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Item Resilience on the street: Lived experiences of car guards in Windhoek’s central business district(University of Namibia, 2025) Gawaseb, Dawid; Tjirera, EllisonThis study delves into the challenges and aspirations of car guards, a vulnerable community aiming to improve their overall well-being. The research, conducted through semi-structured interviews guided by qualitative methodology, offers profound explanations for the multifaceted struggles faced by car guards. The interview used a semistructured guide, which was meticulously designed to capture the rich and diverse experiences of car guards. In addition, photographs were used as a supplementary method to collect data, offering a visual context for their living and working conditions. The findings illuminate the complexities of car guards’ lives, highlighting issues such as limited health care access, inadequate housing, financial vulnerabilities, and occupational hazards. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the remarkable resilience, determination, and hope demonstrated by car guards as they navigate their precarious circumstances. This study recommends urgent policy reforms, including the revision of restrictive municipal bylaws, and emphasises the importance of addressing basic needs such as healthcare, clean water, and nutrition. Education and skills development programmes are advocated to enhance employability, coupled with financial support mechanisms and community engagement initiatives. Environmental safety training and psychosocial support services are essential. Empowering car guards to advocate for their rights and involving them in decision-making processes are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and supportive urban environment. By implementing these recommendations, society can recognise and nurture the resilience of car guards, thus fostering a compassionate and equitable society for all. This comprehensive approach, informed by qualitative research and visual data, contributes significantly to understanding the unique experiences of car guards and supports their journey towards a brighter futureItem Evaluating media self-regulation in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2025) Beukes, Johnathan; Akpabio, EnoThis study examines self-regulation in Namibia’s post-apartheid media landscape, focusing on its role in balancing the relationship between the media, newsmakers, sources, the public, and the government. It evaluates the successes and challenges of self-regulation under the Media Ombudsman, established in response to calls for media accountability. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants included complainants, news editors, media practitioners from public and private sectors, and former and current Media Ombudsman. Media leaders agree that self-regulation is essential to prevent government interference, which could undermine media freedom. Self-regulation has also contributed to the sustainability of the print media by mitigating costly legal disputes as the sector is facing declining advertising revenue. However, the study identifies significant challenges. The voluntary nature of self-regulation means media houses can opt in or out, creating accountability gaps. Even non-participating entities are subject to the Media Ombudsman’s oversight when complaints arise, often leading to stalemates and frustration. Financially, the system relies on membership contributions, but low participation limits revenue, hindering operational effectiveness. Additionally, the Media Ombudsman lacks a formal office, relying on goodwill and lacking structured governance, such as annual plans. Both current and former ombudsmen have legal rather than media backgrounds, which may affect their understanding of media-specific issues. Quantitative data also indicate dissatisfaction among some complainants regarding complaint handling. The study concludes that while most media leaders support self-regulation over government intervention, its voluntary nature poses risks. Early successes in dispute resolution are noteworthy, but challenges like non-participation and financial instability threaten its sustainability. The study recommends upholding self-regulation, designing accountability mechanisms for non-participating media houses, and securing government funding to ensure the Media Ombudsman’s operational independence. Without these measures, the media space risks government intervention, potentially undermining media freedom and a plurality of voicesItem The use of social media to enhance public engagement with Namibian parliamentarians(University of Namibia, 2021) Mate, Pamela; Nengomasha, CatherineThis thesis aimed to determine the extent to which social media can enhance public engagement between Members of Parliament and the public in Namibia. The purpose of the study was to determine how social media could be a vehicle or platform for Members of Parliament (MPs) to communicate matters of the legislature to the public, and how the public would use social media to communicate and interact with MPs. The study is founded on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and, therefore, explored social media use at Parliament based on the five elements of innovation, namely relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability. A quantitative research approach was employed by way of survey research design, using a survey questionnaire to collect data. All 146 MPs and people in the Windhoek city centre at the time of the research formed the population. Several sampling methods were used - simple random sampling method for MPs and a combination of purposive, stratified and convenience sampling for members of the public. Purposive sampling was used to produce a representative sample of the Namibian public. Stratified sampling was used to ensure that there was equal representation of male and female while convenience sampling was used to ensure that all respondents were eighteen years and above and Namibian citizens. SPSS software was used to come up with descriptive and inferential statistics. The study’s key findings revealed on the information component, social media had relative advantage over traditional media while on predictability, structure and format, traditional media trumped social media. The study further found that social media use for engagement included a relatively small number of people separate from those already politically involved. The study concludes that social media has still not attained dominance and preference over traditional media as an engagement tool for MPs and the public. Additionally, the main barriers to social media use are the absence of a policy or framework, unaffordable data, skills training and general lack of interest in the work of Parliament. In addition, it was found that social media for engagement was perceived as ii complex, suggesting that social media use would be met with difficulty. The study, therefore, recommends the formulation of a social media use policy for MPs and social media training to encourage use. Furthermore, social media use for public engagement is still a new phenomenon in Namibia, hence, there is a need for a Namibian study on the effectiveness of social media in reaching the marginalised and disengagedItem Workers’ experiences of COVID-19 challenges: A case study of Safari Court Hotel’s retrenched employees, Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2025) Tuvadimbwa, Mirjam Puye-Ipawa N; Nhemachena, ArtwellThe repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt not just as a worldwide health issue, but also in Namibia's economy and employment rates. Various industries suffered economically as a result of lockdown measures put in place to slow the spread of the virus. The Namibian hospitality industry was one of the most impacted since it relies heavily on foreign tourists; as a result, many workers in the hotel industry were laid off or had their salary reduced. The study aimed to investigate and analyse the issues faced by workers retrenched from the Safari Court hotel as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as how their livelihoods altered as a result. Data was acquired through semi-structured interviews with twenty individuals (15 retrenched workers and 5 relatives/friends of the retrenched workers) using the qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Based on the findings of the survey, all workers had difficulties as a result of retrenchment. Financial issues, health (including mental health), and employment challenges were among the most significant challenges faced by workers. Finally, the study recommends that the government and many companies should build effective pandemic preparation strategies for the futureItem Reading material culture to construct a history of trade and self-governance between Oukwanyama and its neighbours in the nineteenth century (1801 – 1900)(University of Namibia, 2025) Ilunga, Ndapewoshali Ndahafa; Gwasira, GoodmanFor the Oukwanyama and other Kingdoms, the Berlin Conference (1884-1885) resulted in restricted trade and movement within Kingdoms which were divided into different colonial territories. This research attempted to identify and document the items most traded between the Ovakwanyama and their neighbours and how trade patterns changed during the nineteenth century; to evaluate and document how some materials and cultural objects were valued as status symbols and whether this was due to the skills needed for their manufacture, the rarity of the materials used or the ritual significance of the material culture, to investigate and document the sources of the items traded and finally, to establish and document the trade routes and the evolution thereof. The examination of material culture sought to provide evidence of regular interaction and trade between the communities. The research, which was framed by the theories of Afrocentrism, Postcolonial Theory and Decoloniality, was carried out using the qualitative research method while combining various research instruments which included an analysis of archival documents, semi-structured interviews and the examination of cultural objects. Although it is common to study trade patterns and movements of tangible materials, which this research found to be amongst others, copper, beads, shells and even people, this research also examined the trade of intangible assets such as ideas, knowledge, and processes such as smithing and jewellery-making. Finally, the prevalent trade items were contingent on the specific period within the nineteenth century, colonial borders, regulations, and accessibility, which influenced aspects such as the demands of the community, the nature of items or concepts being traded, and the trade routes themselvesItem The relationship between preferred learning styles and performance in mathematics of grade five learners in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2021) Viljoen, Catherina Beatrice; Mostert, MLThis study examined the relationship between different learning styles and the performance in Mathematics of Grade 5 learners in Windhoek, Namibia. Moreover, the study investigated gender diffe rences regarding both learning styles and performance in Mathematics. An ex-post facto comparative, as well as a corre lationa l research design, were utilised. Two learning style instruments, a learning style questionna ire and a sensory wiring exerc ise, were employed to determine the preferred visua l, auditory and/or kinaesthetic (V AK) learning styl e of the learners. The relationship between the learning style research instruments was investigated to determine whether the instruments measured the same preferred learning style. Descriptive and inferentia l statistics, particularly independent sample t-tests, Pearson's corre lation coeffi c ient and a chi-sq uare test for independent samples were employed to ana lyse the data. Since there was a statistica ll y significant difference in some areas on the learning style questionna ire, the alternative hypothesis with regards to diffe rences in performance in Mathematics among learning styles as measured by the learning style questionnaire can be partia lly accepted. The results of the sensory wiring exercise, on the other hand, indicate that there was no diffe rence in performance in Mathematics and preferred learning styles of Grade 5 learners in Windhoek. For the sensory wiring exercise, the null hypothesis can be accepted. Furthermore, results indi cated no statistically significant difference in either gender or Mathematics and learn ing styles of the sampled group. Results also indi cate no correlation between the two learning style instruments. Research de igns other than tho e employ d in this study may offer different results in future research studies regarding preferred learning styles and perfo rmance in MathematicsItem 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.