Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Deforestation, increasing pollution levels, diminishing non-renewable energy reserves, the resulting global warming, and climate change are areas of concern to environmentalists and the whole global village. It appears that the solution lies in the exploitation of renewable, clean and sustainable energy resources. Solar energy is one of the renewable, clean and environmentally friendly energy resources readily available in most tropical countries of the world, including Namibia. The research was conducted in the Rocky Crest suburb of Windhoek, Namibia. The research focused on the exploration barriers in the diffusion of solar water heaters (SWHs) for generating hot water for Rocky Crest residents. The investigation involved data collection from the stakeholders, including the residents of Rocky Crest suburb, SWH suppliers, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) in Namibia. The results of this study introduce information that can largely benefit the Rocky Crest residents, MME, NGOs, financial institutions and relevant stakeholders. It can also act as a departure point for further studies on the subject of renewable energy sources, their exploitation and the impact thereof. Furthermore, solutions to the current problems of diminishing non-renewable energy reserves and the impact of pollutant energy sources can be identified and implemented.

I became aware of the frequency of the traumatic effect of parental divorce on the lives of the children involved. My research intervention is investigating what value working with clay as therapeutic medium could have for young children from divorced homes. I used non-directive instruction to see whether it enabled children to relate and express their personal experiences more easily . Some children seemed hesitant about projecting their own emotions onto the clay models but, in the end, rich information and spontaneous communication was achieved. The analysis and interpretation of the data from the therapy sessions clearly showed the value of using clay as a therapeutic medium when working with children from divorced homes. By expressing and sharing feelings and emotions experienced during and after parental divorce, the participants indicated that it helped them to work through guilt and other issues, and to come to terms with the reality of the changes in their lives. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The overall aim of this study is to investigate the perception of support provided to orphan children in foster care placement in terms of education, care and support as well as protection by orphan children themselves, foster parents and social workers. Due to HIV/AIDS many children are being orphaned and are left behind without any visible means of support. HIV/AIDS remains undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of the world today, as there is no part of the world that has not felt the devastating impact of the pandemic. This is already evidenced by the increase in number of orphans, child headed households and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and the inability of the extended family system to provide such children with basic requirements such as shelter, food, medical care, education, love and support. The first chapter is focusing on the Magnitude of OVC in general and Namibia in particular. According to the National Plan of Action for OVC in Namibia, the total number of orphans and vulnerable children was estimated at 128 000 in 2007 (MGECW, 2007). According to 2001 Population and Housing Census the whole Khomas region had 6674 OVC, while Khomas urban had 5708 OVC, which means that in the Khomas region more OVC in an Urban areas while rural areas had less number which was 389 OVC (NPC, 2005). Chapter two presents a literature review and focuses on the phenomena of foster care placement. It includes the definition of terms such as an orphan child, a vulnerable child and foster care placement. It gives background details of foster care placement in general and foster care placement in the Namibia context. Also the support (care and support, education and protection) being offered to children in foster care placement are discussed. Chapter three focuses on the research methods and data collection of this study. The following elements are described in this chapter: Setting and samples, procedure, methods and methodological consideration, the role of the researcher, the limitations of the study and the ethnographic situation. Chapter four is devoted to the foster care placement legal framework in Namibia where the current foster care placement processes to access government grant to support foster families are discussed as well as foster care placement policy implications in Namibia. The conclusion of the findings on foster care placement processes is included. Chapter five consists of the analysis of the study. It provides the background information of the samples, questions, responses and interpretations of the main views of the respondents on the support provided to children in foster care placement in terms of care and support, education, protection as well as foster care placement process are provided in this chapter. Chapter six is focuses on discussions and conclusion. It includes major views of the respondents and the understanding of different voices of orphan children in foster care placement, foster parents and social workers who are professionals in this matter.

This thesis investigates how instructional leaders at the Windhoek College of Education (in Namibia) make sense of their roles. The Windhoek College of Education (WCE) was selected for this study because that is where I work, therefore it would be easy to observe some of the responses provided by the interviewees. It was also observed that instructional leadership is little researched in Namibia and hence study would contribute towards understanding the various perceptions that instructional leaders have of their roles. There is a need for information about the skills and tasks required to support practices of instructional leadership so that the best possible instruction can be provided. The thesis examines and presents such skills. A qualitative research framework, in particular an interpretative approach was used for the study. As my research is concerned with people’s perceptions, it is located in the interpretative paradigm. Semi-structured, open-ended interview questions were asked in order to gather information on how the participants make meaning of their roles as instructional leaders. The sample for the study consisted of eleven instructional leaders over different levels, i.e., executive leaders, leaders on middle-management level and leaders on classroom-instructional level. The findings indicated a narrow view of instructional leadership at the college. Factors contributing to this narrowness are addressed, e.g., the way concepts such as delegation, guidance and monitoring/supervision are perceived. The findings also addressed certain expectations that are needed from instructional leaders in order to ensure efficiency in their practice. The study concludes by recommending alternative, expansive ways of thinking about instructional leadership.

I became aware of the frequency of the traumatic effect of parental divorce on the lives of the children involved. My research intervention is investigating what value working with clay as therapeutic medium could have for young children from divorced homes. I used non-directive instruction to see whether it enabled children to relate and express their personal experiences more easily . Some children seemed hesitant about projecting their own emotions onto the clay models but, in the end, rich information and spontaneous communication was achieved. The analysis and interpretation of the data from the therapy sessions clearly showed the value of using clay as a therapeutic medium when working with children from divorced homes. By expressing and sharing feelings and emotions experienced during and after parental divorce, the participants indicated that it helped them to work through guilt and other issues, and to come to terms with the reality of the changes in their lives. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Thesis (MTech (Town and Regional Planning))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010. / The accelerated influx of migrants into Windhoek after the attainment of independence in 1990 caused progressive settlement growth on open council-owned land as well as considerable shelter and servicing problems for the Windhoek City Council (WCC). This study analyses the spatial growth of informal settlements in Windhoek over a 10 year period from 1998 to 2008. The study use GIS as a tool to measure and analyse the spatial growth and development of informal settlements. It involves the mapping exercise to generate a sequential process of assessing the feasibility study that helped in the selection of two detailed case studies. Results of the analysis show two patterns of informal settlement development: between 1998-2003 and 2003 to 2008. The first is the acceleration of development of shanty towns immediately after independence to 1988 as associated with processes of spatial consolidation and densification in the former period and increased sprawl in the latter period. Second the study analysed the socio-economic characteristics of informal settlements. This was complemented by livelihood assessment (LA) that was used in identifying the types of livelihoods and coping mechanisms used by residents of informal settlements. The livelihoods assessment clearly shows that most of the people in informal settlements rely heavily on informal sector activities for a living. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected households to explore their coping strategies and survival mechanisms and also to determine how their earnings are being distributed. The continued growth of squalid and unplanned informal settlements is a clear indication that policies and practices need further intervention and regularization. The establishment of reception areas between 1991 and 1999 proved futile. The reception areas attracted more people instead of controlling the growth. Pit latrine toilets are provided in all the settlements but people do not use them and this is a major human and environmental threat. The study shows that the population growth has a significant impact on the growth of informal settlements in Windhoek. The study also shows that the livelihood assessment of households assist with a better understanding of household’s coping mechanisms and this will assist the city Council in making informed decisions when addressing the needs of the people. Livelihood assessment is a tool that assists with the better understanding of the affordability levels of lowincome people, therefore assisting the city Council in providing services that align with the affordability levels of the residents.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Background: Adherence is the extent to which a person takes medication as prescribed by health-care providers. It includes both dosing regularity and timing of intake. Antihypertensive medication reduces high blood pressure effectively and reduces the risk of heart failure, renal failure and stroke. Hypertension is considered a public health problem due to its impact of high mortality and morbidity. According to the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services a total of 34,826 people, aged 18 years and older in the Windhoek District, were diagnosed with hypertension in 2006-2007; the premature death toll due to uncontrolled hypertension increased from 88 deaths per 1,000 cases in 2006 (MOHSS, 2006) to 301 deaths per 1,000 cases in 2007 (MOHSS, 2007). Despite the availability, accessibility and affordability of medication at clinics and health centers, non-adherence is increasing, especially among the young productive population. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding into the perceptions of non-adherent hypertension patients in Katutura Township in the Windhoek District about their treatment regimens. The research provided information that can be used by policy-makers in the development of a hypertension policy to improve interventions. Aim: The study aimed to explore the perceptions of non-adherent hypertensive patients in Katutura Township by looking at what they considered to be the factors influencing their non-adherence to antihypertensive medication. Methodology: An explorative qualitative study was conducted, using individual in-depth interviews among eight non-adherent hypertension patients, aged 35 years and older. The eligible respondents were purposively selected. A thematic content analysis of transcribed data was conducted where themes were related to patients‟ perceptions for non–adherence. Results: The results showed that the respondents were not adhering to medication. There were several reasons given for this. An important factor was their limited knowledge about the hypertension disease and medication, in part due to ineffective health education. Other factors included the side effects of the medication as well as the belief that antihypertensive medications are poisonous and addictive. Cultural and religious beliefs were also found to be contributing factors to non-adherence. The findings also revealed that the doctors appeared not to have time to examine patients. The attitudes of the nurses were identified as factors that influence non-adherence. It is reported that they do not listen to patients‟ complaints and patients do not feel respected by them. Additional factors included the cost of traveling to the health center which was considered to be prohibitive, long distances to get to the health center as well as 3-5 hours waiting time at the health center influenced non-adherence. Some respondents claimed that they do not want to mix medication with alcohol so that when they are drinking alcohol, they skip their medications. Lastly, some of the patients earn low income and as they are paid per hour, they cannot afford to take time off from work and this further results in non-adherence to medication. Conclusion: The findings concurred with findings of other research done in developing and developed countries. These included poor interpersonal relationships between health-care providers and patients, a lack of knowledge about hypertension and its treatment; cultural beliefs and traditions, and standards of health care provision. Improvement in communication between health-workers and hypertensive patients may promote better adherence. The study indicates an urgent need to design intervention measures to enhance adherence among hypertension patients.

Existing travel patterns in Windhoek are influenced by the past land use policy of restricted urban development in the former townships ofKatutura and Khomasdal. Thus residents in these townships are faced with longer distances to reach quality urban servtces. This thesis examined the impact on travel demand of changes in land use policies aimed at stimulating growth in the two areas using the HLFM computer model. The results showed that, policy induced land use changes may stimulate population and employment growth in the neglected areas, but with no effects on the present travel patterns. The model needs to be refined to fit the peculiarity of the study area. Nevertheless, information provided in the thesis could be used in assessing areas where development trends will go if any ofthe land use policy tested in the study is adopted. / Geography / M.A. (Geography)

Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was conducted as an inquiry into the living conditions of children living with terminally ill parents due to HIV and AIDS. It examined possible support systems that such children can access from general communities in which they live. The study was also purposed to identify specific needs related to the fact of living with terminally ill parents due to HIV and AIDS. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed in conducting the study. These included interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. Social workers, class teachers and parents were the main respondents in the study. The study revealed that children living with terminally ill parents suffer multidimensional effects that are social, economic and psychological. Children assume adult responsibilities at a very early stage including that of fending for the family. In an effort to meet family needs, older children resort to a host of activities in an attempt to earn money for self and family survival from temporary paid labor, sex work to rudimentary trade. In effect, children become prone to abuse, exploitation and are exposed to crime. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie was gedoen om inligting te verkry oor die lewensstandard van kinders wat saam met hul ouers woon wat terminal siek is weens MIV/VIGS. Die beskikbare ondersteunings sisteme in hul gemeenskap was ondersoek. Die novorsingsstudie het ook daarop gefokus om die kinders wat as gevolg van MIV/VIGS saam met hul terminale siek ouers woon se spesifieke behoettes te identifiseer. Tydens die norsingsstudie was kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetodes gevolg. Onderhoud focus groep besprekings en vraelyste was benut. Maatsplike werkers, onderwysers en terminal siek ouers was die hoof respondenete in die navorsingdstudie. Die navorsingsstudie het bewys dat kinders wat saam met hul terminale siek ouers woon, multidimensionele gevolge ervaar waat sosiaal-ekonomies en psigologies van aard is. Kinders neem ouers se verantwoordelikhede op „n vroeë ouderdom aan. Om vir die gesin te voorsien, gaan die ouer kinders tot die ekstreem en raak betrokke in seks werk en smous vir „n tydelike inkomste. Die gevolg is dat die kinders blootgestel word aan mishandeling, en moontlike misdaad. Die addisionele verantwoordlikhede dwing hulle om te oorleef deur gebruik te maak van misdaad, prostitusie en kinderarbeid. Al die kondisies dra by daartoe dat kinders blootgestel word.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Scaling up of male circumcision in Namibia is running at a low pace. People need to understand the role that male circumcision plays in the prevention of HIV acquisition. Therefore, it is important to increase knowledge among individuals in order to make them acquire positive attitudes and perceptions towards male circumcision as an HIV preventive strategy. Method: This research study investigated the perceptions of men and women towards male circumcision as an HIV prevention intervention in the Windhoek District. A total number of 250 respondents were conveniently selected for participation in the study, of which 50% were males and another 50% represented females. All respondents were 18 years and older. A quantitative method of sampling was employed with the use of anonymous questionnaires. Data were captured and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Most respondents (76.8%) reflected good knowledge about male circumcision and positive attitude (93.6%) towards male circumcision and its benefits but there were still a proportion of respondents (23.2%) who are not knowledgeable about the benefits of MC, and 6.4% of the respondents have negative attitude towards MC, whilst a large proportion of 53.2% have negative perceptions towards MC and its benefits. The study also found that there is an association between knowledge and perceptions of 0.250 at p-value < 0.05, as well as an association between attitudes and perceptions 0.213, p-value <0.001. Conclusion: It was concluded that knowledge plays a major role on attitude and perception changing. The more knowledgeable an individual is, the more the chances of them of having positive attitudes towards MC, which could also influence positive perceptions towards MC. In order to strengthen male circumcision as an HIV prevention strategy, it is imperative to provide the population that reflected low knowledge and negative attitudes with information, education and counselling services. This may help to make them change their attitudes towards MC and acquire positive perceptions towards it. On barriers, the relevant authorities should come up with a strategy to eliminate barriers in order to facilitate acceptability among non-circumcised groups. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond: Die opskaling van manlike besnyding in Namibië word teen ‘n stadige pas uitgevoer. Mense moet die rol verstaan wat manlike besnyding in die voorkoming van MIV speel. Dit is daarom belangrik om hierdie kennis onder individue te vermeerder ten einde hulle te bemagtig om positiewe houdings en persepsies teenoor manlike besnyding as MIV-voorkoming strategie te bekom. Metode: Hierdie navorsingstudie het die persepsies van mans en vroue teenoor manlike besnyding as MIV-voorkoming ingryping in die Windhoek streek ondersoek. ‘n Aantal van 250 deelnemers is geselekteer vir deelname aan die studie, waarvan 50% manlik en 50% vroulik was. Alle deelnemers was 18 jaar en ouer. ‘n Kwantitatiewe metode en anonieme vraelyste is vir steekproefneming gebruik. Data is vasgelê en ontleed met behulp van SPSS weergawe 20. Resultate: Die meerderheid van die respondente (76.8%) het goeie kennis van manlike besnyding en ‘n positiewe houding (93.6%) teenoor manlike besnyding getoon, maar daar was ‘n deel van die respondente (23.2%) wat nie ingelig was oor die voordele van manlike besnyding nie, en 6.4% van die respondente het ‘n negatiewe houding teenoor manlike besnyding gehad, terwyl ‘n groot deel van 53.2% negatiewe persepsies van manlike besnyding en die voordele daarvan gehad het. Die studie het ook bevind dat daar ‘n verband is tussen kennis en persepsies van 0.250 teen p-waarde < 0.05, sowel as ‘n verband tussen houdings en persepsies 0.213, p-waarde <0.001. Gevolgtrekking: Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat kennis ‘n belangrike rol speel in die verandering van houdings en persepsies. Hoe meer ingelig ‘n individu is, hoe beter is die kanse dat hulle ‘n positiewe houding teenoor manlike besnyding sal hê, wat ook positiewe persepsies van manlike besnyding kan beïnvloed. Ten einde manlike besnyding as MIV-voorkoming strategie te versterk is dit noodsaaklik om die bevolking wat min kennis en negatiewe houdings getoon het met inligting, opvoeding en berading te verskaf. Dit kan help om hul houding teenoor manlike besnyding te verander en om meer positiewe persepsies daarvan te ontwikkel. Met betrekking tot hindernisse moet die relevante owerhede vorendag kom met ‘n strategie om die struikelblokke uit te skakel ten einde aanvaarbaarheid van manlike besnyding onder groepe wat nie besny is nie, te fasiliteer.