Browsing by Author "Maree, Maretha"

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    A comprehensive alcohol and drug testing policy in the workplace as an intervention in the mining sector
    (University of Namibia, 2016) Maree, Maretha; Lightfoot, Elizabeth; Ananias, Janetta A.
    The abuse of alcohol and drugs can negatively affect the workplace. The testing of workers for substances is a sensitive, yet effective intervention to minimise the percentage of workers who test positively for substance abuse. Little research has been conducted to assess the impact of alcohol and drug testing on the workplace. Thus, this qualitative study, carried out in the mining industry in Namibia, investigates how a comprehensive workplace policy on alcohol and drug abuse can reduce substance abuse among workers during working hours. Data was gathered by means of six focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews, incorporating workers from all job grades, as well as community members in a closed mining town. The findings show that the comprehensive alcohol and drug testing policy had a positive impact on reducing the occurrence of substance abuse in the workplace. Since the introduction of both random drug and alcohol tests and fit-for-work testing, fewer workers were testing positively for the presence of substances, and participants noted how workers restricted their substance use specifically because of the testing. A central feature of this particular alcohol and drug testing policy is its provision of substance abuse treatment to workers who tested positively for the presence of substances and the involvement of a social worker hired by the mine, rather than simply a punitive approach. However, findings also show that treatment programs need to be followed up with standard aftercare procedures, such as support groups and training on policies and procedures around alcohol and drug testing, in order to improve worker perceptions and acceptance of policies. Furthermore, prevention efforts were regarded as more cost-effective and proactive than the treatment of substance abuse, and holistic substance abuse training was seen as improving awareness among workers.
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    Factors leading to drug and alcohol use and abuse
    (University of Namibia, 2008) Maree, Maretha
    The abuse of alcohol and drugs can have a serious impact on individuals, families and communities, as well as organizations where people work. There are a variety of socio-economic, psychological and structural factors that can lead to the use or abuse of alcohol and drugs. Recognizing the high rates of alcohol and drug use among Namibians nationally and its potential effects on the workforce, the Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Namdeb) has recently initiated a comprehensive alcohol and drug testing policy, and has subsequently seen a steady decrease in the percentage of workers testing positive. I n further efforts to address substance use and abuse, Namdeb commissioned the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Namibia (UNAM) to undertake a comprehensive, mixed-methods investigation into the factors leading to drug and alcohol use and abuse among its employees. As Oranjemund is currently a remote company town, this research project was expanded to include investigating the factors leading to drug and alcohol use among Namdeb employees and their families, the effects of drug and alcohol use on Namdeb workers, and to evaluate current efforts addressing alcohol and drug use in Oranjemund.
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    Prevention activities on substance abuse in Namibian secondary schools
    (University of Namibia, 1998) Maree, Maretha
    Namibia is part of the African Continent and is situated in the South Western part of Africa. 20% of the total surface of our country is taken up by the Namib Desert. We have a population of l.S million people. 32% of the population lives in urban and 63% in rural areas. There are 1 1 cultural groups, of which the Ovambo's are the biggest (49%). Teenagers-Against-Drug-Abuse (TADA) can be described as a primary prevention programme aimed at Secondary school learners, ages 13 to 21 years. This programme started in 1992 in one of the secondary schools in Windhoek and has developed into a country wide project, involving 25 schools, 10 of which are situated in the rural areas.
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    Youth and Culture in Namibia
    (1998) Maree, Maretha
    BACKGROUND ON NAMIBIA Namibia is the last colony in Africa to attain Independence. The Republic of Namibia, lying across the Tropic of Capricorn, has a population of about 1.8 million and covers an area of 824.292 sq km. It is bordered by South Africa in the south, by Botswana on the east and Angola on the north, while the narrow Caprivi Strip in north east extends Namibia's borders to the Zambezi river and a short border with Zambia. The name Namibia was officially adopted by the United Nations in 1968. lt replaced the colonial name of ' South West Africa'. The name derives from one of the oldest deserts in the world, the Namib. The desert forms a narrow plain 65-16km wide and extending 1 600km along the coast, separating the rest of the country from the south Atlantic Ocean. The fine sand of Namib forming huge sand dunes cover one fifth of the country. Namibia's major resource, diamond and uranium, is to be found in the fine sand of the Namib desert. However, the area is almost devoid of vegetation and therefore near to uninhabitable. The eastern parts of Namibia is covered by a semi-desert, the Kalahari, were there is some vegetation. In Ovamboland, the northern parts ofthe Kalahari, crop cultivation is possible, due to a network of watercourses known as 'oshanas'. In between the Namib and the Kalahari deserts lie the Central Plateau with an average elevation of 11 OOm above sealeveL It covers one half of the country. "The Plateau stretching the full length of the country, is Namibia's most fertile area and thus most suitable for human settlement. In its northern parts, the Plateau is suitable mostly for cattle-rearing but also for crop cultivation on a limited scale. The southern part is much dryer, covered with shrub steppe and it is unsuitable for anything but cattle, goat and/or sheep-rearing. Average annual rainfall is 270mm and droughts are frequent. Namibia has the driest climate south of Sahara." (Strand: 1991 ). The implication of the above mentioned is that vineyards cannabis coca plant or opium poppies is not cultivated in Namibia, and that all substances of abuse are imported.