two banks, Bank X (n=106) and Bank Y (n=110) in Windhoek. Intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction re-ported strong correlations with work engagement. Intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction was significant predictors of work engagement, with intrinsic job satisfaction being the stronger predictor. The novelty of this study in Namibia will add to already existing knowledge within Industrial/ Organisational Psychology, and pave the way for future research, and guide the development of interventions to keep bank employees satisfied and engaged in their work, improving on productivity and customer satisfaction. Managers need to assess job satisfaction and employee engagement regularly, identify the factors that impact on employees job attitudes and identify ways to improve job satisfaction, with work engagement having positive impacts on performance and customer satisfaction.
The relevance of prehistoric rock art in the present
(University of Namibia, 2017) Gwasira, Goodman; Basinyi, Stella; Lenssen-Erz, Tilman
Today the rock art of southern Africa enjoys worldwide appreciation, which is based on several factors: Certainly the art of various regions on the subcontinent responds to the aesthetic predilection of a wide, mainly western audience; this phenomenon is enhanced by tourists who add some cultural flavour to their travels that usually aim at the nature and wildlife of southern Africa. In a synchronic development, indigenous people began to re-define their relation to the art and appropriated it in various new ways. Today they are more explicit about their ontological association with the art, partly claiming more or less direct descent from the earlier artists (such as in Tsodilo). Moreover they accept that people made the pictures, an attitude that was less common a few decades ago when San, questioned about authorship of the art, maintained that people cannot paint this way but only the Great God can. This paper explores the connection between local communities and rock art in Southern Africa. It uses examples from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe to argue and demonstrate that rock art is no longer the preserve of western sciences and tourism alone but that through appropriation the art has multiple motivations from spiritual to identity issues, and claims of land ownership to economic benefit.
Reproductive justice in the face of conservatism: Youth attitudes towards abortion on demand
(University of Namibia, 2017) Mwatilifange, Sarah N.; Edwards-Jauch, Lucy
The right to life and reproductive health has been firmly established by a number of international human rights and gender equality instruments to which Namibia is a signatory. Human rights and reproductive justice frameworks affirm women’s right to bodily integrity and reproductive autonomy without violence, coercion or discrimination on the basis of race, class, ethnicity or disability. The restrictive Namibian abortion law infringes upon all these rights. It is particularly discriminatory against poor and mainly black women who do not have the means to seek safe and legal abortions outside the borders of the country. The high levels of morbidity and mortality related to unsafe illegal abortions show that criminllisation does not stop illegal abortions from taking place. Government has made some attempts at re-viewing the outdated law, but progress has been stymied by politically conservative attitudes and the lack of awareness of gender equality and reproductive rights. Although people (in this case youth) are aware of the risks of unsafe illegal abortions to women’s lives and health, they do not see a need for change. This raises broader questions about the status of women in our society and whether women’s lives matter.
The role of a policy brief in policy formulation and review: Bringing evidence to bear
(University of Namibia, 2017) Likando, Gilbert N.; Kadhila, Ngepathimo
Applying scientific evidence in policy making is a complex, yet crucial issue that policy makers need to embrace at all times. Evidence-based policy making helps in filling the gap between academic research and practice. A policy brief is perceived in this review paper as a neutral synopsis that makes research findings easily digestible with a sole purpose to succinctly evaluate policy options regarding a specific issue, for a policy-maker audience. Unlike the general recommendations from findings of an academic research, a policy brief is a ‘professional’ concise report that ensures the impact of research in addressing problems and challenges facing society. Using document analysis as a methodological approach, this review paper discusses the importance of a policy brief in facilitating policy formulation and review. In addition, it critically examines, what a persuasive policy brief entails, and what steps to consider in de-signing actionable policy brief. The paper also provides a critical analysis of the current status-quo in terms of the development and use of policy briefs in policy formulation in Namibia.
Sexual challenges (Khaedu dzaVhudzekani) affecting vhavenda divorcees in a church context: Reflection on a case study of care and counselling within the reformed churches of South Africa in the Vhembe district
(University of Namibia, 2017) Mulovhedzi, T.P.; Masoga, M.A.; Mudau, Z.D.
The main aim of this article is to explore the sexual challenges (khaedu dza vhudzekani) divorcees face as they relate to pastoral care and counselling in the church. The objectives of the study were (1) to identify and describe the sexual challenges of divorcees as they relate to pastoral care and counselling in the Reformed Churches of South Africa within the Vhembe District, and (2) to contribute towards the development of an African-orientated approach to pastoral care and counselling to sup-port the Vhavenda divorcees with challenges (khaedu dza vhudzekani) after the pain of divorce and this challenge affects their faith and their practical lives. This study argues that caring and counsel-ling for divorcees should be one of the primary missions of the church. The case study involved believers who are members of the Reformed Churches of South Africa: Synod Soutpansberg, particularly the churches that minister to the Vhavenda people in the Vhembe District Municipality in the Limpopo Province in South Africa. The research employed a qualitative method, with triangulation of data as a method to validate the data collection. The findings of this study show that divorcees experience many sexual challenges, and that Reformed pastors are not doing enough to address those challenges. The findings and recommendations of the study could be useful in guiding pastors in providing pastoral care and counselling to divorcees. The article proposes a new approach of supporting church members who divorcees and who are experiencing sexual challenges.
A stylistic analysis of Diescho's dictums published from January 2014 to December 2015
(University of Namibia, 2017) Nepolo, Theresia; Mlambo, Nelson
Using the Formalist Theory and the pedagogical stylistics perspective, this article analyses stylistic features of foregrounding and figurative language used by Joseph Diescho in his “Dictums”, published in the New Era newspaper between January 2014 and December 2015. The study seeks to demonstrate how public discourse can provide useful insights to teachers and lecturers as well as students who are inter-ested in understanding how language and literature can be analysed in the classroom. The study found that Diescho is a writer with multiple authorial styles. Furthermore, he creatively combines (writing) styles such as deviation, parallelism, reference, rhetorical questions and the extensive use of quotes to communicate what he intends the readers to understand. The varied styles are also intended to strengthen and enhance his arguments, as well as to voice his views, beliefs and opinions on multiple issues. The study recommends the need for classroom practitioners to scrutinise public discourse from a stylistic perspective in the primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors in order to enhance their interpretive skills and creative writing skills.
Teachers' perspective on the Namibian portfolio for languages: Three years after implementation
(University of Namibia, 2017) Zannier-Wahengo, Aurelie
The Namibian Portfolio for Languages (NPL) was conceived in 2013 by five Namibian educators and dis-tributed to seven Namibian secondary schools to approximately 500 pupils learning French as a foreign language. Since its implementation, the impact of the NPL is researched both on pupils and teachers by the University of Namibia French section, in order to assess its learner-centered pretensions, its formative assessment capacity, and its support in self-assessment. This paper looks into teachers’ feedback on the NPL practicality in and outside the classroom environment after three years of implementation. Further-more, it aims at assessing NPL’s relevance as a tool to the benefit of self-assessment and formative assessment.

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