Volume 5 (2016)

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Perspectives on adult literacy and livelihood: a review with reference to the National Literacy Programme in Namibia (NLPN)
(University of Namibia, 2016) Likando, Gilbert N.; Matengu, Keneth K.; Shihako, Mechilde
Literacy, when defined as learning to read and write, has always been considered as an avenue of expressing learners’ realities and values, hence individual learning is shaped by social contexts (Thompson, 2002). In other words, a literate person should be able to apply what has been learned to his or her own context. Namibia has taken the view that literacy is not an end to itself. Instead, it is a tool for empowerment, and a catalyst for economic development. However, the transferability of learned skills to address daily challenges concomitant to improving adult learners’ livelihoods, has recently dominated the debate on the value of adult literacy learning (Likando, 2011). Borrowing from the critical literacy theory, this review article aims to generate debate on the link between literacy and livelihood in an attempt to address the question: Can adult literacy enhance livelihood activities? Using secondary data, we examined the National Literacy Programme of Namibia (NLPN) as a case study.
Factors that cause poor performance in mathematics at National School Secondary Certificate level compared to Junior Secondary Certificate level in four selected schools in the two Kavango educational regions
(University of Namibia, 2016) Mateya, Muhongo; Utete, Christina N.; Ilukena, Alex M.
This paper reports on factors that cause poor performance in Mathematics at the National School Secondary Certificate (NSSC) level compared to Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) level. A total of 200 learners in Grade 10 (2011) and 170 Grade 12 (2013) were involved in the study. These learners did Mathematics at the same school for a period of three years (2011-2013). This study employed document analysis, a technique used to gather information by reviewing and analysed documents. In this study the following documents were reviewed and analysed: The 2011 Grade 10 November examination results, and the 2013 Grade 12 November examination results, respectively. The findings of this study revealed that 2011 Grade 10 learners who obtained E-U symbols did not perform well in the Grade 12 Mathematics examinations. These findings were of utmost importance to the curriculum developers, the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED), senior education officers, the Ministry of Education, institutions of higher learning, and other stakeholders in Mathematics education.
The Namibian portfolio for languages: a tool for formative assessment in Namibian secondary schools
(University of Namibia, 2016) Zannier, Aurelie; Lumbu, Simon D.
The notion of learner-centred education has received praise since its inception in the Namibian education system in the early 1990s. This development provided a need for restructuring the process of teaching-learning, the nature of the curriculum, materials and assessment. The Education for All document similarly advocates for the regulation of formative assessment since the early years of the new Namibia. Little evidence suggests that the practical integration of formative assessment has not been concretely defined. In a learner-centred approach, formative assessment is crucial. Whereas it can be generally accepted that formative assessment is at the core of assessment in most language classrooms, it remains unclear whether assessment is more summative than formative. While learners’ marks are indicative of summative assessment, there is no tool to form the basis for the implementation of formative assessment and teacher feedback on their learners’ formative assessment. A team of teachers of French as a foreign language in Namibia viewed the introduction of a portfolio for languages as a practical tool for teachers and learners in order to implement formative assessment. This paper presents the use of the Namibian Portfolio for Languages as a pedagogical tool for self-assessment.
Radical acting techniques in Zimbabwean street theatre: Implications on audience criticality
(University of Namibia, 2016) Mangosho, Tatenda; Chivandikwa, Nehemia; Mlenga, Tafadzwa
Drawing on Brechtian and traditional African theoretical frameworks, this paper examines nonrealistic acting techniques and fluid manipulation of space in Zimbabwean street theatre as forms of radical innovations in performance aesthetics. Focus is on how these radical innovations are implicated in engendering, sustaining and stimulating an alert and critical audience.
The teacher who goes the extra (s)mile: A study among primary school teachers in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Marques, Lilita A.; Janik, Manfred
This study focused on job factors (work engagement, organisational commitment) and psychological states (psychological availability, meaningfulness, autonomy, psychological safety) that teachers (N = 628) in Namibian primary schools need for increased organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB). OCB indicates a teacher’s spontaneous willingness to perform work that is over and above the work description. A quantitative research design with a field survey has been used with a non-random convenience sample of teachers in all regions of Namibia. Measuring instruments used, were: Work Engagement Scale, Organisational Commitment Scale, Psychological Conditions Scale, Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Scale and a biographical questionnaire. Initial statistical analysis included exploratory factor analysis and confirming the reliability of the scales. In addition, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Mean scores indicated lower levels of cognitive engagement, autonomy, psychological safety and OCB. Medium correlations were found between job factors and OCB as well as between organisational commitment and OCB and psychological conditions and OCB. Other main fi ndings indicated that work engagement (especially physical engagement), organisational commitment as well as the psychological states autonomy and psychological availability were the more significant predictors of OCB. Contrary to expectations, the psychological states of meaningfulness and safety did not significantly predict OCB. Relevant recommendations were formulated based on the results of this study.
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.
Visual literature: An essential part of academic learning
(University of Namibia, 2016) Beuke-Muir, Chrisna
Because the world is becoming a planet where speed plays a much bigger role than only one generation ago, information is gained at almost the speed of light. Although is not seen as strange phenomenon anymore, the fact remains that technology has developed so drastically that it is almost unthinkable that a person of sixty years old today started her live without television, computer, internet, and perhaps, also without a telephone. In the process literature and language are disciplines that are drastically influenced, apart from the fact that 93% of all language is non-verbal. Images are becoming a most important part of communication and influence us cognitively and emotionally. Images also accelerate and increase our level of comprehension. Therefore visual literature is becoming an integral part of learning. In this article, the Afrikaans comic Asterix die Galliër is investigated, and it is argued that a comic can serve as a subgenre in the main stream of literature. Visual and verbal language are compared and common entities in the syntax, morphology and lexicon are identifi ed. It is concluded that the combined process of reading text and seeing images is essential for learning and rational thinking. Visual literature should therefore not be neglected as a source of academic training.
The relevance of integrating Ethno-Science (Indigenous knowledge) into Upper Primary Natural Sciences and Health Education School Curriculum in the Zambezi Region
(University of Namibia, 2016) Utete, Christina N.; Ilukena, Alex M.; Simasiku, Muyumbano B.
There is widespread concern about the outcomes of science education in Namibian schools. The representatives of industries say that they need high-grade scientists, technicians and engineers if Namibia is to successfully compete in technology-intensive global markets by 2030. Ethno-science is a specialisation of indigenous knowledge (IK). It focuses on a scientific perspective of culture. The re-search that resulted in this article critically analysed the relevance of integrating ethno-science (IK) into the Upper Primary School curriculum in Namibia. The research further looked at how the people in the Zambezi region have developed a working terminology that produces taxonomies related to ethno-science. Research has shown that most anthropologists have carried out studies in ethno-science based on native perceptions. This research relies on a quantitative research approach in order to gather data from a population on the general understanding of ethno-science. It can also reveal that 10 parents were involved in the research. This research is of the utmost importance to the different sectors of the industry, teachers, learners, the National Institute For Educational Development (NIED), parents and institutions of higher learning as well as for the nation that needs to produce more science specialists at all level; a society that needs technicians as well as world-class researchers in order to increase the public’s ability to engage with scientific knowledge and choices.
Comparative best practices to manage corruption
(University of Namibia, 2016) Coetzee, Johan
During the last two decades debates about corruption and ways to contain it have acquired a new intensity and concentrated focus. There are increasing attempts to construct a global framework of best practices to manage corruption. Because corruption is a systemic challenge that needs a long-term approach to manage, it is worthwhile focusing on best practises that have proved to be the most durable (most sustainable). Such practices that demonstrate elements of systemic reform in-clude reforms in two newly industrialised and two developed countries. In all four cases there was no masterplan and reform evolved over time. Ongoing successes reinforced the momentum of change, and these successes became institutionalised in government processes and the culture of participative governance.
An evaluation into why some people in Windhoek want to stay (job embeddedness) and others want to leave their jobs (turnover intention)
(University of Namibia, 2016) Pieters, Wesley R.
Employees’ loyalty is shifting from loyalty towards the organisation to loyalty to the dollar (pay/benefits). There is no sense of pride in their membership of a certain organisation, joy is focused on the benefits an organisation offers and what’s in it for me attitude (employee). Job embeddedness is defined as a construct that deals with a broad array of influences that represents why an employee wants to stay with a specific organisation. Turnover intention can be defined as an employee’s intention to leave his/her job within a certain period of time. When employees experience a good fit, positive links and low sacrifices in their jobs, they are less likely to leave the organisation. Participants were made of 90 (48.1%) teachers from primary schools and 97 (51.9%) legal firm employees. Female employees from legal firms experienced higher levels of turnover intention than any other group. Divorced and single employees from the legal firms experienced significantly higher levels of turnover intention with married employees experiencing the lowest levels of turnover intention. Total turnover intention recorded a negative co-relation with overall job embeddedness (r=-.29*, p < 0.05), a positive co-relation with community job embeddedness (r=.02, p < 0.05) and health care and retirement job embeddedness (r=.14*, p < 0.05). Investing in team building activities, social events for staff members, paying the best competitive salaries and benefits, retaining the more competent employees within the profession will allow the organisation to prosper. Having the best and happiest employees within the market will allow organisations to meet the top two objectives of the organisation, maintain high levels of productivity and retain the best talent.
Altruism or economic expediency? A descriptive account of Namibia’s 1998 involvement in the DRC conflict
(University of Namibia, 2016) Amupanda, Job S.
In 1998, Namibia joined the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a conflict referred to by some as the most devastating war to have occurred since the Second World War, resulting in the death and displacement of millions of people. Involving about eight African countries, this war desta-bilised the region, resulting in it being referred to by many as ‘Africa’s First World War.’ During this war, extensive resources of nation states were allocated to warfare, instead of being channelled to-wards more productive and life-saving welfare and poverty alleviation programmes. For example, the United Nations (UN) estimates that the war in the DRC cost Namibia about N$700 Million. While the involvement of Namibia attracted much criticism, it failed to attract academic research of equal measure. Of the research projects conducted, few are by Namibian researchers. There has not been a coherent descriptive account of Namibia’s involvement in this conflict. This article provides a descrip-tive account of Namibia’s involvement in this conflict while exploring and examining Namibia’s mo-tive for being involved in this devastating conflict.
An exploration of the portrayal of the girl-child in Erna Muller’s novels It all goes wrong and when you dance with the crocodile
(University of Namibia, 2016) Chunga, Timothy M.; Kangira, Jairos
This paper provides a critical analysis of the portrayal of the girl-child by Erna Muller in It all goes wrong (2014) and When you dance with the crocodile (2014). The two novels were selected using purposive sampling as they primarily characterise girl-children as protagonists. The researchers employed the African feminist literary theory as argued by Chukwuma (2006) in this study. The African feminist literary theory was used to study how the girl-child is portrayed in a patriarchal world. Content analysis was used to examine the depiction of the girl-child in the two novels. The study revealed that in both novels the girl-characters make independent decisions and act on them, while other characters such as adults and boys play secondary roles. The study found that Erna Muller portrays the girl-child as innocent, open minded, caring, adventurous, assertive, compasssionate and brave. All in all, it can be concluded that Muller uses the two novels to empower the girl-child.
Socio-economic impacts of tourism businesses in Okahandja: A case study of Nau-Aib
(University of Namibia, 2016) Gariseb, Garuan L.; Mosimane, Alfons W.
Tourism is one of the biggest and fastest growing industries in the world and its development is a major concern for developing countries. Its growth carries with it both negative and positive impacts on the local economy and the people of those countries where tourism is a significant sector. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the socio-economic influence of tourism businesses on the com-munity of Nau-Aib in Okahandja, using Edward’s (2005) socio-economic indicators. The results of a socio-economic impact assessment can inform a community about the wide scope of tourism impacts on their social and economic wellbeing. The study area of this research was Nau-Aib, one of the big-gest locations in Okahandja. Face to face interviews were conducted with 40 respondents residing in Nau-Aib. Tourism businesses, such as the arts and crafts market in Okahandja, and hospitality busi-nesses situated in the vicinity of Nau-Aib, were the focus for this study, as these businesses often en-gage in commercial activities that carry with them socio-economic impacts for adjacent communi-ties. Okahandja’s tourism sector generally employs local people. However, these jobs are mostly me-nial entry level jobs that pay employees modest salaries. Through its multiplier effect, the sector also encourages business growth in Nau-Aib, mainly in the informal sector, and induces improvements in public service utilities and infrastructural development at tourism significant areas to facilitate tour-ism activities.
Personal judgments and psychologically abusive behaviour: An analysis of ethnic differences in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Mberira, Mara
Using a self-report measure that was adapted by the author, this study asked Namibian men and women from 5 ethnic groups (Afrikaners, Damaras, Coloureds, Hereros, and Ovambos) about their perceptions of psychologically abusive behaviour on a global measure and four subscales: Restrictive/Denigration, Equity/Mind Game, Denigration, and Passive Aggression. These individuals were recruited from various organisations in Windhoek the capital of Namibia. Due to violations of the normality assumption and the failure of transformations, standard ANOVA and T tests were not performed. Instead, results from the appropriate non-parametric analyses (Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests) showed that significant gender and ethnic differences exist in the way psychologically abusive behaviour is perceived.Women, in particular, rated individual behaviour on a global measure of psychological abuse, and on the restrictive denigration abuse subscale, more psychologically abusive than men. Significant differences also existed in the way psychologically abusive behaviour is perceived between the Afrikaner and the Ovambo groups and between the Afrikaner and Damara groups. The largest effect size was noted between the Afrikaner and Damara groups. These findings ran contrary to study hypotheses; instead of the mean ranks for the Afrikaner group being higher than the other ethnic groups, the Afrikaner mean ranks were the lowest on all dependent variables. Implications for further research, policy, and practice are discussed.
"One that has given you little has your soul consoled” – unemployed youth on surviving without unemployment benefi ts in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Namupala, Ndeshi
Alarmingly, youth unemployment rates in Namibia are among the highest in Southern Africa. This fact haunts Namibia terribly. The unemployment of those that should be the main bread winners does not only affect them as individuals, but also bears a negative impact on their families and friends. With poor access to productive assets such as capital, land and skills, the majority of the unemployed youth face a daily struggle to meet their basic needs and are often the ones on the periphery of the Namibian society. The difficulties in finding employment also mean difficulties in securing an income and a decent livelihood for these young people. In absence of a social protection system for unemployed people in Namibia, the situation of the youth is exacerbated. This study seeks to understand the social support system and survival strategies of the unemployed youth in Namibia. It draws data from the author’s on-going PhD research for which she conducted interviews with unemployed youth from Ohangwena and Khomas regions, with the aim to capture the lived experiences as well as the views of young people on the problem of youth unemployment in Namibia. The results point to the practical difficulties of unemployment the youth experience in their everyday lives. Findings indicate that the majority of youth are the most likely to fill low-quality jobs in the menial and informal economy rather than jobs with decent wages and benefits. In as much as the youth are engaging in the informal employment and economy, they do not regard it as employment. Consequently, many rely on family and friends for support in order to survive unemployment. As an onset to assist the unemployed, the author therefore propose the Basic Income Grand (BIG) as one way of socio-economic safety of the poor and unemployed as they persevere with their unemployment. Such an initiative can ameliorate the negative effects of unemployment specifically among the youth. This however, should not be regarded as a replacement for the possibility of unemployment benefit.
A condition assessment of the prehistoric art from the Bushman Paradise Cave, Groβe Spitzkoppe, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Gwasira, Goodman; Katjiuongua, Geogine
The main objective of this study was to assess the overall physical state of the prehistoric rock paintings of the Spitzkoppe. This article presents an evaluation of the condition of the rock art at the Bushman Paradise site. Ideally, a condition survey should be carried out periodically and be used as a monitoring and evaluation tool. This article is a contribution to ideas and methods that can be used to develop integrated and informed conservation strategies for rock art sites in Namibia. It identifies and classifies the causes of deterioration or damage of the rock art at the Bushman Paradise. We argue that systematic documentation is crucial for site management purposes because it is from detailed documentation that a statement of significance of sites can be generated. We conclude from the analysis that anthropogenic causes of deterioration at the Bushman Paradise outweigh natural causes. We conclude by proposing site specific conservation interventions that can be replicated at other sites of similar nature in the Spitzkoppe and Namibia in general.
Being and Nothingness: Trauma, loss and alienation in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s The Book of Not
(University of Namibia, 2016) Chigwedere, Yuleth
In this article, I reveal how Dangarembga’s narrative echoes Fanon’s “black skin, white masks” psy-chology. The protagonist’s internalisation of a Eurocentric view of her race and culture culminates in a profound belief in her own inferiority and that of her people. I use Laing and Fanon’s psychoanalytic theories to portray the protagonist’s struggle with her sense of identity and ontological security. I argue that the subsequent fractured sense of self she experiences affects her to such an extent that shame, guilt and self-negation dominate her mental make-up. What emerges is that the destabilising effect of the trauma of blackness results in a nullification of subjectivity - a total sense of not-being - that causes the protagonist to plummet into the depths of depression.
Rethinking xenophobia in the wake of human insecurity in South Africa
(University of Namibia, 2016) Chivurugwi, Josphat
This paper analyses the impact of xenophobic attacks which have rocked South Africa over the past few years, arguing that it has exhibited another human insecurity turning point. The traditional state-centric security conceptions that focus primarily on the safety of the state from military aggression has shifted attention to the security of the individuals. The xenophobic violence which was witnessed after South Africa attained independence in 1994, led scholars of international relations to surmise that the human security conceptual framework should advocates for a paradigm shift of attention from state security approach to a people centered approach to security. The main objective of this paper, therefore was to assess the effects of the xenophobic attacks which erupted periodically and affected the political and economic security sectors of South Africa. This paper adopted a qualitative approach and made use of documentary search, observation methods and in-depth interviews. The paper also revealed that xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa had affected peaceful traditional relations which were in existence between immigrants and the citizens. This article con-cluded that peace and security in South Africa was under threat, and the African National Congress government needed to formulate new immigration laws that regulated the influx of foreigners to avoid xenophobic attacks. This study, therefore advocates for constructive engagements where both migrants and citizens participate equally in the economic sector in South Africa, as opposed to a situ-ation where foreigners dominate. These would be migratory measures to resolve the differences be-tween migrants and the citizens.
Individual agency and responsibility in African proverbial discourse
(University of Namibia, 2016) Pongweni, Alex
Akarumwa nechekuchera (He was bitten by what he dug up). (Shona idiom reminding that trouble may be lying deep in the earth, minding its own business, as it were. Someone takes a pick and shovel and unearths it. The person bears the responsibility for the consequences of their own action.) While proverbial lore has been the focus of much research and publication over the years, not many of those have thoroughly examined what I intend to interrogate here, namely how this lore seeks to alert us to the connection between our actions and our responsibility for them. Proverbs are as old as human existence, as can be seen in Jewish thinkers devoting a whole book of The Old Testament to them. In their introduction to that book, the editors outline the domains of life in which a knowledge and acceptance of the wisdom contained in proverbs would enable the Children of Israel to live life as God intended at the Creation. These encompass “reverence for the Lord, religious morality, good manners, self-control, humility, patience, etiquette in social relationships, loyalty to friends, respect for the poor, good manners, family relationships, business dealings, common sense”. In this paper, after analysing Shona proverbs whose messages fall into some of these categories, I conclude that, far from being conservative and authoritarian injunctions out of synch with modernity because of their alleged downplaying of, even frowning on individualism for being inimical to African communal-ism, as some Western thinkers have concluded, African proverbs carry wisdom which reminds us of the connection between individual and communal action, on the one hand, and individual and communal responsibility for creating the societies that we live in through such action, on the other; in fact, proverbial lore recognises both individualism and communalism.
Analysis of factors influencing first year University Undergraduate performance in selected pure Mathematics courses at the National University of Science and Technology – Zimbabwe
(University of Namibia, 2016) Hove, Kudakwashe; Masache, Amon; Showa, Surudzai
In 2012, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe reviewed the University qualification entry cut-off points downwards in the Applied Mathematics Department. Following the review, there has been a worrisome and distinct change in student performance in first year mathematics courses. To explore the possible causes of the poor performance amongst students, a two-stage probability sampling technique was used to collect secondary data covering mainly admission entry level qualification for each student. A one-way Sir Ronald Fisher’s Analysis of Variance model (ANOVA) was used to explore the contribution of various hypothesised factors to performance in first year undergraduate courses. Mathematics grade at advance level and overall performance in all subjects done at Advanced level by a student have a significant influence on his or her first year pure Mathematics courses performance at NUST. We recommend that the Department should em-ploy remedial strategies to first year pure Mathematics courses if students with low scores in advance level mathematics are to be admitted. Instead of focusing on service courses with large classes only, the Department should prioritise allocating extra tutorial hours to pure Mathematics courses. Furthermore the effects of brain drain can- not be ignored, hence the University should find ways to curb or deal with the gap that the highly experienced staff who left, created.

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