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Item The domestic military deployment of the Namibian Defence Force: 1990-2019(University of Namibia, 2024) Showa, Veronika Nangula; Achu, Check NicasiusThe research focused on the analysis of the military domestic deployment in Namibia from 1990-2019. The study harnessed insights from the national security approach to ground the research. The study objectives were to investigate the nature of the deployment of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) in internal security operations in Namibia, to assess the challenges of deployment of the military in internal security operations in Namibia and to enhance the strategic efficacy of the NDF in their deployment in internal security operations in Namibia. The researcher used a qualitative approach that was exploratory by design. Moreover, thirty (30) participants were sampled for this study. Data was analysed through the thematic approach method. Research findings show that the nature of the deployment of the NDF in internal security operations in Namibia is characterised by dealing with National Security Threats, Joint Crime Prevention Operations and Response to National Disasters. Findings also showed that the challenges of domestic deployment of the NDF for maintaining and preserving internal security operations in Namibia include but are not limited to the lack of training, lack of proper orientation, lack of equipment, lack of clear strategies and tactics as well as limited budgets. Based on the findings, it is suggesting measures that emergency budgets, provision of training and civil operations orientation and provision of equipment be implementedItem An investigation into illicit drug trafficking and its Implications for national security: A case study of Khomas Region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2024) Hango, Metumo Nangula Olye; Mushelenga, PeyaThe present study investigated drug trafficking and its implication for national security, using Khomas Region as a case study. Illicit drug trafficking is one of the variables that offer a bigger threat to a country's national security since it has evolved into an international problem that threatens international peace and security. In recent years, the smuggling of illegal narcotics has increased in Namibia. According to Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga, Namibia is in serious jeopardy due to the alarming increase in drug trafficking, (De Klerk, 2018, p.6). Statistics from Namibian Police’s Drug Law Enforcement Division show that between 2017 and 2020, 7151 persons were detained in Namibia for drug-related crimes (Namibian Police, 2020). In addition, according to a declaration made by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, for the Commission on Narcotic Substances’ 64th Session, Namibia seized 843,892 kg of cannabis; 4,930 tablets of Mandrax; 1,072g of cocaine powder; 650 units of crack cocaine and 2,922 g of crystal meth in 2020. This study employed a qualitative research methodology, using a case study research design. The study found among others that, drug trafficking in Namibia could lead to the spread of small arms and other weapons; a high possibility of violence and extremism; a threat from international terrorism; a pervasive culture of corruption and other security challenges. Moreover, an additional burden on government spending to address the problem was uncovered in this study. Based on the findings, the study put forward the following recommendations. A strong legislative structure that addresses the problem is necessary to control and prevent drug trafficking; a public health and intelligence approach to raise public awareness of the threat of drug trafficking on the country’s national security is equally necessary. The Government should also derive ways to address the high unemployment rates among the youth to deter the majority of them from succumbing to the allure of drug trafficking in the country.Item The challenges of communicating global pandemics as national security issue: A case study of COVID-19 in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Shikwambi, Pretunilla KaunapawaThis study examined the challenges of communicating global pandemics as national security threat with specific reference to COVID-19 outbreak in Namibia. It was motivated by the articulation of the pandemic as a national security threat through the declaration of state of emergency by the Namibian government. The state of emergency was characterized by the adoption of COVID-19 protocols and regulations such as closing down of some borders, imposing of curfew, restriction of movements, mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, and limited shut down of businesses. However, it became evident that the articulation of the pandemic as a national security threat did not resonate with the Namibian public as evidenced by violation of COVID-19 protocols and regulations. This resulted in numerous arrests and confrontations with security agencies. Through the use of qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and review of documents, data were collected and analysed. From data analysis, it was found that the messaging strategies of the government on COVID-19 security implications were ineffective as a result of mixed messaging and the circulation of false information on social media. Furthermore, it was found that the public mistrusted the government, World Health Organization and others due to inconsistencies in the information provided on the pandemic. On the basis of the findings, recommendations were made to the effect that strengthening of stakeholders’ engagement, engagement of experts as messengers as well as timeous dissemination of relevant information among others are critical to effectively communicating pandemics as national security threats.