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Item An investigation of the contributions made by civilians during Namibia’s liberation: A case study of selected war narratives from Oshitudha in Omusati region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2025) Iiyambo, Gabriel Iithembu; Shigwedha, VilhoCivilians from the Oshitudha village, in Omusati region, made immense contributions during the war for Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa’s rule of Namibia. The objectives of this study were to examine the role played by selected civilians in Oshitudha village by supporting members of the Peoples Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), who fought against apartheid South African forces in Namibia. A number of Oshitudha residents who witnessed the effect of war on Oshitudha civilians were interviewed. Their collective testimonies disclosed an amicable social and political interaction between the local population and PLAN combatants. Interviewees’ accounts also collaborated the mainstream local narratives regarding numerous atrocities that PLAN collaborators incurred in the hands of the South African Security Forces (SASF) in Namibia. The findings of the study established that many Oshitudha civilians supported PLAN combatants with food, water, civilian clothes, transport, medicine, shelter, and intelligence information about the SASF. The study also revealed that exile-bound civilians who, in most cases, came from western Owamboland were regularly accommodated by residents of Oshitudha village for weeks as they awaited the arrival of PLAN combatants to escort them to Angola. In efforts to stop civilians support for PLAN, the SASF unleashed terror on Oshitudha civilians, which resulted in loss of lives, disappearance, permanent injuries, and loss of properties. Nevertheless, the presence of PLAN combatants who were from Oshitudha solidified the support of Oshitudha civilians, who treated them as one would treat his or her biological children. The study concludes that the assistance that Oshitudha civilians gave PLAN combatants was vital for the continuation of the Namibian armed liberation struggle. Lastly, it recommends further areas of research, ii such as the official recognition of civilians who contributed immensely to the Namibian armed liberation struggle, as war veteransItem The culpability of men in gender-based violence and their role in its alleviation: The case of Oshakati town, Oshana region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2025) Iipinge, Irya K.T.; Omomowo, Kolawole E.Gender-based violence remains highly prevalent in Namibia, with high incidences reflected in the national crime statistics. This study investigated the moral culpability of men in gender-based violence and their role in its alleviation in Oshakati, Oshana region, Namibia. A case study research design was utilised, based on a qualitative research approach. Twenty-three participants were purposively selected for the study, and one-on-one semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. The collected data were thematically analysed. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis, namely, effects of GBV, moral culpability of men in GBV and mitigating GBV. The study concluded that the general population understands GBV, the types of GBV and its effects. Women, younger women in particular, are more vulnerable to GBV. GBV is propelled by the assertion of male dominion, which could be informed by cultural practices that promote a gender hierarchy. Although, women report GBV cases to the authorities, there are instances of coercion from both their family and their partners’ family for the cases to be dropped. Moreover, men are more likely to commit GBV due to alcohol and drugs abuse. While men are culpable in the perpetration of GBV, there are indications that they can also contribute to its mitigation through education and enrolment in support groupsItem The use of social media by presidential candidates during Namibia’s 2019 election campaigns in Windhoek(University of Namibia, 2025) Iikuyu, Agnes S.; Kalusopa, TrywellSocial media has emerged as one of the most effective communication platforms for attracting voters during electoral campaigns. The study aimed to assess how social media was used during Namibia’s 2019 Presidential election campaigns by the top three political parties: the Southwest Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party and the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) party. The study was based on a pragmatic approach and utilised an explanatory convergent parallel mixed-method research design. The study sample consisted of 385 respondents from Windhoek, three (3) Party Coordinators from the top three political parties (SWAPO, IPC and PDM) and three (3) social media platforms, namely, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, respectively. Data was collected through online questionnaires, structured interviews, and a content analysis scheme. Descriptive statistics were used to describe frequencies with data presentation in graphs and charts, while qualitative data were thematically categorised and presented narratively. The quantitative and qualitative data sets were compared, contrasted, and integrated to produce a single interpretation, thereby drawing appropriate conclusions. The study established that previous literature indicated that Facebook and WhatsApp were the most used social media platforms in Namibia, whereas this study showed that in Namibia, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are the most used social media platforms with Telegram and YouTube being the least used platforms. The study also found poor social media engagement between Windhoek residents and political candidates during Namibia’s 2019 presidential election campaigns. The study recommended that political parties make more use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to communicate and engage with voters and share more political content to entice votersItem Exploring survival strategies of female-headed households in Kaniita informal settlement, Omuthiya (Namibia)(University of Namibia, 2025) Amunyela, Loide; Tjirera, EllisonNamibia’s economy fell into recession in 2016 and has since struggled to recover. The economic crisis of 2017- 2018 turned into a developed depression as the country was confronted with a fiscal liquidity crisis. This was worsened by the massive drought, which had disastrous consequences for the local economy. The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on Namibia’s economy and worsened preexisting structural challenges. Female-Headed Households have now become highly prevalent across the world. Research in low-income urban populations has identified female household heads as more vulnerable and less secure. This study explores the livelihood situation and survival strategies of female headed households in Kaniita, an informal settlement in Omuthiya. This research adopted the Department for International Development (DFID) sustainable livelihood approach framework. The study revealed that since Female Headed Households have low level of educational attainment and employment access, most of them fall into low-income groups, making their livelihoods insecure. A qualitative case study design was employed to gather evidence from primary and secondary sources. The main objective of this study was to identify the challenges faced by female-headed households in a distressed economy in Kaniita informal settlement. Moreover, the study aimed to examine the survival strategies deployed by female-headed households in a distressed economy in Kaniita informal settlement and to identify and suggest support systems that could be put in place to assist female heads of households in a distressed economy. From the findings, it was discovered that the challenges faced by female-headed households in a distressed economy are lack of capital, lack of land, rural-urban migration, business going slow and availability of water and sanitation. It was also found that the survival strategies deployed by female-headed households were working, being street vendors, selling different products, social grants and worshipping. From the study, it was recommended that the government should give loans to women at a lower interest rate so that they can be able to fund their businesses, free training should be provided to women on how to run a business and manage their finances properlyItem 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, Maria; Nghitevelekwa, RomieThis 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 Correctional Service; the implementation is still lacking. In fact, gender mainstrean1ing 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 mainstrearning 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 settingsItem Conservation of endangered species in Namibia: An investigation of factors contributing to the poaching of rhinos in the Etosha National Park(University of Namibia, 2025) Moongela, Ephraim Auhamba; Shaanika, TheophiliaRhino poaching remains a critical conservation and security challenge in Southern Africa, threatening the survival of rhino populations and undermining conservation efforts. While extensive research has been conducted on wildlife poaching at the global and regional levels, there is a significant gap in understanding the specific socio economic, legal, and governance-related factors contributing to rhino poaching in the Etosha National Park (ENP), Namibia. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the key drivers of rhino poaching, assessing the weaknesses in existing conservation measures, and proposing effective policy recommendations to mitigate the crisis. The study was underpinned by Routine Activity Theory to explain the motivations behind poaching and Environmental Governance Theory to frame the effectiveness of conservation policies and law enforcement strategies. A qualitative research strategy was employed, focusing on in-depth thematic analysis. The study population comprised employees under the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) within the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) as well as business and middle-aged individuals residing within a 150 km radius of ENP. Non probability and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify key informants, resulting in 18 in-depth interviews from an initial target of 20 respondents. The findings reveal that economic desperation, high black-market prices for rhino horns, corruption and bribing within law enforcement agencies, and the exploitation by criminal syndicates are the primary factors driving poaching in ENP. Additionally, weak law enforcement and legal loopholes enable persistent poaching, as inconsistent penalties fail to deter offenders. The study further identified a lack of comprehensive intelligence-sharing mechanisms among regional and international stakeholders, which exacerbates the challenge of controlling the illicit wildlife trade. To mitigate rhino poaching, the study recommends strengthening legislative frameworks to impose harsher penalties, enhancing community-based conservation programs to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods, and integrating advanced technology, including drones, real-time GPS tracking, and CCTV surveillance, into anti-poaching strategies. Furthermore, fostering international cooperation and intelligence-sharing can play a crucial role in disrupting the supply chain of illicit wildlife products. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by bridging the gap in localized research on rhino poaching in Namibia, offering a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates criminology, conservation science, and policy analysisItem An investigation into women’s economic empowerment in the blue economy: A case study of Omankete seafood processors in Walvis Bay, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2025) Fololindo, Tjova Raulinda; Nhemachena, ArtwellNamibia's fishing industry is the third largest contributor to gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for approximately 20% of export earnings. Despite such stellar numbers, women are still not sufficiently empowered to gain economic opportunities in this industry due to a lack of knowledge and technical know-how and it being a male-dominated sector, hence the gender disparities. This study explored the opportunities and barriers to women’s economic empowerment in the fishing industry, including how their economic empowerment is perceived by women employed by Omankete Seafood Processors Pty (Ltd). The study contributes to the policy changes in the fishing industry. The study was informed by the Women Empowerment Framework (WEF), which aims to move towards gender equity and gender equality. Moreover, the framework takes into consideration the four dimensions of women’s empowerment, which are: women to access resources, exercise self-awareness, mobilize their rights, and control their environment. The study made use of the qualitative research methodology employing the case study approach. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, with a total of 28 participants (4 key informants and 24 female factory workers) through purposive sampling. The data was subjected to thematic analysis, from which it was determined that women do derive opportunities and benefits from the fishing industry in the form of monetary compensation and access to pension funds. Moreover, the study found that women are hindered from actively participating in the industry due to certain job opportunities only being available to men. Future studies will benefit from interviewing more fishing companies and employees employed in auxiliary services. This research aimed to examine opportunities for women’s economic empowerment in the Namibian fishing industry and explore constraints to women’s economic empowerment in the fishing industry. The research study further explored perceptions of the empowerment of women in the fishing industryItem An assessment of the socio-economic impacts of communities’ relocations: A case of the Nkurenkuru peri-urban area, Kavango west region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2025) Sinalumbu, Annastasia I; Bruno, VendittoAt a global level, the neglect of rural farming communities, spurred by insufficient support and accelerated by urban expansion and land reform policies, has led to a surge in significant community relocations. This phenomenon, trigger profound socioeconomic impacts that disrupt communities' access to essential resources, education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. Amid this backdrop, the study critically investigates the socioeconomic effects of relocation, particularly focusing induced urban expansion on peri-urban communities in Nkurenkuru, Namibia. The study used a qualitative research design, and face-to-face interviews were carried out with 16 respondents who have experienced relocation in the area, and four key informants from the constituency. This provided a well-rounded perspective on the effects of relocation on households and the decision-making and implementation processes surrounding it. The Livelihoods Framework theory was used to interpret the findings, whereas thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and generate themes from the qualitative data, thus aiding in the explanation of the study's findings. The findings revealed that before relocation, the respective community members were involved in a lot of socio-economic activities for their livelihoods on the land such as crop and livestock farming. However, the relocation led to worsened living conditions and reduced access to vital services, with a significant drop in household income, financial stability, and food security being experienced. Based on these findings, the study advises future urban planning decisions to consider the potential socio-economic repercussions of relocation by underscoring the importance of including communities and stakeholders in the process. Recommendations are given for improved community engagement, wider access to essential services, and inclusive stakeholder communication to ensure the welfare of the affected communities. This study substantially adds to the understanding of peri-urban relocation issues shedding light on the specific challenges faced by these communities, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted dynamics of community relocations worldwide. The study highlights a clear need for governments to recognise and address the numerous negative effects associated with displacement, ranging from diminished living conditions to a lack of access to essential servicesItem Evaluating the Government of Namibia social media use policy and implementation plan(University of Namibia, 2021) Nakanduungile, Ester; Akpabio, EnoThe Social Media Use Policy (SMUP) ofNamibia and the Implementation Plan was developed for implementation in 2016 by ministries, offices, and agencies, local as well as regional authorities to assist the Namibian government to utilise social media as an aid to effective citizens' engagement as well as to guide the manner in which social media is to be used. The aim of this study was to assess the SMUP and the implementation plan by determining whether each government entity does recognize and implement the social media use policy, identifying the main types of social media platforms established and used by government agencies, examining the level of adherence to guidelines in the use of social media by government communicators and evaluating whether the selected social media strategies reflect minimum standard components as established by the SMUP. To collect and analyze relevant data, a mixed-methods research approach was adopted that involved interviews with government public relations practitioners, survey of social media users in Namibia as well as document analysis of government departments' social media reports and sites. The main findings of the study were conclusive of the fact that despite various types of social media prescribed by the SMUP, Facebook was mainly utilised by government institutions. In addition, the level of influence and engagement with citizens via social media was found to be below expected levels in relation to the number of social media users in the country. This findings point to the fact that government institutions are not entirely adhering to the SMUP guidance. While the present study was a broad national overview, it should be replicated regionally to help identify weaknesses and track progress towards speeding up the effectiveness of social media in service delivery to the citizenryItem Evaluating the Government of Namibia social media use policy and implementation plan(University of Namibia, 2021) Nakanduungile, Ester; Akpabio, EnoThe Social Media Use Policy (SMUP) ofNamibia and the Implementation Plan was developed for implementation in 2016 by ministries, offices, and agencies, local as well as regional authorities to assist the Namibian government to utilise social media as an aid to effective citizens' engagement as well as to guide the manner in which social media is to be used. The aim of this study was to assess the SMUP and the implementation plan by determining whether each government entity does recognize and implement the social media use policy, identifying the main types of social media platforms established and used by government agencies, examining the level of adherence to guidelines in the use of social media by government communicators and evaluating whether the selected social media strategies reflect minimum standard components as established by the SMUP. To collect and analyze relevant data, a mixed-methods research approach was adopted that involved interviews with government public relations practitioners, survey of social media users in Namibia as well as document analysis of government departments' social media reports and sites. The main findings of the study were conclusive of the fact that despite various types of social media prescribed by the SMUP, Facebook was mainly utilised by government institutions. In addition, the level of influence and engagement with citizens via social media was found to be below expected levels in relation to the number of social media users in the country. This findings point to the fact that government institutions are not entirely adhering to the SMUP guidance. While the present study was a broad national overview, it should be replicated regionally to help identify weaknesses and track progress towards speeding up the effectiveness of social media in service delivery to the citizenryItem 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, Maria; Nghitevelekwa, RomieThis 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 Correctional Service; the implementation is still lacking. In fact, gender mainstrean1ing 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 mainstrearning 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 settingsItem A comparative study of the male and female discourses on adolescent pregnancy, sexuality and fertility in Groot Aub, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2020) April, Jermine Letitia; Edwards-Jauch LucyThis study offered unique insights into the gendered discourses and power relations that create sexual double standards between male and female adolescents. It focused on the mapping of male and female discourses on adolescent pregnancy, sexuality and fertility in Groot Aub, Namibia. The study used critical discourse analysis to compare the cultural values, norms, practices, and perceptions about adolescent sexuality, pregnancy and fertility between men and women. With the use of stratified purposive sampling technique, 41 participants were interviewed using semi-structured and key informant interviews. The findings showed the sexual double standards that were reinforced by patriarchal, traditional and religious discourses. Female sexuality was mostly shamed and it was blamed for teenage pregnancy. These discourses pathologised pregnant teenagers and constructed girls as being sexually promiscuous and damaged. In return, boys who impregnated girls were described as "the guy" or "the man", who acts out of his "natural desires" and who are easily bribed by older women into early sexual debuts. Thus, the lack of male responsibility for their sexuality and fertility was normalised. These discourses inform traditional practices which exasperate gender sexual inequalities and power imbalances between men and women. Furthermore, conservative traditional, cultural and religious discourses dominated adolescent fertility discourses in Groot Aub. These fertility discourses were found to be embedded in gender stereotypes and myths, hence, fostering cultural silence on male sexuality and fertility. The researcher recommends an all-inclusive approach that targets both adolescent girls and boys, as well as women and men in the community on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and teenage pregnancies to mitigate stigma, myths and stereotypes that are attached to adolescent SRH, and to transcend patriarchal and derogative cultural sexuality discoursesItem Livelihood challenges amongst the !Xun San in the Okongo community forest and conservancy(University of Namibia, 2025) Iyambo, Erasmus; Tawodzera, G.The !Xun San are one of the most marginalised people in the Okongo Community Forest and Conservancy. Traditionally, their economic system largely centred on hunting and gathering. The arrival of the bantu-speaking people in the San’s traditional hunting grounds, however, changed their economic system and livelihoods as the newcomers were primarily agro-pastoralists. For survival, the San were compelled to adopt a new economic system based on farming and trading – economic activities which they were not familiar with. The disruption of the San’s economic systems negatively impacted on their livelihoods, driving most of them into poverty and destitution. How the !Xun San have been affected, the challenges they face and their survival strategies have not been adequately researched. Thus, this study sought to assess the livelihood challenges amongst the !Xun San in the Okongo Community Forest and Conservancy, Ohangwena region. The study adopted a qualitative approach consisting of face-face in-depth interviews carried out with !Xun San households and other key-informants in the area. The study findings indicated that the majority of the !Xun San in the conservancy were experiencing acute levels of poverty, suffered high levels of unemployment and lived in deplorable housing conditions. Their poverty emanated from the fact that most did not own land and therefore could not productively produce for themselves. In addition, the majority did not possess productive assets to enhance their livelihoods. Those that could access land had no skills nor financial capacity to participate fully in farming or other economic activities such as trading. Being highly marginalised and vulnerable to poverty, the !Xun San in the conservancy were resorting to participating in piecework, being engaged by the Owambo to do various chores in return for money. This was, however, not yielding much returns economically. A few others were engaging in brewing traditional beer to supplement their income. Overall, the majority of the !Xun San were facing multiple material deprivations. The study concluded that the material and socio-economic conditions of the San were, in comparison to other population groups, precarious and require urgent attention. The study recommends that government and non-governmental organizations take a pro-active approach and put in place programmes to address the economic and material challenges faced by the !Xun San.Item Assessing savanna shrub roots deployment using radiogenic strontium isotopes in the North-Eastern Kalahari, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2024) Iipinge, Helalia N.; Nakanyala, J.The belowground interaction between trees and grasses in the savanna biome and mechanisms of moisture and nutrient uptake are poorly understood due to methodological challenges. To fill this gap, this study tested the robustness of the radiogenic strontium isotope method to study plant roots. The study was carried out at a landscape level, in Northeastern, Namibia. Plant leaves of four randomly selected shrubs and their 16 nearest neighborhood shrubs were collected within a 20 m x 20 m plot for isotopic analysis. This was done to assess the method’s performance. The study characterised the belowground structure and roots deployment of 17 of the 20 shrubs, sampled for isotopic analysis. It also assessed soil isotope, soil physicochemical properties, and the distribution of root biomass and density. Soil isotopes and soil physicochemical properties were analysed in the laboratory from 50 samples taken from five soil cores (10 cm interval, down to 1 m depth). A total of 450 soil samples were taken from 45 soil cores, spaced 2.5 m in 5 transects to determine root density and biomass. Data analysis was done in R.4.2.1. Results showed a relatively poor soil nutrient at the study site, but a high concentration of nutrients was recorded in the first 50 cm soil profile, where 75% of the root biomass is invested. Comparable strontium ratios were recorded along the soil profile, which did not vary significantly with soil depth (p = 0.44). Results indicated that plants’ isotopic ratios are neither attributed to rooting depths, nor to plant species. This study concluded that the isotope method lacks precision to establish shrubs’ rooting depths for ecological studies. However, an overlap between sampled plants and soils’ Sr ratios was recorded at the site, which makes the results precise for studies with interest in geographical variations of isotopes such as archaeology.Item A study on the historical and contemporary significance of Omwele Gwoshipika among Aawambo communities(University of Namibia, 2024) Hangula, Ndamian N.; Akawa-Shikufa, MarthaOmwele Gwoshipika is (or was) one of the celebrated objects of Aawambo material culture of the 19th to 20th century, and an object of historical status in the social and political structure of Aawambo communities. Omwele Gwoshipika excelled as a tool for the king to exercise political and social authorities in Aawambo subjects. The aftermath of Germany's colonial administration over Namibia from 1884 to 1915 has resulted in some of the Aawambo material culture being taken away to Germany. Omwele Gwoshipika was among the items taken away from the source communities to Germany in 1909 and kept in the Berlin Ethnographic Museum. The removal of Omwele Gwoshipika by the Germans as an instrument of authority in the royal delegation of power left a void in hierarchical representation of the king in the Aawambo kingdoms. This study attempts to establish the significance of Omwele Gwoshipika among the Aawambo communities, their views on its restitution to Namibia and it is design structure. The data of the study were collected using a qualitative research method, which incorporated focus group and semi-structured interview with groups and individual participants. The study found out that Omwele Gwoshipika has a very great historical significance in the world of kings1 . There is mixed feelings among Aawambo regarding the contemporary importance of Omwele Gwoshipika. The study established the excitement and joy among the Aawambo regarding the restitution of Omwele Gwoshipika and that the ancient design of Omwele Gwoshipika can be reinstated. Moreover, the study established mixed feeling whereby some Aawambo communities felt that the restitution of Omwele Gwoshipika is not valuable because the traditional and spiritual ways that used to keep Omwele Gwoshipika have been compromised. The study concluded that for Omwele Gwoshipika to be successfully re- integrated in use in Aawambo community with its original cultural characters, there are certain behavioural changes that Aawambo youth need to favour such as discipline, orderliness and adhering to the accepted standards of Aawambo cultural behavioural norms for the re-integration of Omwele Gwoshipika to be installed successfully among Aawambo communities’.Item Contribution of civilians towards the liberation struggle in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions, Namibia, 1966 - 1989.(University of Namibia, 2024) Tilenge, Cornelia Panduleinge; Gwasira, GoodmanThe main purpose of the research was to look at how civilians contributed to the liberation struggle of Namibia in the Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions from 1966 to 1989. This qualitative study delves into the intricate dynamics of civilian experiences during Namibia's liberation struggle in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions from 1966 to 1989. Utilizing structured interviews with 21 purposively and snowball- sampled participants, the research unveils multifaceted civilian contributions, notably the crucial sustenance provided to the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) guerrillas. Despite facing challenges like curfews and violence-related laws, civilians exhibited resilience and adaptability, underscoring their unwavering commitment to the liberation cause. Challenges encompassed heightened insecurity, shortages, legal restrictions, and communication difficulties, revealing the complex realities faced by civilians. The factors influencing civilian participation varied, including spirituality, historical violence, conflicting theories of violence, material landscapes, constrained liberation agendas, and economic considerations. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of civilian agency in liberation movements, emphasizing the nuanced and complex dynamics shaping historical narratives. Four keywords: Namibia, Liberation Struggle, Civilian Contributions, Motivations. The study recommended the engagement of individuals actively involved in the liberation struggle to provide richer insights into personal experiences, motivations, and challenges. These narratives can complement existing literature and deepen the study. The study suggests expanding the exploration of the liberation struggle by incorporating diverse perspectives from various ethnic, gender, and age groups. This inclusive approach is essential for fostering a more representative understanding of the varied experiences of civilians. Additionally, the research recommends further delving into archival materials, official documents, and records from the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. This additional investigative effort aims to gain valuable insights into specific actions, policies, and events that transpired during the liberation struggle, enhancing the overall depth and comprehensiveness of the historical analysis.Item An assessment of the use of social media as a corporate communication tool by the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)(University of Namibia, 2021) Penna, Master M.; Mwilima, Fred J.The study assesses the use of social media as a corporate communication tool by the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). The main objectives of this study were to assess the social media platforms used by NBC as communication tools to engage with their audience. The study examined the extent to which NBC has adopted these social media platforms. Another objective was to determine how these social media platforms were being used by the Corporation. The study further appraised the quality and effectiveness of engagement with the audience by NBC through these media platforms. The study applied a mixed method approach in collecting data with a key informant interview being conducted with the executive and senior management of the NBC. Participants in the study comprised of five (5) Executive managers who were decision-makers and twelve (12) senior managers whom the researcher believed to be implementers of the executive decisions. The study established that all respondents who took part in the study had active social media accounts thus had the knowledge of social media and how it operates. The findings of the study indicated that the NBC subscribes to social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. It was further established in the study that NBC engaged its audience and stakeholders using these platforms with the purpose of communicating news and informing the public of upcoming programmes. Institutions such as the NBC are advised to initiate and enhance dialogue with their stakeholders on social media, create interesting and engaging contentItem An assessment of the perceptions of residents on the governance of relocations in Okalongo settlement in Northern Namibia(University of Namibia, 2024) Kapenambili, JohannaThe main aim of the study was to determine the different roles performed by those involved in the relocations carried out in the Okalongo Settlement. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the level of their involvement in the process and examine their expectations for the new arrangements. The researchers successfully collected and analyzed data by using a combination of methodologies. The study asked specific questions about the contributions made by stakeholders to the relocations and aimed to understand the various ways in which stakeholders participated in the relocation process within the Okalongo Settlement. Lastly, it sought to examine how well different stakeholders followed the established relocation procedures in Okalongo. A mixed-method approach was used to collect and analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that while some stakeholders fulfilled their assigned roles in the relocations, others did not fulfill their responsibilities adequately. Additionally, although a majority of stakeholders actively participated in the relocation process, some residents expressed dissatisfaction. The study also revealed that 62.5% of participants believed that stakeholders had adhered to the relocation procedures, while 53.5% agreed that stakeholders had followed these procedures. However, a significant percentage of 78.39% remained neutral about the adherence of stakeholders to the relocation procedures. Furthermore, a substantial 83.0% of respondents disagreed that communication with stakeholders was effectiveItem Print media information access and usage in Okalongo and Ongenga settlements in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Martin, SimeonThis study examined the accessibility and usage of print media information by rural communities in Okalongo and Ongenga settlements, located in northern Namibia. The research objectives were to evaluate how accessible print media information is, identify the channels through which communities access print media information, explore how communities use the information obtained, and investigate the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing print media information. To achieve the objectives, the study used mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 254 participants from the two settlements, with a 95% response rate. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview guides for chief region officers, government officials and headmen. The findings showed that rural communities in Okalongo and Ongenga relied heavily on print media information, with newspapers, posters, books, leaflets and notes on notice boards being the most commonly used platforms. The study also identified government offices, shops, families and friends as the most accessed avenues for print media information. The challenges faced by rural communities in accessing print media information included inaccessibility, late delivery, unaffordability and language barriers. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government of Namibia should improve its role in facilitating access to information to ensure that rural communities receive accurate and timely information. Future studies should expand the scope to cover all media platforms and larger populationsItem Frederick b. Philander: An exploration of his contribution to Namibian theatre (1979-2021)(University of Namibia, 2024) Nehemia, MelgisedekThe purpose of this study was to explore Frederick B. Philander's contribution to Namibian theatre from 1979 to 2021. The study was intended to fill a gap in Namibian theatre history. In-depth interviews were done with Frederick B. Philander and theatre practitioners familiar with Frederick B. Philander's theatre practices. This study utilised archival information and written documentation of his work. The outcomes of the study indicated that Frederick B. Philander made important contributions to Namibian theatre over the aforementioned years. Philander's contribution includes a legacy that continues on in the current generation of theatre practitioners to whom he provided acting and staging opportunities. Philander has made significant contributions to the promotion of theatre outside of Namibia's borders. Philander is a theatre practitioner who has written and performed various plays that have been published. Philander established several theatre groups such as Windhoek Theatre Association, Windhoek Players, Serpent Players and CAN, and also chaired Assitej-Namibia. Philander was the first ‘black’ Namibian playwright to have published his plays. He also broke the pillars of apartheid when he staged the first ‘non-white’ play in an ‘all-white’ theatre. He further staged a controversial play The Beauty Contest, in which Philander and co- star appeared naked on stage. The research further found the need to document the work of theatre practitioners who have been active in the Namibian theatre, such as Vickson Hangula, Laurinda Olivier- Sampson, Sandy Rudd, Senga Brockerhoff, and Tanya Terblanche and others. These practitioners have been active in Namibian theatre over the years by writing plays and staging productions. Therefore, they deserve to be documented. It should be noted that theatre is still ongoing in Namibia at the time of this research, therefore it needs to be documented constantly