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Item A stylistic analysis of Oshiwambo wedding songs in a book entitled Oshipapa Moonkuluhedhi by Petrus Mbenzi(University of Namibia, 2024) Ndove, Nathan Eliab Ndinomholo; Mbenzi, Petrus A.The purpose of this study was to analyse the stylistic features that are employed in Oshiwambo wedding songs in Oshapapa moonkuluhedhi by Petrus Mbenzi. The data was collected through a desktop research by analysing documented wedding songs in the aforementioned book. No participants were involved in the collection of data in this study. This study used a qualitative research approach that allowed the researcher to stylistically analyse Oshiwambo wedding songs. The study employed the theory of stylistic criticism as presented by Ngara (1985) and the meaning theory of Leech (1981) as the theoretical framework. The theory of stylistic criticism accounted for both linguistic and literary aspects of oral poetry. By employing this theory, the researcher analysed the stylistic features that are employed in Oshiwambo wedding songs in the book titled Oshapapa moonkuluhedhi by Petrus Mbenzi at the different levels of language. The theory of meaning deals with semantics as a branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words in language. The theory assisted the researcher to identify how meaning was conveyed in Oshiwambo wedding songs.The study revealed that the stylistic features are appropriate for the Ovawambo tribe as the stylistic features help Ovawambo to deliver the intended messages effectively. The study identified rhyme, dialects and onomatopoeia as stylistic devices under phonology. The study further revealed the lexical devices such as borrowing, repetition, anaphora and parallelism. Syntax is another language aspects which is discussed in this study; the identified devices that are discussed in this language aspect are: sentence length; types of sentences; questions as stylistic features; rhetorical question, hortative sentences and refrain. At semantic level, the study identified simile, metaphor, euphemism, anti-thesis and enjambment as the stylistic and linguistic features that were analysed in Oshiwambo wedding songs. This study contributes to the study of literature, specifically a stylistic analysis of Oshiwambo. The knowledge acquired through this study could be utilised by other scholars as literature in the same field of specialisation. This study, therefore, recommends that more research should be conducted on Oshiwambo wedding songs, particularly on their functions, performance and paralinguistic featuresItem Gendered experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccinations: A case study of healthcare workers at Katutura Health Centre, in Khomas region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2024) Shindinge, Saara Twahafifwa; Nhemachena, A.Healthcare workers as frontline heroes in the COVID-19 pandemic were the first to be considered for the COVID-19 vaccine. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences about COVID-19 vaccinations based on the gender of the healthcare workers at the Katutura Health Centre. The objectives of the study were to explore the perceptions about COVID-19 vaccinations; describe the experiences of healthcare workers vaccinated at the Katutura Health Centre and examine how gender is connected to how one experiences and perceives COVID-19 vaccinations. The study was informed by a qualitative descriptive case study design, with a sample size of 22 participants out of a population of 104, using convenience sampling. A pilot study was conducted but the results were not part of the main study. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, justice and non-maleficence were applied to the study. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis, namely; the perception of healthcare workers on the COVID-19 vaccine, the experience of healthcare workers on the COVID-19 vaccine, and the link between gender and vaccine uptake. The findings were related to critical theory, which provided the basis on which to explain how Health Care Workers (HCWs) perceived and experienced the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and the public. The findings conclude that HCWs received their information from formal sources and social media. However, HCWs understood the benefits of receiving the vaccine, which was also the factor that prompted them to receive the vaccine. The process of receiving the vaccine was described as fast and smooth. Yet, most experienced headaches and muscle pain as side effects. The uptake of the vaccine was common amongst females, however, they expressed fear of infertility and death as hindrances to receiving the vaccine. The study recommended the development and conducting of training for HCWs focused on benefits of vaccines, and vaccine safetyItem The impact of COVID-19 on the livelihood of informal sector workers: A case study of street vendors in Eenhana Town, Ohangwena region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2024) Hawanga, Oyetate, Etuna; Omomowo, KolawoleThe global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been extensive and has resulted in significant negative consequences, particularly impacting individuals employed in the informal sector. Among the most susceptible groups are street vendors, who face increased vulnerability due to their limited skills and resources for coping with such crises. This research aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the informal sector in Eenhana Town, Ohangwena Region, Namibia. A quantitative research approach was used, and descriptive statistics on income before, during, and after COVID-19, frequency table, and crosstabulations were used to present the research results. A sample of 133 respondents of street vendors were targeted using a stratified sampling method. Data was gathered using a quantitative survey questionnaire. The data collected through the questionnaires was subjected to statistical data analysis techniques utilising version 23 of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Many informal sector workers had livelihood losses, with high rates of job and income losses amongst street vendors. The Namibian government has implemented support programmes, but few are aware of them, thus indicating a lack of cohesion between the government and the sector. The research found that it is important to increase the involvement of informal workers in decision-making processes to promote a sustainable recovery and protect against potential crisesItem Investigating the impact of rapid rural-urban migration on serviced land delivery in Okahao Town, Northern Namibia(University of Namibia, 2024) Uushini, Johannes Kaushi; Van Dijk, TeunThis thesis investigates the profound impact of rapid rural-urban migration on serviced land delivery in Okahao town, Northern Namibia. Designated as a local authority in 2004, Okahao town operates under the constitutional framework of the Republic of Namibia and the Local Authority Act 23 of 1992, as amended. The escalating rural-urban migration in Okahao has intensified the demand for suitable housing, leading to a surge in informal settlements among urban residents. The Town Council of Okahao faces the daunting task of securing financial resources to service an estimated 377 plots annually. This effort is aimed at meeting the ambitious target of 3,770 serviced plots within a decade, commencing in 2021. Adopting a phenomenological perspective, this study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing structured interviews with fifteen participants drawn from the target population, including rural-urban immigrants, local authority councillors, and administrators. The study illuminates key drivers of rural-urban migration in Okahao Town, encompassing factors such as rural poverty, limited job opportunities, access to advanced technology, proximity to essential services like schools, hospitals, and shops, as well as improved infrastructure like sanitation services and roads. The demand for serviced land emerges as a pressing concern, with participants emphasizing the need for swift and effective responses to address the housing deficit. Recommendations stemming from the research findings advocate for the introduction of best practices to promote housing programs and foster Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for critical developmental projects, including land servicing initiatives. Additionally, the study urges the implementation of the Flexible Land Tenure Act 4 of 2012, emphasizing flexible land tenure approaches for the equitable distribution ii and allocation of land. This thesis contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between rural-urban migration dynamics and serviced land delivery processes in Okahao Town. The practical recommendations offered aim to guide policymakers, urban planners, and relevant stakeholders in formulating strategies that foster sustainable development and address the challenges posed by rapid demographic shiftsItem Promoting sustainable development Goal 4 through ICT integration into geography advanced subsidiary curriculum in selected secondary schools, Ohangwena region(University of Namibia, 2024) Nuumbosho, Julia Forlesta; Iipinge, SackyThis study aims to explore how Information Communication Technology (ICT) promotes Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in the teaching of the Geography Advanced Subsidiary (AS) curriculum at selected schools in the Ohangwena region. The study employed a qualitative approach, using a multiple-case study design. A purposive sampling was used to select four secondary schools offering the AS level. Two Geography teachers, four Heads of Departments (HoD), and four school principals participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Data were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that different ICT tools were used in teaching Geography to promote Goal 4, which calls for quality and inclusive education. These ICT tools included computers, projectors, laptops, and multimedia projectors. All schools selected have dedicated computer laboratories. However, some school laboratories were not operational and accessible to AS learners. Some schools allowed their learners to bring their own devices, such as laptops and tablets, for internet access, while others did not permit learners to bring any devices to school. Most participants had a positive perspective toward ICT usage in their teaching for quality education. However, some participants needed to be more comfortable integrating ICT tools into their teaching due to the time-consuming nature of setting up devices like projectors. This might hinder the attainment of Goal 4 of Sustainable Development in terms of quality and inclusive education. The study recommends introducing compulsory and examinable Information and Communication subjects in the primary school phase. The study recommends training teachers on using ICT for quality teaching, providing ICT tools in schools and improving internet accessibility and connectivityItem An assessment of the state of science journalism in Namibia : A case study of the Namibian, Namibian sun, and New Era newspapers(University of Namibia, 2023) Brandt, KudakwanguScience journalism is a form of reporting that conveys news about science-related topics in a simplified manner. Fields vary from health, environmental and animal science, amongst others. As this field gradually broadens, the duty of science journalists to communicate verified information to ordinary citizens has been amplified. Equally, this underpins the need for scientists to communicate their work to the public, and take their work beyond academic circles to the layman. This is often done by science journalists who have the expertise to report scientific news in a fashion that is less technical. The main objectives of the study were to assess the criteria used by the Namibian print media to determine the newsworthiness of science news, and to determine the challenges and opportunities for the media in the science journalism field. Furthermore, the study sought to examine the perceptions that scientists have of the media. The study aimed to contribute to bridging the gap between scientists and the public. This thesis includes an analysis of qualitative data collected from newspaper editors from Namibia’s main newspapers. In addition, quantitative data were collected from scientists in different fields. The key findings revealed that there is a communication gap between journalists and scientists, stemming from mistrust and generally the lack of appreciation for each other’s profession, which ultimately has an effect on the public’s consumption of science news. It is recommended that various activities and tools be put in place to strengthen relations between the media and scientists and ensure accuracy in the popularisation of scienceItem Assessing the use of cloud computing for records management in selected organisations in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Karlos, Alina NdapunikwaThis multi-case study assessed the use of cloud computing for records management in selected private organisations in Namibia. The study’s objectives were to assess the drivers and benefits of adopting cloud computing for records management; analyse the cloud computing services and deployment models adopted by the organisations; assess the risks of managing records in the cloud; and identify measures to mitigate risks of managing records in the cloud. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed for data collection. The study population comprised of Namibian organisations using cloud computing and offering cloud computing services for records management. Four private organisations were conveniently selected. Seven participants comprising information technology (IT) staff from cloud computing service-providing organisations and records management staff from both a cloud computing service client organisation and a cloud computing service provider were purposively selected for the study. Data was analysed through content analysis. The study found that Namibian organisations adopted cloud computing for records management. However, cloud providers refered to information managed on the cloud as ‘data’. The study findings established that organisations adopted cloud computing due to its flexibility and affordability. Significant lack of records management expertise in both cloud computing service providers and client organisations was evident. The study further established that records management legal and regulatory framework had not received comprehensive attention by both cloud computing service providers and client organisations. Namibia’s current legal and regulatory framework is weak on the management of electronic records. The introduction of new laws relating to managing electronic records will be instrumental to the success of using cloud computing to manage records. The findings also highlighted that managing records in the cloud presented some risks and challenges such as non-compliance with laws, uncertain records security, and poor knowledge of records management. The study concluded that the cloud computing services provided and adopted by the Namibian organisations were not fully viable for the proper management of electronic records and there was a need for the customisation of cloud computing services to meet records management standards and practices. The study proposed a framework for adopting cloud computing for records management in Namibia.Item Digital preservation maturity at the office of the Prime Minister of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Nakale, Asser Laudika N.Digital preservation involves actions that are aimed at making sure that digital records remain accessible for as long as they are needed. In order to assure the effective long-term preservation of digital records, certain standards and best practices have to be met and adhered to. Assessing the effectiveness of digital preservation is crucial, particularly for organisations that are in the business of digital preservation. This study investigated and assessed the extent to which digital preservation is carried out in the context of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of Namibia. A qualitative case study was the appropriate design for the study. The population of this study consisted of individuals that were involved in the entire process of the preservation of electronic records with long-term or permanent values, specifically staff members of the EDRMS department and the OPM at large. At the time of conducting the study, the OPM had a total of three hundred and eighty-seven (387) staff members. A census sampling technique was applied to include all seven (7) members of the EDRMS Department. Using the snowball technique, the Head of Archive referred the researcher to two (2) staff members from each of the twelve (12) departments, bringing the total sample to thirty-one (31). This study made use of semi-structured interviews and observation as the data collection methods and these were supplemented by document reviews. The collected data collected were analysed through content analysis. Among others, the main findings of the study include the unavailability of a digital preservation policy and strategy, formal information governance, collaboration framework, and written agreements with users and producers. The study also found that the institution did not provide extra training to its staff members and as such, they did not have specialised and professional technical expertise. ii The study recommended that the OPM should implement a Digital Preservation Policy and invest in collaboration, training and grooming of specialised professional technical expertise.Item Developing a framework for research data management capabilities at the University of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Kanguti, Ronald N.; Kalusopa, TrywellThis study sought to investigate the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Research Data Management (RDM) capabilities with a view to developing an RDM framework for the institution. The study was informed by a pragmatic research paradigm and it adopted an explanatory sequential mixed method research design. In line with this research design, the study deployed a two-phased data collection process. First, during the quantitative phase, a bibliometric analysis on UNAM’s research productivity, visibility and impact was conducted using Scopus (SciVal) and the Web of Science. Second, in the qualitative phase, 22 UNAM top researchers as derived from Scopus (SciVal) and the Web of Science were purposefully interviewed based on their relevance to the study. The population of the study consisted of nine hundred and thirty-four (934) researchers. The sample comprised of 40 UNAM top researchers as indexed in Scopus (Scival) and the Web of Science. The study found that RDM is a new concept at UNAM and that it is not integrated in the research processes. It was also discovered that although the concept is new, some researchers practice RDM services using their own means. The study further revealed that there is a lack of institutional support to enhance the management of research data. The study concluded that RDM do exist at UNAM even though different researchers understands and practices the concept differently. The study recommends that UNAM develops and implements the RDM framework as part of the organisation’s structure to support staff members. The study proposes that UNAM undertake an RDM pilot study with leading universities in the region, and document some lessons learnt that can advance the implementation of RDM at UNAM.Item An assessment of social protection and the living conditions of the elderly: A study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena region(University of Namibia, 2022) Haukena, Kulaumone MesagIn Africa, ageing is a phenomenon that is just beginning to reveal its shape. Most governments, including the Government of the Republic of Namibia, acknowledge the increasing number of older persons. Social protection interventions usually include measures to provide adequate housing and nutrition, ensure access to education, health and promote social inclusion and political stability. The lack of access to social protection constitutes a major obstacle to the socio-economic development and wellbeing of the elderly. This was a mixed method descriptive design: a study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The primary objective of the study was to determine the extent to which the Namibian social protection scheme affords to bring a decent living for the rural elderly people in Omatunda village. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample from the population of elderly people above the age of 60 and living in Omatunda village rural Namibia. The results show that about 76% of the respondents were female, while 24% were male. The majority of the respondents 47.6% were between the ages of 70 – 79 years. The majority of the respondents 52.4% were married and 23.8% were a widow. Furthermore, 14.3% were never married, while 9.5% were divorced. About 100% of the elderly people interviewed were receiving Government grant (pension) every month as their main source of income, however, only 43% were satisfied with the amount they are receiving, they perceived the social assistance grant as enabling them to provide the necessities of life and to pay their grandchildren’s school fees. However, about 57% of the elderly were displeased with the grant, which means 48% were neutral and 9.5% were unsatisfied at all. The study revealed that the respondents do use pension funds for a lot of their basic needs, however, noted that all the needs are not covered. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a public health facility in the area where elderly people are receiving medical care free of charge, only 57% were satisfied with the health service to them, 43% were not satisfied due to long waiting time in the queue as well as the frequently stock out of essential medicines. Although the study revealed that the general health condition of the majority of the respondents is reported to be good, this does not mean that they are unrestricted from challenges. Like many other people, elderly people are faced with numerous challenges which are both social and economic. The study concluded that the old-age 3 pension fund is regarded as a most vital source of income for many households and it is used to improve the living condition of the elderly.Item The experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Matondo, Maravihla MamonaThe experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates in Windhoek, Namibia. Graduate unemployment is a global phenomenon and is not only known to the nation of Namibia. There have been numerous research conducted on graduate unemployment worldwide but less research has been conducted on graduate unemployment in Namibia especially focusing on their experiences and livelihoods. This study aimed to examine the experiences and livelihoods of unemployed graduates residing in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. This study sought to find out how the Namibian nation is affected by the high number of unemployed graduates with the main focus being on the unemployed graduate. This study assessed the impact unemployment has on graduates by focusing on the following research questions; what are the experiences of unemployed graduates seeking employment and what are the livelihood activities of unemployed graduates? A qualitative approach has been used using narrative interviews as a method. The total number of participants interviewed was thirty participants selected using purposive and snowball sampling. The key findings of the study were that graduates are finding it difficult to obtain employment, the main reason being graduates lack the number of working years’ experience required by employers. Secondly, unemployed graduates are struggling to earn a living and have engaged in a range of ad hoc and informal activities to survive. The study also showed that for unemployed graduates residing in Windhoek, livelihoods are not sustainable. The participants discussed various strategies that can be implemented to better their experiences and livelihoods and these were considered as recommendations for practice and policy.Item The contribution of knowledge sharing in the effective implementation of electronic document and records management systems in the Namibian public service(University of Namibia, 2022) Kazavanga, UetujamaThe study investigated the contribution of Knowledge Sharing (KS) to the successful implementation of the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) in the Namibian public service. Various reasons to justify the poor success of EDRMS implementation have been identified across several studies but the role and contribution of KS as a key element towards the successful implementation of EDRMS has not been established. In this regard, the study adopted an interpretivist research paradigm, a qualitative research approach for the data collection and a multiple case study research design. The study targeted three (3) Offices/Ministries/Agencies out of the first nine Offices/Ministries/Agencies that implemented the EDRMS between 2009 and 2010. The sample size consisted of twenty-one (21) participants, whereby seven (7) were from the Office of the Prime Minister, nine (9) from the National Archives of Namibia, and five (5) from the National Planning Commission. Data were collected through document analysis, semi-structured interviews and participant observations. The study found that the reason for the poor success of EDRMS implementation in the Namibian public service points to a lack of and/or poor sharing of knowledge during the implementation stages of EDRMS. This was because both key users and end users of EDRMS in the three O/M/As did not have adequate knowledge sharing opportunities, other than training sessions on EDRMS operations. Based on this, the study recommends that KS ought to be prioritised as a key element of change management, particularly with the introduction of new work processes and procedures. KS should take place at every stage and/or level of EDRMS implementation among all staff members in an institution. Therefore, institutions should deliberately design and create opportunities that would engage all employees and lead to active KS throughout all the divisions and units of an institution. Areas for further studies could include investigating the impact of team building and employees interrelationships towards the successful implementation of EDRMS.Item An investigation into factors contributing to food insecurity for urban households during covid-19 pandemic: A case study of Onhimbu informal settlement, Outapi in the Omusati region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Amukwelele, HilyaCOVID-19 undermines food security worldwide. However, the urban poor are the most affected. In Namibia, around 659 000 people are faced with high levels of food insecurity due to the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown and disruption of food systems caused by the pandemic (IPC, 2021). As a result, the majority of the households lost income, resulting in difficulties in accessing food. This study investigated the factors contributing to food insecurity for urban households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was gathered through interviews using a qualitative case study research design, and the data was analysed using a thematic analysis method. A set of semi-structured interview guides with open-ended questions were administered to 15 household heads. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling method. The study is guided by the Food Security Conceptual Framework adopted by Reily (1999). The study revealed that lockdown, high food prices, and lack of safety nets were the main factors contributing to food insecurity in urban households during the pandemic. These factors affect people's access to food, resulting in people skipping meals, consuming poor diets, or remaining hungry. The study concluded that COVID-19 measures have caused further food insecurity in informal settlements as they have destroyed households’ means of food access. The study recommended that the government should invest in a resilient food system in order to achieve national food security.Item The effects of drought on household food consumption: A case of Okahauyulu and Eeshoke villages in Engela constituency, Ohangwena region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Mwaninga, Gabriel FanuelThe increasing of drought instances in Namibia has had a devastating effect on people’s livelihood, particularly in the arid and semi-arid parts of the country. Faced with an increasing frequency of droughts, the local communities of Okahauyulu and Eeshoke Villages are constantly at risk of food insecurity, which exacerbates their food consumption during the times of drought due to their dependence on rain-fed agriculture. The study investigated the effects of drought on household food consumption, using a case study of Okahauyulu and Eeshoke Villages in Engela Constituency of the Ohangwena Region. The study was guided by the following objectives: to investigate and compare the household food consumption patterns during drought and non-drought periods; to explore the challenges that households faced in coping with the food shortages in the past drought; and to examine the coping mechanisms/strategies employed in instances of food shortages during the drought periods. A mixed methods approach, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research methods was employed, which exposed the study to a rich data set. To meet the quantitative dimension, a total of 86 households were selected through stratified sampling and 14 participants purposefully sampled as key informants for the focus group discussion to meet qualitative objectives. The study exposed that during normal periods, households have adequate food to consume and they sell surplus food to cater for other household necessities. It is also emerged that, during trying times, households lack enough food and as such, they deviate from normal consumption patterns and resort to skipping meals. Moreover, the findings revealed that the main coping mechanisms employed included reducing the quantities of meals served, destocking livestock, seasonal migration by men to the ohambo (cattle post), salaried casual labour, basket weaving and extraction of Marula oil by females, reliance on the government drought relief food, and support from family, friends and community network ties. However, the study found that the coping strategies employed were not adequate to curtail the effects of drought on households’ food consumption in the study area. Thus, evidence suggests the need for the government to install water tanks at every household so as to harvest water during the rainy season, excavate earth dams which can be lined with trampolines, provision of diversified drought resistant seeds, conservation agriculture, and capacity building of households through subsided education.Item Implementation of social media policies: A case study of the ministry of information and communication technology and mobile telecommunications company(University of Namibia, 2022) Boois, Beaulah B.This study set out to assess social media usage by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) and Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC). The main objectives of this study were to assess MICT and MTC’s social media policies; to evaluate the implementation of MICT and MTC’s social media policies in the context of best practice as well as to measure users’ attitudes towards MICT and MTC’s social media policies. The study adopted the pragmatism worldview that involved a convergent mixed-method design: Social Media Policies’ document analysis and survey of Windhoek residents. The population for this study consisted of 322 000 residents of Windhoek City. The study adopted multistage cluster sampling to draw a sample size of 200 participants using the Krejcie and Morgan Table. Primary data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire and a codebook. The data were analysed using SPSS descriptive statistics feature and thematically analysed. The major findings were that MTC’s social media policy was found wanting from an implementation perspective by survey respondents who also indicated preference for the MICT policy in the same index. The document analysis of both MTC and MICT policies from the purpose of best practice uncovered loopholes in the policies that allow for bullying and the posting of inappropriate content. The major recommendations of this study include that a dedicated employee or department be assigned to officially communicate on behalf of the organizations and employees should understand both the professional and personal risks associated with social media management. Also, it is recommended that the organizations draft simplified policies that can be easily understood and implemented as well as review and regularly update policies in this fast-paced technological era.Item An explorative study of the role of child social grants in the livelihoods of recipients: A case study of Ondobe constituency, Ohangwena region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Valombola, Aune T.The main aim of this study was to explore the role that the Child Social Grant (CSG) plays in the livelihoods of recipients, using a case study of Ondobe Constituency, Ohangwena Region, Namibia. The Namibian government has taken concrete steps to address child poverty and social exclusion through child social grants. The Child Social Grant has proven to be successful as it has been able, according to a report by the Ministry of Gender Equality Child Welfare (MGECW) and the National Planning Commission (NPC) (2013), to play a vital role in reducing the burden of poverty by helping caregivers to provide for the children’s basic needs, and supporting household economic activities. The study sought to understand the role of the grant from the lived experiences of the recipients and to make some recommendations on the appropriate policy instruments and restructuring on how to improve the well-being of children in Namibia. A qualitative research method was used in the study. Face to face individual in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Interviews took place at participants’ households where they felt comfortable in their natural settings. The thematic data analysis method was used for data analysis. The findings of the study showed that, despite the small value of the grant, it was effective as it raised the livelihoods of recipients, as they explained that the grant made a difference in their lives and that they were able to access the basic needs for their children. The study further revealed that the majority of the participants experienced hardships in terms of employment and financial support. Despite good policies that have been put in place and the government’s efforts at reducing poverty, the backlog of service delivery continues to plague the government's ability to benefit the most vulnerable people in the society. ii Because, as successful as it may be, the Child Social Grant, as a social welfare strategy, seems inadequate. People are still living in poverty due to the lack of job opportunities. It is therefore, important for the country to focus resources on the less privileged and equipping them with skills for them to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.Item An assessment of the recordkeeping functionalities of the Namibian Court Information System (NAMCIS) at the Office of the Judiciary(University of Namibia, 2022) Nangula, Uahengo HileniThis study sought to assess the recordkeeping functionalities of the Namibian Court Information System (NAMCIS) to determine the efficiency and/or loopholes in the functions and the management of the system. The assessment was guided by the Modular Requirements for Records Systems, standard (MoReq2010) and the IRMT guidelines for integrating records management procedures into ICTs (Information Communication Technologies). The objectives of the study were to: evaluate the standards and procedures used to capture, store, retrieve, disseminate and retain records in NAMCIS; establish the benefits and challenges associated with NAMCIS; determine the knowledge and skills of the people who are responsible for managing the system, and; recommend ways in which NAMCIS can be optimised for the benefit of all users. The study adopted an interpretivism paradigm that aims at understanding individuals’ subjective experiences and their interpretations of the world around them. A qualitative research design was adopted, using a case study. The target population was the Khomas Region employee cohort of the Office of the Judiciary. Non probability purposive sampling was used to select four (4) IT personnel, six (6) chief legal clerks, fourteen (14) court clerks, seven (7) magistrates, and nine (9) prosecutors. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observations and document review. Descriptive narratives were used to analyse data through content analysis. The major findings from the study revealed that although NAMCIS had adequate security measures, it was outdated and it did not meet all the mandatory functional requirements of an electronic recordkeeping system due to the fact that, it was acquired as a transactional system. It was also discovered that, the implementation process was not guided by records management professionals or internationally recommended records management standards. This study therefore concludes that NAMCIS is outdated and ii incompatible with new software and hardware. The study recommends that: a retention and disposal schedule should be implemented to determine how long information must be retained on the system; a policy framework should be developed to enable the Office of the Judiciary to manage electronic records kept in NAMCIS according to recommended records management standards; end-users should be trained regularly; and the Office of the Judiciary should liaise with Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) (Department of EDRMS) and the National Archives of Namibia, on the improvement of the system’s technicalities. This research builds on the knowledge of electronic recordkeeping systems in general, and in particular, NAMCIS.Item The role of social capital in adaptation to drought: A case study of Osheedhiya village Omusati region Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Jonas, Martha NdilipuneRainfall variability and drought events have become increasingly common for the past five years in Namibia, this has a more significant impact on subsistence farmers living in the communal areas who highly depend on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Communal farmers are already experiencing other challenges such as land degradation, unproductive soils. Scarce water resources and poor land tenure systems and drought are an additional pressure on their livelihood. This research analyses the role that social capital plays in the adaptation to drought amongst farmers living in the communal areas of Namibia using the case study of Osheedhiya village in the Omusati Region. Social capital is used herein to refer to the flow of knowledge, connections, and group membership. The objectives of the study were: to identify strategies used to adapt to drought among the communal farmers; to analyse the impact of social capital; to identify the types of social capital and its level of importance in adaptation to drought. The study used the qualitative research methodology through which the data was collected using key informant interviews and semi-structured interview guides. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results reveal that social capital, such as social ties with family, neighbours, friends, and community members, the spirit of working together to achieve a common goal, and government intervention has enhanced the chances of farmers living in communal areas to adapt to drought. Farmers, who are retired civil servants, Traditional Authority members linked to associations such as farmers’ unions and producers’ associations as well as those who own farm machinery, such as tractors and vehicles, adapted to drought conditions better than other farmers.Item Researchers’ experiences on collaborative research: The case of the University of Namibia and Namibia Commission on Research, Science and Technology(University of Namibia, 2022) Sapwe, Joel C.The study explored the experiences of the academic researchers at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) on collaborative research projects. A total sample size of 15 researchers from UNAM and NCRST participated in this research project. Purposive sampling was applied in the selection of institutions and in the selection of key target participants. The study adopted qualitative methodology following a case study research design. Interviews were used to collect data, thematic analysis method was adopted, facilitated with Atlas.ti software to identify themes. The study adopted dependency theory and world-systems theory as guiding theoretical frameworks, in that both theories provide the understanding of researchers in the peripheral space(s) like the case of UNAM and NCRST where research funding, technological and scientific undertaking are relied on North partners. The results of this research on factors that influence the establishment of research collaborations showed that the most prominent factors lead to collaborative researches were need for funding, exchange of knowledge, strategic partnerships and projects that needed experts and experience in various fields of study. The results of the study further showed that external funders (mainly from the North) set the agenda. Agenda setting varies from one research project to another. The majority of participants revealed that they had good experience working in collaborative research projects and perceived it as expensive, involving, creates opportunities and capacity building for lecturers, platform for development and share knowledge, meaningful and rewarding, beneficial to the society and communities and also inform policy in the country. Challenges faced were classified as individual and institutional. These challenges included; misunderstandings, lack of fund, caliber of researchers, internal politics and bottlenecks, absence of policies to regulate how data sets and how data is owned and absence of national data base to curb scattered data in iii Namibia. Therefore, the study recommended among other things, that research collaboration be encouraged on equal partnership between North-South. Furthermore, government of Namibia to increase research funding allocation on the GDP from the current 1% for research to something higher. The study also recommends that collaborative research be on 50/50 research funding to give southern researchers impetus in agenda setting. Lastly, this study recommends that, NCRST should embark on upskilling information, communication and technology (ICT) to curb scattered data to achieve data ownership in Namibia.Item The implementation of gender mainstreaming in a correctional service facility: A case of Elizabeth Nepemba correctional facility in Kavango west region(University of Namibia, 2021) Naluno, MariaThis study primarily aimed at investigating the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service, specifically Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility in Kavango West Region. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to explore the progress made in the application of gender mainstreaming practices; to examine the progress made in the application of gender mainstreaming and to identify the challenges associated with the application of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service. The study employed a qualitative research design and a case study method. The population of the study consisted of development planners and correctional officers. The study sample was made up of 17 participants, 2 development planners from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, 13 correctional officers from Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility as well as 2 correctional officers from the Namibian Correctional Service Headquarters. Primary data was gathered using an interview guide through face-to-face interviews and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. This study found that, while the policy framework for gender mainstreaming is in place in the Conectional Service; the implementation is still lacking. In fact, gender mainstreaming is being considered an add-on function, and not part of the organization's primary functions. Thus, by making public managers only talk about gender mainstreaming and not being able to act towards its proper implementation, gender mainstreaming initiatives are not organization-driven. The study recommends that, leadership in the Namibian Correctional Service should refrain from addressing gender mainstreaming as an add-gender-and-stir approach, should instead acknowledge the role of both sexes as development, sound governance and democratization partners of all times. Gender inequality cannot be adequately addressed by viewing it based on improvements in women's work and representation, but rather when it is seen within the broader framework of sound social welfare, development, democracy, and governance. Therefore, the Namibian Correctional Service next Strategic Plan of Action need to be gender responsive and well in line with Namibia's international and national commitments towards realizing a zebra crossing of 50-50 gender equality across all economic, social and political settings.