Faculty of Education and Human Sciences

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Browsing Faculty of Education and Human Sciences by Advisor "Gwasira, Goodman"

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    Contribution of civilians towards the liberation struggle in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions, Namibia, 1966 - 1989.
    (University of Namibia, 2024) Tilenge, Cornelia Panduleinge; Gwasira, Goodman
    The main purpose of the research was to look at how civilians contributed to the liberation struggle of Namibia in the Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions from 1966 to 1989. This qualitative study delves into the intricate dynamics of civilian experiences during Namibia's liberation struggle in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions from 1966 to 1989. Utilizing structured interviews with 21 purposively and snowball- sampled participants, the research unveils multifaceted civilian contributions, notably the crucial sustenance provided to the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) guerrillas. Despite facing challenges like curfews and violence-related laws, civilians exhibited resilience and adaptability, underscoring their unwavering commitment to the liberation cause. Challenges encompassed heightened insecurity, shortages, legal restrictions, and communication difficulties, revealing the complex realities faced by civilians. The factors influencing civilian participation varied, including spirituality, historical violence, conflicting theories of violence, material landscapes, constrained liberation agendas, and economic considerations. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of civilian agency in liberation movements, emphasizing the nuanced and complex dynamics shaping historical narratives. Four keywords: Namibia, Liberation Struggle, Civilian Contributions, Motivations. The study recommended the engagement of individuals actively involved in the liberation struggle to provide richer insights into personal experiences, motivations, and challenges. These narratives can complement existing literature and deepen the study. The study suggests expanding the exploration of the liberation struggle by incorporating diverse perspectives from various ethnic, gender, and age groups. This inclusive approach is essential for fostering a more representative understanding of the varied experiences of civilians. Additionally, the research recommends further delving into archival materials, official documents, and records from the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. This additional investigative effort aims to gain valuable insights into specific actions, policies, and events that transpired during the liberation struggle, enhancing the overall depth and comprehensiveness of the historical analysis.
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    Reading material culture to construct a history of trade and self-governance between Oukwanyama and its neighbours in the nineteenth century (1801 – 1900)
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Ilunga, Ndapewoshali Ndahafa; Gwasira, Goodman
    For 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 themselves