Volume 7 (2018)

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Disaster and health vulnerability assessment for the population of the Kingdom of Bhutan
(University of Namibia, 2018) Tandlick, Roman; Angala, Hallo; Vhiriri, Eunice P.; Ngqwala, Nosiphiwe P.; Srinivas, Sunitha C.
Bhutan has reached medium level of human development. This and other factors make it prone to the negative impacts of climate change, flooding, droughts and epidemics. The government of Bhutan has participated in regional initiatives aimed at dealing with vulnerability to floods and droughts. However, some dimensions of the country’s and population’s vulnerability have not been studied yet. Therefore, a combination of literature review and calculations was used to assess the health, WASH and socio-economic dimensions of vulnerability of the Bhutanese population. Results of the review indicate that the government of Bhutan has initiated programmes with focus on the health outcomes of climate change and on universal access to healthcare. Critical efforts have focused on the compilation of the essential medicines’ list and targeting the risk factors of non-communicable diseases such as alcohol abuse. By 2013, 95 % of the Kingdom’s population had access to a healthcare facility within three hours walking distance from their dwelling and the main avenue of access is through government facilities. From 2008 to 2013, the expanded medical infrastructure vulnerability index ranged from 1.858 to 2.420 per 1000 inhabitants/citizens between 2008 and 2013, i.e. Bhutan achieved the World Health Organisation target of 2.3 healthcare professionals per 1000 inhabitants. The WASH vulnerability criterion decreased from 0.241 in 2000 to 0.128 in 2013. There was a strong correlation between the WASH vulnerability of the Bhutanese population and its economic/social vulnerability at 5 % level of significance (p-value = 1.2×10-5 and 7.06×10-4, respectively). Such correlations can be used as a guide for policy development, adaptation and development for further vulnerability decrease in the Kingdom of Bhutan
The syntax of Object shift in Early Modern English (EME): A principle and parameters approach
(University of Namibia, 2018) Morapedi, Setumile
The paper analysed object shift constructions in Early Modern English or the English of the Shakespearean time. This follows conflicting views on the order of the Verb and Object during this time. One group of researchers argued that both Object Verb (OV) and Verb Object (VO) were available as underlying orders in Old English as well as Middle English, while another group held the view that English had undergone some change in underlying word order from OV to VO. I argue, from the perspective of Principles and Parameters theory, developed by Chomsky (1993) that the surface OV order can be derived from the underlying VO through leftward movement rule (s) applying to the object. I have appealed to Principles and Parameters Theory because the theory assumes that the shifting of the object is determined by its strength, and thus moves leftwards. Principles and Parameters theory maintains that grammatical differences between languages can be characterized in terms of a restricted set of parameters.
Trend analysis on gender disparities in Namibia's mining sector: Evidence from the Affirmative Action reports of 2011-2015
(University of Namibia, 2018) Mwetulundila, Paulus N.; Indongo, Nelago
Gender inequality has become a global concern as it involves the denial of opportunities and equal rights based on ones’ gender. Namibia is no exception to this global phenomenon. The country’s labour force is characterised by inequalities based on gender, despite the various government interventions to address such disparities. Like many governments across the globe, the Namibian government through its Employment Equity Commission enacted the Affirmative Action (employment) Act No. 29 of 1998 to ensure that all Namibians enjoy equal employment opportunities and benefits. This paper examines the trends on Affirmative Action (employment) Act in the mining sector - one of the gendered sectors. It utilises data from Affirmative Action Act annual reports of 2011/2, 2012/3, 2013/4, and 2014/5 provided by the Employment Equity Commission. The paper concluded that the country’s mining sector is still dominated by prejudice, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices based on gender orientation. As a result, the participation of women in this sector is still minimal. The paper makes recommendations on innovative practices adopted by other countries in the retention and attraction of women into the gendered sector
Women and political participation in Namibia and Nigeria: A comparative analysis of women in elective positions
(University of Namibia, 2018) Quadri, Maryam Omolara; Thomas, Erika K.
While women in Namibia have made successful inroads into the country’s parliament despite gender barriers in the country, Nigerian women are yet to make any noticeable progress in their efforts to achieve political power. Women’s agitation for increase political participation over time has received backing from international instruments. The 1979 UN Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development are some of these international instruments. They emphasize that member nations, who signed and ratified these documents, put in place necessary mechanisms needed to eliminate gender discriminations and promote women’s cause generally. Nigeria just like Namibia has signed these documents and has even incorporated some provisions in its National Gender Policy. In comparison with Namibia, women in Nigeria still have a long way to go in politics. The question is what accounts for the slow progress of Nigerian women in gaining political power? This paper examines the trend in women’s political participation in Namibia and Nigeria by exploring and discussing those factors that engender increase in participation in Namibia and those that constrain the female politicians in Nigeria.
Age and sex-specific risk factors for non-communicable diseases among adults in Namibia: A case study of diabetes and hypertension
(University of Namibia, 2018) Indongo, Nelago; Kazembe, Lawrence N.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major public health concern in both developed and developing countries. In Namibia, NCD attributable deaths are increasing; estimated at about 43% of all the deaths. Mapping context-specific risk factors of NCDs is critical for public health interventions. This study aimed to determine the age and sex-specific prevalence and associated factors of NCDs, particularly diabetes and high blood pressure among the adult population in Namibia. Using the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data, we generate agerelated charts for both women and men, and fitted separate multiple logistic regression models for men and women, controlling for age. Our findings show that, for both women and men, the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure increased by age. However, older men were more likely to have high blood pressure than women. Equally, for both women and men, the risk of diabetes and hypertension disease increase with body mass index and wealth index. Evidently, implementation of gender and age-specific interventions may accelerate reduction of disparities in non-communicable diseases burden. These may include interventions that encourage change of lifestyle like engaging in physical activities, eating healthy and regular check-ups.
Influence of media convergence on newspaer readership in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
(University of Namibia, 2018) Idiong, Abasifreke; Idiong, Nsikak Solomon; Udoakah, Nkreuwem
Fears about the imminent death of the print newspaper in the face of the ongoing digital revolution have been widespread for some time. But with miniaturized media tools and hand-held, internet-ready communication technologies offering unlimited on-the-go access to the news via multiple online platforms, prognostications to the effect that the hard copy newspaper may go extinct in the nearest future seem no more an idle speculation. Indeed, print media financiers, publishers, editors, and practitioners have not hidden their concern about the drastic effects of technology. This study comes on the heels of the widespread speculations that the emergence of digital media gadgets that enable online news access would deplete the economic viability of print newspaper houses by pushing news readers online. The situation became increasingly worrisome when some emerging scholarship reported that younger newspaper readers were abandoning the print copy newspaper for electronic and online news sources, which they believed offered greater ease and convenience. A survey (n=431) of respondents drawn from mass communication educators, practicing journalists and civil servants in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Results showed that though the industry faces a significant economic decline, predictions that convergent, digital technology will compel readers to completely abandon print newspapers for digital news sources are not yet a reality, even though print’s business model is seriously strained. Survival strategies already adopted include cover price increase, headlines-online-details-in -print, collapse and merger of beats, downward review in wage bill/pay cuts and print run cuts. The study recommends that publishers and editors invent creative and engaging print contents and other strategies such as inserting interactive DVDs in some of their print issues, as had been experimented at some point. Results could be tremendous where such newspaper contents also focus primarily on their immediate surroundings, giving local readers exactly what they want – such news stories that are either not readily available on the web or are routinely overlooked by the mainstream media.
Learning in the most marginalised contexts. Namibian teachers' folk pedagogy in pre and lower primary classrooms
(University of Namibia, 2018) Matengu, Marika
This paper describes a qualitative study of Namibian teachers’ understanding of children’s learning in the most marginalized contexts. Interviews of nine teachers from three schools revealed the complex ways in which teachers predict development and make pedagogical decisions to support learning. The findings suggest that teachers rely on their folk pedagogies in solving dilemmas emerging at the intersection of theory and practice. Neither pre- nor in-service teacher training equips teachers to situate new knowledge in the living context that poses complex problems in marginalized contexts. The study concludes that learning in the most marginalized contexts may be hindered by teachers’ limited competence to mediate points of congruence between seemingly contradicting cultural and social norms. Enhancing competence in meta-cognition and cultural mediation to teachers’ professional development may help in providing more just and equal early education in the most marginalized contexts
Uses and gratifications of the internet among university of Lagos undergraduates
(University of Namibia, 2018) Tejumaiye, Joseph Adepoju; Simon, Godwin Iretomiwa; Obia, Vincent Adakole
This study sought to ascertain how UNILAG students use the internet and the motivation behind the usage pattern. The study was guided by four research questions that sought to establish the level of internet usage among the students; major activities carried out on the internet; the gratifications derived from the online activities and; whether or not their internet activities have any link with the gratification they hoped to derive from such activities. The study is anchored on the uses and gratifications theory which perceives audiences to be active, rather than passive users of media and their messages. The survey research design was used, and data was collected using a questionnaire targeted at 220 respondents selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. The study’s findings were analysed using SPSS and presented in basic frequency tables and percentages. Findings from the study showed that all UNILAG undergraduates use the Internet with 75. 4 per cent of them using it on daily basis with the major access point being the mobile phone. The most practised internet activity was social networking with a 35. 5 per cent response. A majority (93.1%) said their online activities are informed by the gratifications they hope to derive, while 6.9 per cent disagreed affirming the relevance of the uses and gratifications theory. This study recommends that UNILAG students should maximize the opportunities provided by the internet for academic purposes.
Association of Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) 16 and 18 in breast cancer biopsies in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2018) Mumbengegwi, Davis R.; Van Kent, Samuelia; Tambo, Munyaradzi
Cancer is a growing global health concern due to increased exposure to risk factors including infection by viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is associated with several cancers and may be an etiological agent contributing to increasing breast cancer cases in Namibia. This study investigated the association between HPV infection and breast cancer cases in Namibia. DNA was isolated from 47 breast tumour biopsies, (22 breast cancer positive and 25 negative) and analysed for HPV 16 and 18 sequences using PCR. HPV 16 and 18 were detected in 86.3 % and 81.8 % respectively, of breast cancer positive samples, whilst only 36 % and 48 % respectively, were found in breast cancer negative samples. In total 95.5 % of breast cancer positive samples were infected by at least either of HPV 16 or 18 compared to only 52 % of breast cancer negative samples. Infection with HPV 16 or 18 increases the risk of cervical cancer and possibly breast cancer, hence the results suggest that HPV may contribute to the increasing breast cancer statistics in Namibia. This is the first study in Namibia linking HPV and breast cancer, but a larger sample size will be required to power the study to make the findings statistically significant.
Through role play to self-awareness: Using process drama as a communication tool around adolescent peer pressure and drug abuse
(University of Namibia, 2018) Chidaura, Isaac
This research attempts to raise self-awareness and articulate issues pertaining to adolescent peer pressure and drug abuse through the lens of process drama in South African primary schools. The target group for this project was grade 7C learners of St Theresa’s Convent Primary School in Coronationville, Johannesburg. The study’s framework is underpinned by Drama in Education, Theatre for Development and Theatre of the Oppressed theories. The study used a participatory workshop case study approach within the qualitative action research paradigm. Data was gathered through focus group discussions and participant observation. Research instruments included interview guides, questionnaire and an observation checklist, and data was also digitally recorded. Mantle of the expert and teacher-in-role were the overarching process drama techniques essential for participants to be able to negotiate, make decisions and solve challenges in drug abusing circumstances. This research findings show how the safety of process drama through the creation of “dramatic elsewhere”, distancing, framing and role playing works towards constructive social change. The research notes that, transformation is not an event, but a process which is dependent on encounters, relationships and learning. Findings call for efforts to address adolescent substance abuse, engage the wider population and not just empower the concerned adolescents. The research recommends that process drama be emphasised, because of the dynamic and constantly changing nature of adolescents and the drugs that they use.
The retail sector growth, expansion, employment and income inequality: A case study of Shoprite and Pick N Pay in South Africa and Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2018) Mathekga, Jerry Mmanoko; Maciko, Loyiso
The South African and Namibian economy is liberalised, and there is a movement of big companies from outside Africa to South Africa and Namibia. Some South African firms are operating in Namibia. Shoprite and Pick n Pay have grown and expanded in South Africa and other parts of Africa. These companies have contributed to job creation in South Africa and Namibia. However, most of the jobs created are sub-standard employment with little benefits and low wages. This paper argues that sub-standard employment created by Shoprite and Pick n Pay regenerates and deepens cheap labour, income inequality and labour exploitation. The paper aims to provide a picture of the current state of income inequality at Shoprite and Pick n Pay, and argues that sub-standard employment is the main driver of this situation in South Africa and Namibia. The paper uses the secondary and current data to examine and highlight the income inequalities at Pick n Pay and Shoprite. The results show that sub-standard employment by Pick n Pay and Shoprite regenerates cheap labour systems, income inequality, and exploitation. The paper also recommends that there is a need to identify and address the employment discrepancies, and then construct a different kind of workplace solidarity and legislative framework which takes seriously the changes taking place in retail sectors. Such a change calls for a more effective regulatory framework to overcome insecurities experienced by retail workers as a result of different employment contracts and income inequalities.
Community understanding, perceptions, and involvement in tourism development in King Nehale constituency, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2018) Petrus, Jane N.; Mosimane, Alfons W.
Tourism is one of the rapidly growing industries in the world. The development of this sector has become a strategy for poverty alleviation and economic development for developed and developing countries. Community contributions and knowledge of tourism play a significant role in the development of tourism. This paper assesses community understanding and perceptions of tourism development in the King Nehale Conservancy. The study used both interviews guides and semi-structured questionnaires for data collection. Microsoft Excel was used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The findings suggest that local people in the King Nehale Conservancy do not understand tourism development. Majority of the respondents are not involved in tourism activities except those who are in the conservancy and thus have negative perceptions of tourism development. Craft making/selling was found to be the essential tourism-related activity of the conservancy.
Change management: a critical factor for successful implementation of an Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS): A Namibian case study
(University of Namibia, 2018) Karlos, Alina N.; Nengomasha, Cathrine T.
The use of information and communication technologies to conduct business has seen a rise in the creation of electronic records. Electronic records have added to the challenges of managing records which has seen implementation of electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS) in an attempt to address the challenges. This paper is based on a study which investigated the implementation of an EDRMS in the public service of Namibia. The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of EDRMS in the Namibian public service with a view to establishing the critical factors. Interviews were conducted with system end-users and system administrators. The factors which were found to impact the implementation were: Management support; resource commitment; conversion of paper records to electronic format strategies; concerns for safety and security of e-records; system maintenance; and user buy-in. All these factors collectively relate to change management because addressing them rely on managing the disruption that the changes will bring as well as ensuring acceptance of the changes by the affected staff. The study established that there was a struggle in obtaining user buy-in due to a lack of interest and negative attitude towards the system resulting in its very low usage. The recommendations include records management awareness for all staff; training to equip staff with basic computer skills and use of the EDRMS, inducing ownership of the EDRMS through decentralising some aspects of EDRMS administration from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to the various government offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs).
Enhancing work engagement of teachers through organisational commitment, organisational justice and psychological conditions in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2018) Pieters, Wesley R.; Auanga, N.
Considering the high failure rate of learners coupled with harsh working conditions and limited resources, teachers are likely to become disengaged. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between work engagement and its antecedents amongst primary and secondary school teachers in the Omaheke, Oshana and Oshikoto regions (n=288). A cross-sectional design was used for the data analysis employing Pearson-product moment correlation and multiple regression analyses. All variables reported positive relationships with work engagement. The significant predictors of work engagement are psychological meaningfulness, psychological availability and normative commitment. This study proposes incentives such as equitable benefit packages, career advancement opportunities, and work resources thus teachers would feel valued. This, in turn, would increase their levels of work engagement. Fair and respectable interactions between teachers and supervisors would foster psychological meaningfulness, organisational justice, commitment and work engagement.

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