A critical analysis of the evolution and practice of public administration in the Zambezi region, Namibia
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Date
2025
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University of Namibia
Abstract
Good governance is the process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs and
manage public resources in a manner that promotes the rule of law and the realisation of
human rights (civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights) to strengthen
democracy. Conversely, bad governance creates political and administrative turmoil. The
purpose of this study was to critically analyse the evolution of public administration as a
practice in the Zambezi Region. The study was bolstered by a conceptual framework
centering on bureaucracy, organisational design, and contemporary management theories.
The review of the literature addressed aspects such as Governing Authorities, Public
Administration, and Service Delivery. Following a case study design, purposive sampling
and cluster sampling were used to select both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Thus, a mixed method was used in the study. Through a narrative approach, the data were
analysed, interpreted, and presented in graphs. The study revealed that the Zambezi
Region was governed by different Governing Authorities. Moreover, the evolution of
public administrations in the region is to be understood as emanating from the indigenous
culture and the colonial regimes. The empirical findings established that there are
numerous challenges that threaten the principles of good governance and satisfactory
service delivery to the inhabitants of the Zambezi Region. Sufficient evidence was
produced for this study to make some recommendations. It recommends that the
Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) should acquaint and induct the Governing
Authority leaders regarding the chronological history and the genesis of public
administration in the Zambezi Region. Public office bearers and officials should receive
ii
relevant training and induction on the principles of good governance. Clear guidelines
should be developed for the indigenous people and political and administrative cultures to
collaborate on government policy formulation and decision-making
Description
A Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
Keywords
Public Administration, Evolution, Bureaucracy, Good Governance, Service Delivery., Namibia, University of Namibia