Volume 6 (2017)

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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.
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.
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.
Effectiveness of higher order thinking scaffolding tool as a knowledge transfer instrument among University of Namibia science students
(University of Namibia, 2017) Kapolo, Paulus; Sheimemanya, Cornelia; Shihomeka, Sadrag P.; Nghuumbwa, Malakia
This paper presents the results of the study carried out at the University of Namibia on the extent to which high order thinking scaffolding tool can assist students to transfer knowledge. To examine the tool, a quasi-experimental design within the flipped-classroom was used in a mixed method study. Students were divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group. These two groups were all approached in the similar manner and directed at different times of the day. The only difference was that the experimental group was provided with a scaffolding tool, while the control group had no scaffolding tool. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Higher Order Thinking as a scaffolding tool that can improve students’ knowledge transfer. When the means were compared, it was found that there is no statistical significant difference between the two means for the Higher Order Thinking Tool group (M= 4.89) and the control group (M= 4.27),
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.
An analysis on why the mathematics and integrated Natural Sciences Basic Education Teachers Diploma (BETD) graduates opted further studies in their areas of specialisation at the Rundu campus, University of Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2017) Ilukena, Alex M.; Utete, Christina N.; Sirinji, Reuben
This study was conducted to find out why the BETD Mathematics and Integrated Natural Sciences graduates currently studying at Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM) opted to further their studies in their areas of specialisation.The profile of the BETD graduates can shed some light on the current training of teachers by the Faculty of Education (FoE) at the Rundu Campus. These graduates were trained in either Upper Primary (UP), grades 5-7 level, or Junior Secondary (JS), grades 8-10 (JS) level, which UNAM did not offer before the merger. Currently the FoE is offering a 4 year Bachelor of Education Honours (B. Ed. Honours) degree at Upper Primary (UP) level, grades 4-7. This enables those who did UP level to articulate in 2nd year, while those who did JS level have to start from year 1, due to the different levels of studies, subject content, skills and methodology acquired. A total number of 26 participants were involved in this research, 11 females and 15 males. The study employed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and followed up with stimulated recall interviews to establish their perceptions regarding the reasons why they opted to further their studies at the Rundu Campus, which are mainly as follows: higher level subject con-tent, skills, methodology, distance, finances, accommodation, and work stations that are within the regions.
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.
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.
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.
Vulnerability and inclusion in the control of acute respiratory infections policy in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2017) Van Rooy, Gert
This paper presents the findings on a policy analysis of the Control of Acute and Respiratory Infections (ARIs) of the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia. The policy document was analysed against 21 core concepts of access to health and its effectiveness in 12 vulnerable groups using the EquiFrame, a novel analytical and peer reviewed framework that serves to identify the strengths and weaknesses in current health policies with regard to the degree in which a policy promotes and protects the core concepts and vulnerable groups in society (Mannan et al. (2013, p. 2). The 2006/07 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported that close to four percent of children under five years of age show symptoms of ARI in the two weeks preceding the survey, while 17 percent of children under five have been reported as having fever, a major sign of malaria, which contributes to high levels of malnutrition and death in children (NDHS 2006/2007). In 1995, the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia devised a policy programme to reduce ARI mortality by 30%, the incidence by 15%, and the rate of complication by 20% in children under five. EquiFrame was used to analyse the Control of ARI Programme and a data extraction matrix was used to record its quality. EquiFrame was also used to determine the extent to which the ARI policy document would address issues of vulnerability and inclusion in health provision. The overall ranking of the programme showed it to be of low quality, necessitating a revision so that vulnerability and social inclusion components could be adequately ad-dressed.
Soil loss estimation in a semi-arid mountainous cathment environment, City of Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2017) Shikangalah, Rosemary N.
More than half of the global population currently lives in urbanised areas. Consequently, a significant vegetation cover is continuously cleared as cities grow. Where surface grounds are not covered by impermeable surfaces, open soil is eroded by runoff, putting several ecological systems at risk of degradation. This study aimed at investigating the problem of soil loss in Windhoek. High amounts of soil loss are found in very low income settlements compared to high income areas. More soil loss is also found on medium slopes despite the fact that many eroded features are on gentle slopes. Grass cover plays a major role in the magnitude of soil loss. These findings are expected to be of particular interest to land managers in their bid to reduce potential environmental degradation, and also city planners, while they attempt to integrate control measures into the city’s development. Any effort towards soil conservation would be highly significant, as the loss of topsoil is currently a great concern in the city.
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.
A revolutionary character, a dispensable rebel? Edgar Tekere's political point-scoring autobiography of a Zimbabwean nationalist movement
(University of Namibia, 2017) Gonye, Jairos; Moyo, Thamsanqa; Hlongwana, James
In Zimbabwe, autobiographies, particularly political ones, are sites of contestations, compositions, decompositions and recompositions of national narratives. In their obsession with the self, they always centre the narrating subjectivity whilst at the same time decentering and recentering others. This means that in this literary gamesmanship, certain political personalities are displaced, peripherised, and debunked in this historical re-imagination. Tekere in his autobiography, A Life time of Struggle (2007), seeks to impose his political credentials and legitimacy in the national script in the face of what he sees and stigmatises as opportunism by many politicians, and how these politicians were catapulted into positions of power by default. To dramatise this, his autobiography employs binary tropes that mark him out as iconic and a quintessence of virtue as opposed to the insipid, dour, corrupt and wishy-washy others. In this paper we argue that Tekere’s autobiographical act, coming as it does after he has been pushed outside the ruling circles, is meant to portray him as the personification of revolutionary incorruptibility which both the colonial and postcolonial regimes felt threatened by. This autobiography is, therefore, a conscious and deliberate act of inscribing the self into the Zimbabwean historico-literary landscape. It presents an alternative frame to the hegemonic master-discourses of the fetishised, Mugabe-centred patriotic history on and about Zimbabwe.
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.
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.
Basic phychological need satisfaction and the impact on turnover intention across industries, Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2017) Pieters, Wesley R.
High levels of unemployment in Namibia, skills shortages and the pressure to compete both locally and internationally, require organisations to satisfy basic psychological needs of employees. Basic psychological needs have been identified as critical ingredients for employees to grow, develop integrity and remain healthy (autonomy, relatedness, competence). Turnover intention is a damaging attitude towards the organisation that lasts long after the employee has left. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between basic psychological need satisfaction and turnover intention within the insurance, telecommunication and teaching industries in Windhoek. Employees are less likely to leave an organisation if they experience satisfaction in terms of autonomy, competence and relatedness. A cross-sectional survey design was used, employing questionnaires to collect data on the biographical details, basic psychological need satisfaction and turnover intention of employees in the Khomas region. The sample consisted of an insurance firm (n=85), a telecommunication provider (n=37) and different Governmental Secondary Schools (n=104) in Windhoek. The relationship between basic psychological need satisfaction (as measured by the Work-Related Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale) and turnover intention (as measured by the Turnover Intention Scale) was investigated making use of Spearman’s rank order correlation. A negative correlation was found between competence and relatedness [r = -.15, n=226, p < .05]; an insignificant relation between competence [r = -.01, n=226, p < .05] and turnover intention; and between relatedness and turnover intention [r = .10, n=226, p < .05]. When employers and managers know how to ensure satisfying interactions and how they manage employees, provide employees with the necessary autonomy; and improve their perceived levels of competence, a reduction of turnover intention, coupled with other positive work related attitudes, becomes likely.
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.
The claimed dravidian influences on southern African societies: Some linguistics perspectives
(University of Namibia, 2017) Chebanne, Anderson; Monaka, Kemmonye C.
This paper provides a reaction to and a discussion of the Hromník (1999) paper presented at the Elandsdoorn, Mpumalanga, South Africa symposium, which was also published in a journal. The paper raised thought-provoking associations of some SePedi vocabulary to the Dravidian lan-guages in an attempt to make a connection between the spiritual practices of the two societies. While the reaction and discussion does not question the methodology employed by Hromník (1999), it critically assesses the validity of the associations between the two societies as well as the conclusions that Hromník (1999) arrives at. The paper notes that these conclusions are based on a very limited and nearly insignificant list of vocabulary items which have not been cross-checked, linguistically or historically. This paper further provides some of the procedures that could help to solicit unbiased socio-cultural data that could shed light on possible interactions between SePedi and Dravidian societies, if any. Finally, the paper calls upon linguists, historians and archaeologists to conduct focused research and analyses on this critical issue that Hromník courageously presents.
Organisational knowledge management: A case study of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW) in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2017) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Mubuyaeta, Mitchel M.; Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M.
This paper reports on a study carried out on organisational knowledge management (KM) practices in the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW) in Namibia. The objectives of the study were: to explore knowledge sharing (KS), knowledge acquisition (KA), knowledge capture (KC), knowledge dissemination (KD), and knowledge transfer (KT) at MGECW; to determine barriers and enablers to organisational KM; to examine the work culture and attitudes of personnel which affect organisational KM and its practices; and to investigate how management supports organisational KM practices. The case study used a mixed methods approach. Two instruments were used to collect data, namely semi-structures interviews and questionnaires. The results reveal that organisational knowledge (OK) in the MGECW hinges on tacit and explicit OK and respondents had a comprehensive understanding of OK and KM, however, the management of OK was found to be informally practiced without KM structures in place and no structural procedures to encourage employees to share their OK. Organisational KD and KT practices showed a strong preference for the use of fax machines, telephones and face-to-face meetings as forms of dispensing and transferring OK. Same enablers of organisational KM in the MGECW included positive leadership (senior management), technology (im-proved ICT infrastructure), organisational culture, employee commitment and involvement, trust, social networking and teamwork. The study found lack of skills and technical support in ICT; poor ICT infrastructure; lack of motivation and reward systems; negative attitude of employees towards organisational KM practices; poor record management; lack of time and funds for training and equipment as barriers of organisational KM.
Neo-liberalism masquerading as 'mixed economy'? a critical analysis of Namibia's principles of economic order
(University of Namibia, 2017) Amupanda, Job S.
Whereas a number of studies exists on the causes and impacts of inequality, poverty and unemployment, in which the majority of Namibians are trapped, very few, if any, of these studies cared to interrogate the role and place of the constitution in aiding the status quo. Most of the studies, even those on the constitu-tion, are often disinterested in the question of political economy, and how it relates to the constitution. A constitution can be understood as a set of fundamental laws determining the orientation (values and prin-ciples), structure and power of the state. To understand the economic system of a given state, the consti-tution ought to be the first point of call. In Namibia the picture is not as clear as it should be. The theory and the practice on the question of political economy do not necessarily intertwine. This text is concerned with the question of political economy. It analyses the constitutional principle of “Mixed Economy”, with the view to understand – and explain – the triumph of neoliberalism in Namibia. It impenitently concludes that, given the lack of clarity of the principle of “Mixed Economy” – a principle this text renders suspect – there is a need to relook at the constitution of the Republic of Namibia in order to address the question of political economy. The finding, however, is clear: Namibia is a neoliberal state.

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