Volume 1 (2012)

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The accounting role of regional councillors in financial management for regional councils in Namibia : The cases of Oshana and Caprivi regional councils
(University of Namibia, 2012) Mutumba, Boniface S.
Although decisions to acquire and expend financial resources in regional councils are a domain of regional councillors, officials appointed by regional councils and those serving the Ministry of Regional Local Government and Rural Development in Namibia view this as quixotic. This paragonistic perception of appointed officials towards councillors gives rise to synthetic practices that continue to override the efficacy of regional councillors in their role as financiers at regional level in Namibia. Like other regional councils in Namibia, Oshana and Caprivi regional councils are grappling with challenges in financial management. Reflecting on the anecdote of experiences of these two regional councils, this paper makes the call for politicians, technocrats at central and regional government levels and academics to abandon, or at least more vigorously challenge the somewhat archaic, paragonistic methodologies that are very often inappropriate to democratic and corporate governance compliant financial management at sub national level. It argues that there is need to grow legislation based, innovative and creative methodological responses to separate the roles of regional councillors and technocrats appointed by regional councils in financial management. Citing the ideological and methodological shifts made in the Decentralisation process in Namibia, it is argued that it is indeed possible to create unique and exciting processes. Processes that move beyond the rhetoric of “the normative separation of the roles of councilors and officials” to one that in very real terms makes regional councillors the focus of financial planning, budgeting and budgetary control and monitoring the financial activities of regional councils.
The archaeology of the Dome Gorge in the Daureb/ Brandberg, Namibia: Themes, content and context
(University of Namibia, 2012) Gwasira, Goodman
The Ddureb' Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, is one of the most weJI documented rock art regions in the world. All in a/1 almost 900sites comprising of almost 50 ooo individual images were recorded in the Ddureb. However the rock engravings' which have been found in the Dome Gorge remain relatively sparsely researched. The Dome Gorge is a unique site in the sense that paintings and engravings converge and in some cases superimpose each other. The aim of this research was to understand the entire corpus of the area through conducting empirical documentation of the site. Altogether seven different types of combinations of engravings and paintings were observed in the data. The study a/so investigated the spatial patterning of the rock engravings in the Dome Gorge and established an empirical description of the distribution and Jiguration of engravings based on quantitative analysis.
Assessing virtual culture exchanges
(University of Namibia, 2012) Fox, Tom
The rapidly growing presence of old and new media in postcolonial Namibia, particularly from the decade after the turn of the Millennium, has signifi cance for cultural and lifestyle transformations in the country. Formerly entrenched social identities, shaped by restrictive colonialism and indigenous traditions, appear to be under pressure as shifts become apparent in the face of cultural globalisation. This article examines the characteristics of change from the perspective of young Windhoek adults’ experiences of Internet social networks. The research constitutes a cultural study that addresses the current knowledge gap regarding how the Internet is increasingly situated in youth identity and cultural lifestyle spaces. Social networks appear to be changing the cultural landscapes of Namibia, if the evidence is accepted, and youth are at the cutting edge of cultural transformations wrought by new media such as the Internet.
A cognitive grammatical approach to the semantics of Nambya extended verbs
(University of Namibia, 2012) Chabata, Emmanuel
This article is an analysis of the meanings of extended verbs in Nambya. Put simply, an extended verb is a complex verb that is a consequence of combining a verb base and a verbal extension. Using the principles adopted in the theory of Cognitive Grammar (CG), it will be argued that the addition of different kinds of verbal extensions to verb bases often result in constructions with multiple meanings that are related. Unlike earlier scholarship on the meanings of extended verbs in Nambya that treats them as a result of a simple mathematical addition of the individual meanings of the verb base and the verbal extension, this article aims to show that the addition of derivational morphemes such as verbal extensions onto verb bases significantly modifies the meanings of the respective base forms. It is argued that the addition of the verbal extensions often results in two kinds of related meanings, that is, those that are mathematically derivable from the verb base by composition and those that are not easily traceable owing to the fact that they are generally idiosyncratic - hence the reason why extended verbs should sometimes be treated as new verbs that are different from their bases. In this regard, therefore, the proposal being made is that verbal extensions should be treated as highly productive morphemes in lexeme formation
Community perceptions of climate change and vanability impacts in Oshana and Ohangwena Regions
(University of Namibia, 2012) Kaundjua, Maria B.; Angula, Margaret; Angombe, Simon T.
The links between climate change, social and economic development, health, and environmental sustainability have become a dominant and urgent global concern. Understanding community perceptions leads to successful adaptation to climate change. This paper analyses community perceptions of climate change in selected Namibian regions. The study applied the qualitative research approach using the focus group discussion method. The data collection was conducted within a Socio-economic and Gender Analysis framework. The study has revealed that the communities are aware that the climate is changing due to changes observed in the past three to four decades. However, the study concluded that the communities do not have an adaptive capacity to respond to catastrophic natural disaster events such as the recurrent floods of 2009, ww & 2011. The study recommends a programme on community awareness regarding climate variability and change and its implications. The government in collaboration with communities and other relevant stakeholders should set up a long-term adaptation strategy for Namibia.
Conflict resolution mechanisms between postgraduate mentors and their mentees
(University of Namibia, 2012) Mowes, Andrew D.
This paper examines different supervisory approaches. The discussion has been limited to two approaches, namely the master/apprentice approach and the laissez-faire approach. This is followed by a documentation of the typical problems that arise between supervisors and research students. These problems include: conflicting or unrealistic expectations of each other, poor feedback, tensions or conflicting perspectives from within the supervision panel, supervisor’s lack of knowledge and experience in research and supervision. Each problem is followed by a discussion of possible conflict resolution mechanisms.
Conventional and novel/creative metaphors: Do differing cultural environments affect parsing in a second language?
(University of Namibia, 2012) Smit, Talita C.
Metaphors can be regarded as systemic interrelations of multiple experiences which map one relatively stable domain to another. A number of cognitive linguists, such as KOvecses (2005) and Lakoff (2006), suggest that much metaphorical thinking arises from recurring patterns of physical experiences and sensori-motor interactions with the physical world. Gibbs (1999, p. 152) furthermore states that "people clearly a/so learn conceptual metaphors from their experiences with language." Research findings indicate that the default interpretations by First Language speakers were octuol/y the idiomCltic understandings, not the literal ones. The question could be asked whether this would be the case with Second Language speakers when drawing inferences from metaphorical expressions used by first language speakers, and specifically in the case of novel/creative metaphorical expressions.I assumed that this process might pose difficulties for ESl readers from an African environment when reading a business article in English which contained a fair amount of metaphorical expressions. I looked at both conventional metaphors and novel(creative metaphors. These were the metaphors with a source domain that presupposed meta-knowledge of the British English cultural environment. I also included in the research instrument a few orientational metaphors that were used in the business artcle. The findings of this study indicate concurrence with Gibbs (1999, cited in Yu zoog) that "{c]ultura/ models 'in shaping what people believe, how they act, and how they speak about the world and their own experiences' set up specific perspectives from which aspects of 'embodied experiences are viewed as particularly salient and meaningful in people's lives. ... In short, 'social and cultural constructions of experience fundamentaJ/y shape embodied metaphor."'
Death and dying: An analysis of the language used in copying with death in the Shona society
(University of Namibia, 2012) Kaguda, Damarris
This article analyses the language that the Shona speaking people in Zimbabwe use in naming death and dying, describing the dead, and consoling the bereaved. The research derives its linguistic analysis from a Shona socio-cultural-religious perspective. Related to this perspective, is the concept of saving face and easing the tension caused by death and this notion can be understood in the light of the politeness principle that guides human communication. Interviews and participatory observations were employed as data collection techniques in order to establish whether the Shona people use their language ordinarily or they fine-tune it to suit specific situations, particularly the unpalatable social situations like death and dying (language for specific purpose). Undergirded by these theoretical frameworks and methods, the study established that the Shona people have the tendency of creating, packaging and re-packaging their language use in relation to the social dilemma confronting them. Indirect ways of referring to tabooed matters such as death are in tandem with the Shona semantic philosophy in which by ‘indirection they find direction.’ In this regard, reference to death and dying often take the form of some blunt and euphemistic words or phrases, idiomatic and metaphorical expressions as a way of coping with death and dying. Euphemistic words and expressions allow the Shona people to talk about unpleasant notions and neutralise the unpleasantness, for example, the subjects of death and dying.
Determinants of manufactured export performance in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2012) Kaakunga, Esau K.; Matongela, Albert M.
The current study looks at the determinants of manufactured exports in Namibia during the period from 1970 through 2009. In line with the international trade and finance literature, the paper focuses on the investment GDP ratio; foreign income; real effective exchange rate; real gross domestic product; consumer price index; and export processing zones to be the key determinants for manufactured exports in Namibia. Due to the nonstationarity of many macro-economic variables, the Johansen Cointegration Procedure is adopted in this study. Most of the results came out as expected. Investment GDP ratio and foreign income have a positive effect on manufactured exports. The results indicate that real effective exchange rate and consumer price index, is negatively related to the manufactured exports in both equations. This implies that exchange appreciation and currency overvaluation exert adverse effects on production for export. Surprisingly, the results indicate that the export processing zones relate negatively to manufactured exports and the coefficient is insignificant in all the equations. The key recommendations from this paper are that there is a need to review the current export processing zone regime with the purpose of identifying new amendments to the framework legislation in order to make the zone more competitive. Thus, there is also a need to relook at various investment incentives that are aimed at promoting manufactured exports with the aim of removing some constraints that might hinder companies in realising full benefits from these regimes.
The developement of tourism entrepreneurial activities in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2012) Kimaro, Mary-Ellen; Ihuha, Rosemary; Angula, Margaret
For decades entrepreneurship has been recognised as an important contributor to economic growth and development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the tourism entrepreneurial activities in Namibia and assess their potential to contribute to the economy. The main objective is to analyse the development process of tourism entrepreneurial activities in general and their current weaknesses, opportunities and threats as experienced by entrepreneurs in Windhoek and Okahandja. With the high unemployment rate being experienced in Namibia, a solution to this social problem is needed to help alleviate the plight of the unemployed and underemployed. The results of the survey provide insight into the entrepreneurial operations, and the challenges thereof. The results show that tourism entrepreneurs are potential employers in Namibia. The majority of products and services offered are not locally produced, opening an opportunity for entrepreneurs to diversify the offering and increase their market share by offering services and products such as traditional meals, clothing and jewellery. The study concludes that there are benefits for potential entrepreneurs to operate their own businesses. However, some shortcomings were noted that include lack of training and lack of awareness of available and affordable training programmes as well as other common and unique problems faced by these entrepreneurs. The study concludes that measures should be taken to ensure that entrepreneurs are nurtured and mentored in order to realise their business success. Furthermore, the study recommends a number of measures to improve the status quo of entrepreneurs and facilitate growth within the tourism entrepreneurial activities.
Does mass media communication support HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns among the youth in Oshana Region, northern Namibia?
(University of Namibia, 2012) Shikongo, Regina Mpingana; Mchombu, Kingo
HIV/AIDS is a global health and social problem, and has affected people of diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Since it was detected in Namibia in 1986, many people have become hospitalised and died due to the disease. However, many organisations have used mass media campaigns to communicate health messages in an effort to bring change in people’s lifestyles and sexual behaviours. This paper explores the impact of mass media communication aimed at HIV/AIDS prevention among the youth in Oshana region, northern Namibia. In this paper both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Survey research was conducted among the In-school youth (ISY) and Out of-school youth (OOSY). Participants were drawn from nine secondary and 26 combined schools and six youth organizations in the region. Respondents revealed that mass media campaigns are available in the region disseminating information to the youth using the conventional health education model. Data also revealed that the majority in both sets of youth groups are sexually active, have sexual partners and received behaviour change information mainly through mass media (radio, television and printed materials) regularly. Study results further revealed that in addition to knowledge, youth require understanding and dialogue to be able to manage change in their social and sexual behaviours.
Evaluation of drought indices using the 40-percentile threshold for the north-central regions of Namibia.
(University of Namibia, 2012) Angombe, Simon T.
Drought is not uncommon to the Southern African climate and it has become a matter of serious concern in Namibia. For that reason, almost all parts of Namibia have become vulnerable to drought occurrence. Whilst recognising agriculture as a pertinent component of the Namibian economy, it is imperative to underscore the importance of drought early warning products for short- and long-term decision making in various sectors of the country’s economy. Following the 1991/92 drought, which ravaged more than 80% of Southern Africa, Namibia now realise the value of meteorological information in weathersensitive decisions. This severe drought has been described as the worst in living memory. Five stations (Ombalantu, Oshakati, Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Tsumkwe) in the northern part of Namibia were assessed. The researcher used the rainfall decile method to assess drought conditions by evaluating whether the widely used 40-percentile threshold is appropriate for triggering a drought warning in Namibia. Results showed that the threshold might have been set too high to be of use in warning farmers of coming droughts. In order to determine the percentile that would be best serve as trigger for drought warnings, there is need for further examination at 30, 25 and 20 percentile mark thresholds. Based on the 40-percentile threshold, much of the drought and a decrease in rainfall accumulation in Ombalantu and Oshakati in the Omusati and Oshana regions respectively, occurred towards the end of the 20th century.
A first Namibian portfolio for languages
(University of Namibia, 2012) Zannier, Aurelie; Lumbu, Simon D.
Since its early beginnings in the 1970’s, the communicative approach has established itself as the preferred approach in the teaching and learning of French as a Foreign Language. It has signifi cantly changed teaching and learning methods by introducing innovative concepts, notions and material – such as communicative and intercultural competence, needs analysis, authentic material, and learner-centred practices. The assessment dimension had its share of transformation especially with the introduction of learners’ selfassessment and self-awareness skills. To operationalise these new self-assessment skills, innovative tools have been developed and tested. The Portfolio for Languages (a document produced by the European Council after the publication of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in 2001, which is now used in more than 38 countries in Europe) has proven its usefulness (for the learner as well as for the teacher) in the development of self-assessment skills, and in the monitoring an individual’s language development and of understanding learning objectives. To date no African portfolio for languages is in existence. In 2010, a team of fi ve Namibian teachers of French conceived the fi rst Namibian Portfolio for Languages that will be implemented in 2013 for all Grade 8 learners taking French as a Foreign Language in Namibian secondary schools. This pilot project will be carried out until 2017. The project is aimed at testing the eff ectiveness of the portfolio as an instrument if considered as a complementary tool to provide in the communicative approach needs in the Namibian context.
Grappling with a post-colonial challenge: A critical analysis of Shona writers’ vision of the HIV and Aids epidemic
(University of Namibia, 2012) Makaudze, Godwin; Gudhlanga, Enna S.
The post-colonial era has witnessed many African writers embarking on, among many activities, decolonisation, cultural regeneration and nation-building through their works of art. Whilst they have striven to reclaim the African’s dignity, integrity and humanity that s/he has lost through colonialism, the post-colonial era has again presented to the same writer, new challenges posed by life, among them; the HIV and Aids epidemic. Whilst many writers have been quite eloquent in conveying the experiences and effects of HIV and AIDS on the affected, what has remained elusive is the root causes of its transmission as well as ways of dealing with the epidemic. Blame has largely been shouldered on patriarchy, men and ‘their’ promiscuous behaviour on one hand, and Shona traditional customs on the other, both of which are largely victims of a new socio-economic order. The paper thus is an exposition of the social vision of selected Shona writers concerning the HIV and Aids epidemic. It seeks to establish if they have moved away from the popular yet mythical victim-blame to accord the epidemic a more holistic and informative gaze. It also seeks to ascertain whether the writers have suggested realistic and humane solutions in their works of art or they have adopted the popular but less realistic defeatist stance. The paper uses the socio-historical approach to ground its observations and arguments.
The impact of effective communication within the family
(University of Namibia, 2012) Ekanjume-Ilongo, Beatrice
Most verbal communication is done between one individual and another, be it in a family, social, or work setting. Any one-to-one verbal communication requires as much precision as possible, so that an individual can have immediate feedback as to whether he/she was understood accurately. Communicating effectively however involves more than just accuracy. The purpose of most communication is to influence the attitudes and behaviors of those being addressed. Since individuals have different ways of behaving and responding, it is important for people to learn to express themselves accurately and in a way that will accomplish their purpose of communication. This paper shows that developing good communication skills is critical for successful relationships. The paper reveals that good communication skills keep the family strong and better able to withstand every family issue and pitfall, and that effective communication is a key to family happiness. The paper also brings out the fact that effective communication within a family circle enables the family to handle stressors that arise, resolve daily conflicts, and raise children who are able to communicate well for the rest of their lives.
Inequalities of nutrition: The Namibian paradox
(University of Namibia, 2012) Misihairabgwi, Jane M.; Rennie, Timothy
The paradoxical coexistence of obesity with undernutrition has been we!l documented worldwide. In many developing countries, 6o % of households contain both underweight and obese individuals, a situation referred to as the "dual burden household". The Namibian population is simultaneously made up of groups of overweight and obese individuals as well as a large group of underweight individuals. Based on data collected from 2003 to 2004, 28 % of Namlbians were categorized as underweight, 11 % as overweight and 7 % as obese. Among adults, aged 30-46, 29% were categorized as overweight or obese. In a middle-income country such as Namibia, food scarcity may no longer be the driving factor behind energy intake. Instead, the availability of cheap, energy dense foods may facilitate the consumption of more calories whiJe an indoor, sedentary lifestyle would further reduce the average daily energy expenditure. Specific cultural perceptions may also encourage obesity. The 'double burden' of disease that has been created threatens to overwhelm the health services in Namibia. In this paper, we document reports on nutritional inequality internationally, and in Namibia specifically, and propose a research strategy to address the burden of the coexistence of under nutrition and obesity in Namibia. The paper documents a useful starting point for understanding the determinants of inequalities in nutritional status and provides some understanding of the causes of inequalities in nutritional status as well as the factors responsible for inequalities in health and nutritional status of individuals.
Information literacy programme at the University of Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2012) Iilonga, Selma
The research was done to investigate the information seeking behaviour among students at the University of Namibia. The study was conducted to fi nd out the reasons why students do not attend the information literacy training off ered by the University of Namibia library and to recommend ways in which information literacy can be integrated into the curriculum. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods by employing self-administered questionnaires distributed to participants and using focus group interviews with library staff to ensure validity of the results. The fi ndings showed varied reasons for low turnout by the students for training and chief among these are poor communication of information to students concerning the days of training and lack of information on the part of students concerning the signifi cance of training in information literacy. The fi ndings also revealed that many students had the competence to use the internet, although they lacked knowledge of particular websites and databases which were relevant to their studies. The majority of students suggested more training as measures that can be taken to improve information literacy at the university and pointed out that students must be informed properly about training sessions. It was observed that the training did not have a written curriculum and it was recommended that a curriculum be developed to meet the needs of diff erent students. It was also recommended that critical databases must be made available to students through distribution of pamphlets and wall posters so that those students who are capable of using computers can access these databases that are critical to their studies.
An investigation into the information needs for poverty eradication at Greenwell Matongo in Katutura, Windhoek, in the context of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)
(University of Namibia, 2012) Mchombu, Kingo
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the eradication of poverty ore two concerns that are highly supported by African governments, bilateral agencies and the United Nations. However within Africa, not much research has been done on what role libraries and information services can play towards meeting the goals of the MDG programme and the eradication of poverty. The aim of this paper is to present preliminary findings from a study in Greenwell Matongo, Katutura, Windhoek, on information needs for poverty eradication in the context of MDGs. Focus group discussions were conducted with three groups consisting of young females, young males, and adults respectively. The participants described the high levels of poverty in their community, and the low levels of hygiene and sanitation. There was recognition that education for children is important to overcome poverty. Gender relations are marked by alcohol related violence and rapes. The rate of HIV/A!DS and TB infection were thought to be high but kept secret because of fear of stigma. There were serious environmental problems in the community because of the use of inflammable fuel sources such as p araffin and candles in the corrugated iron shacks. The community information centre in the settlement is used intensively by young people for educational purposes, but only marginally, by adults for photocopying and literacy purposes. Recommendations are made on how to address the identified information needs of the community and capacity building in the context of MDG and poverty eradication.
Issues in ethnomusicology as human science
(University of Namibia, 2012) Tsoubaloko, Francois Haipinge
The elements that constitute the topic of this paper are extracted from my newly finished book rn Ethnomusrcology. Namibra as a country is not only made of geographical boundaries with other countries, located in the African continent map, but perhaps it is made most by what it contains inside forming the National cultural Heritage, from which we get our cultural identity as a nation in diversity, that we should cherish much. These are the languages we speak, the way we dress (Outfit), the way we sing and dance, traditional architecture, manufacturing, ritual on traditional marriage, traditional healings, labour (cultivation and harvest), beverage and dishes. Most of these features in traditional societies are declining because of the contemporary daily life in which we found ourselves. The attitudinal, archetypal, moulding vision and anxiety of the Indigenous elderly people in the rural life, is to see continuity being assumed or secured of the above mentioned features, seen by young people in Namibia as things of the past life, archaic, childish and non-sense. These young people have their mind set on foreign horizons. This is also expressed on music, In such way that since Independence almost nobody came up with a creation of contemporary music style based on the Namibian traditional music. All music performed In the country is based on foreign genres such as Kwaito, R&B, Reggae, Kwasa· kwasa, kizomba, etc. Finally the paper also deals with the desire people have developed in promoting arts in Its diverse forms within the eco-tourism Industry, to alleviate the living conditions of the indigenous people in the rural areas. There are two sides of the coin to be considered in that: the good and bad aspects In doing the promotion of arts in this environment.
Joining the knowledge creation, scholarly publishing and dissemination network: The development of publishing at UNAM
(University of Namibia, 2012) Katjavivi, Jane
Since it was established in 1992, the University of Namibia has established itself as an institution of higher education that has won respect across Africa and internationally. It has developed new faculties, graduated thousands of students, and produced a wide range of publications including research reports on subjects of national, regional and international significance. As it approached its 20th anniversary in 2012, UNAM took the bold step of establishing a new unit dedicated to publishing, apparently ignoring the prevailing reality for smaller university presses around the world, which have experienced falling markets since the turn of the century. What was the context for this? What is the history of publishing at UNAM? How does the new unit fi t into the overall work of the University and where is it going? This paper explores these questions. It is the product of my own involvement as Publisher for UNAM Press, appointed in June 2011, information gathered from meetings with academic leaders at UNAM, and an examination of University documents and publications and the UNAM Press Policy approved by Senate in 2011.

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