Higher Education Institutions (HEI) play a significant role to unite diverse stakeholders and carry out planned learning activities that can promote change on both a personal and social level. Transformational research is dependent on the presence of an engaging and valuable problem that participants can make significant contributions in a collaborative manner across disciplines. Transformative learning process facilitates the integration of knowledge across several perspectives. This article explores the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability through the lens of a transformative action research approach in one's teaching practice. A qualitative action research approach is adopted. This research aims to enhance Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) as a facilitator at the University and also synthesize insights from lived experiences in Finland, Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa. This article advocates for a transformative paradigm shift, to drive meaningful impact, foster resilience, and catalyse positive change in the pursuit of navigating entrepreneurial sustainable business practices as a facilitator.

In Southern Africa, historic mining and mineral processing of base metal deposits have almost exclusively focussed on the extraction of major metals, leading to the loss of remaining valuable raw materials into tailings dumps and waste rock piles. At the Namib Pb-Zn mine (Erongo Region, Namibia), historic base metal tailings deposits are present as unreclaimed exposed waste piles. The tailings comprise silt- (fraction A: d50 = 25 to 48 μm) to sand-sized (fraction B: d50 = 86 to 185 μm; fraction C: d5o = 210 to 230 μm) material and contain major concentrations of base metals (Pb av. 1.15 mass%, Zn av. 3.20 mass%), S (av. 9.95 mass%), as well as lower values of other metals (Cu av. 490 μg/g, Cd av. 133 μg/g, Ag av. 22 μg/g), and critical elements like Sb (av. 14.7 μg/g) and In (14.3 μg/g). Former mineral processing only targeted the extraction of galena and sphalerite. As a consequence, qualitative mineralogical composition of the tailings is similar to that of the primary ore. Ca-Fe-Mg(-Mn) carbonates, quartz, micas, chlorite, minor graphite, magnetite, and rare parisite relate to the former host rock and gangue matrix, whereas Fe-rich sphalerite, galena, magnetite, pyrite with minor pyrrhotite, rare arsenopyrite, marcasite, cassiterite, and accessory scheelite are original constituents of the primary ore. Reprocessing of such a material would be challenging, but a mixed Pb-Zn concentrate enriched in Cd and Ag might be obtained. In future, possible reprocessing of Namib tailings and associated disposal of wastes into an appropriately designed repository would not only generate valuable metal commodities, but such activities would also eliminate a major metal pollution source from the local environment.

Reprocessing of historic gold tailings is a common activity in South Africa, while base metal tailings offer similar reprocessing potential. The historic base metal tailings of the Namib Pb-Zn mine (Erongo Region, Namibia) still contain valuable resources of Pb and Zn in carbonate-rich matter. Micro-analysis of primary ore minerals identifies some galena as argentiferous and sphalerite as the principal host of Cd. This study demonstrates that knowledge of primary ore mineralogy helps to reveal the hosts of valuable commodities (Ag, Cd) and that field-portable X-ray fluorescence tools allow precise and accurate determinations of major and minor elements like Zn and Cd in such carbonate-rich material. Although there are limitations to directly determine the contents of certain element (i.e., As, Sb, In), linear correlations allow prediction of the likely abundance of these elements. Providing that the inter-mineral and inter-element relations are understood and there is consistency in sampling and analytical methodology, portable X-ray fluorescence analysis is an effective method to evaluate the chemical characteristics of base metal tailings for a range of major and trace elements.

The aim of this study was to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of a population of 12-15 year old school children and to express it as percentages of those subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need over the whole sample population. There has been a disagreement between normative and subjective need for orthodontic treatment. This is especially true in an African setting. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of a population of 12-15-year-old children attending a school in Khomas, Namibia. The Modified Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), using the Dental Health Component (DHC) and the Aesthetic Component (AC), was used to determine the normative and subjective need for orthodontic treatment respectively. One hundred and two participants were examined, of which 36.2% were males and 63.7 % were female. The normative need as measured by the DHC was 59.8%. The subjective need was 17.7% and 31.4% as measured by the Child-rated AC (CRAC) and Examiner-rated AC (ERAC) respectively. There were no significant associations between Orthodontic treatment need and gender or age. Although there was a minimal subjective need for orthodontic treatment, there was a relatively high normative need for orthodontic treatment recorded by the researcher. The association between DHC and CRAC revealed that 88.8% of the children shown to have normative need also perceived need according to the CRAC. Of the 70 children with no need for treatment according to Examiner, 91.4% of the children agreed. In assessing orthodontic treatment need, the normative need was higher than the perceived need. This discrepancy could be due to the IOTN tool not being Afrocentric and thus overestimating the treatment needs of children. The expert's objective assessment may not always agree with the child's perception of the problem, especially in an African setting.

The Groot Aub (GA) settlement depends entirely on groundwater for domestic purposes and other development activities. Development activities are mainly agriculture, such as animal husbandry, chicken farming and crop farming using irrigation. However, these activities have the potential to contaminate the groundwater system. A total of 87 groundwater samples were collected from the boreholes in the study area during the dry and wet season. Water quality parameters (pH, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and hydrochemistry (Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, and HCO3- > SO4(2-) > Cl-) of 5 boreholes and 1 reservoir tank were analysed. The dominant cations were attributed to cation exchange processes as a coupled exchange of Na+ + K+ replacing Ca2+; and Na+ replacing Mg²+ ions in the rock-water interactions. The HCO3- anion is attributed to underlying rich carbonate rocks in the study area and chemical reactions between groundwater and silicate minerals. TDS ranged from 639.01 to 1 998.96 mg/L. The microbial levels as indicated by heterotrophic plate count (HPC) values exceed the limits imposed by the local Namibian and WHO drinking water regulations. The Piper diagrams showed a mixed water type of mainly HCO3- and SO4(2-)anions and Na+ and Ca2+ > Mg2+ cations. The study shows that the elemental composition of the groundwater is impacted significantly by primarily anthropogenic activities and secondarily geogenic processes. Based on the results of this study it is recommended that a buffer zone be created between human activities and production boreholes to avoid further groundwater contamination.

Overloading of heavy vehicles reduces pavement life and increases pavement life cycle costs. As part of Namibia's strategy to control heavy vehicle overloading on the road network, weighbridge facilities have been constructed at strategic locations on primary routes (trunk roads). The study analysed the extent of heavy vehicle overloading on Namibian trunk roads, as well as the effectiveness of existing overloading mitigation measures. The dataset comprised heavy vehicle loading information from the year 2015 to 2019, from ten static weighbridge facilities. The parameters investigated include overloading magnitude, the effect of overloading on road pavement life, and the effectiveness of current overload mitigation measures. The results showed that 13.3% of the vehicles weighed were overloaded, with a compounded decrease in overloading of approximately 0.5% per annum. Despite the overloading decrease, the study found that the estimated road service life was reduced by as much as nine years over the study period. High levels of weighbridge avoidance and poor stakeholder coordination in mitigating overloading were identified. The study recommends deploying high-speed weigh-in-motion systems, an increase in fines charged for overloading offenses, and developing a demerit point-based system for habitual offenders to strengthen mitigation measures.

ORIENTATION: In Namibia, the public sector employs a majority of employees which contributes to significant economic growth and development of the country. RESEARCH PURPOSE: This study investigated the association among job satisfaction, burnout and work engagement. This study explored if work engagement is experienced differently based on the biographical variables. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: Namibia aims to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs), Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) and National Development Goals. The state-owned enterprises are required to provide quality services to the nation through their employees. The health and well-being of these employees facilitate the productivity of these state-owned enterprises (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 11 and 16). RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: A total of n = 130 public sector employees were randomly selected and responded to a questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic questions, the Job Satisfaction Survey, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Data analysis was performed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software to test the hypotheses of the study. MAIN FINDINGS: Positive relationships were found between job satisfaction, burnout and work engagement. Work engagement reported a positive relationship with burnout. Work engagement is experienced the same in relation to the biographical variables PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The study suggests a constant evaluation of job attitudes, implementation of effective performance management systems, team building activities and implementation of workplace wellness programmes. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: This study adds to the understanding of job satisfaction, burnout and work engagement within state-owned enterprises in Namibia.

BACKGROUND: Bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers' significant discretionary purchases of non-essential products, such as apparel, contribute to retail growth. In a turbulent retail environment, store atmospherics presents an innovative cost-effective solution to incorporate BOP consumers' unique motivations for desired apparel behavioural intentions to grow market share. AIM: This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding a systematic review of store atmospherics on urban BOP consumers' apparel behavioural intentions in an emerging African market. This study also proposes various purchase antecedents to attitudes, which drive apparel behavioural intentions. The moderation effect of age is investigated to understand the change in purchase antecedents related to attitudes among different urban BOP age groups. SETTING: Interviewer-administered surveys was conducted among urban BOP consumers in Namibia's main urban areas. METHOD: A sample of 881 respondents was selected by purposive, interlocking and convenience sampling methods. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) confirmed the significant relationships between all constructs in the proposed model. RESULTS: The systematic link between store atmospherics and urban BOP apparel behavioural intentions is primarily because of consumers' perceived value, trust and attitudes. Urban BOP consumers' perceived value, anticipatory emotions and attitudes are moderated by age. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study sheds light on the differences between young and old urban BOP consumers and how they differ or coincide with age groups in more affluent segments. In order to adequately segment the urban BOP market, apparel retailers should emphasise on affordability, quality, emotional goal attainment and trust in their store atmospherics. CONTRIBUTION: In the broad context of store atmospherics, this study specifically uses age categories as a lens to provide valuable insights concerning age differences in urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers' perception of store atmospherics which influences their apparel behavioural intentions. Further, this study solidifies that different age categories amongst urban bottom-of-the-pyramid consumers bring forth different behavioural intentions to which marketers should adapt their store atmospheric strategies.

BACKGROUND: The need to examine teachers' learning activities in reading literacy instruction arises from concerns about reading proficiency levels in the Namibian Junior Primary phase, where reading literacy is a fundamental skill crucial for academic success. AIM: The study examined the learning activities used for reading literacy instruction in selected Namibian Junior Primary (JP) schools focused on Grade 3 teachers. SETTING: The study was conducted in selected Oshana region JP schools focused in three diverse classroom settings. METHODS: The study used secondary qualitative data that were collected by the Oshana Regional Directorate of Education through interviews and classroom observations to examine the teaching practices Grade 3 teachers were using for reading literacy instruction. The study explores the reading literacy practices of teachers that they have adapted from continuous professional development programs and ministerial policies. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the participants in this study were utilising a variety of learning activities to enhance reading literacy skills. These activities are phonological activities (phonics, phonological awareness activities, and the Jolly Phonics programme) and interactive activities (shared reading and reading corner activities) for reading literacy instruction. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, participants employed a range of methods to enhance reading instruction. They utilised phonological strategies like phonics and the Jolly Phonics programme to develop language skills, alongside interactive practices such as shared reading to improve fluency and foster a love for reading. CONTRIBUTION: The findings can inform educational policies, curriculum development, and initial teacher education programmes, ultimately improving reading literacy outcomes for learners in Namibia and beyond.

BACKGROUND: Although students in teacher education programmes in Namibia study through the medium of English, their academic language (AL) proficiency remains a challenge for most of them. In the Junior Primary Education programmes, they are not only required to master AL for their own studies, but they must also learn how to teach emergent academic AL in the primary school. AIM: This study aimed to address this dual challenge, a practitioner research study was undertaken to assess and compare students' AL proficiency skills in English cross sectionally in 2020. SETTING: The study was conducted online with (N = 78) student teachers at one of 12 campuses of the University of Namibia during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS: A standardised test compiled by Uccelli et al. was administered to 78 randomly selected students to measure their core AL skills. RESULTS: The assessment results revealed distinct gaps in students' AL proficiency. In addition, the findings demonstrated a statistically significant variance in assessment outcomes across different year groups. CONCLUSION: The university, despite provision of several courses, has taken note that AL should ideally be integrated across the curriculum. CONTRIBUTION: The study revealed usable evidence about students' AL proficiency, indicating patterns across cohorts.

The master narrative of Apartheid South Africa created a specific identity for white boys and men and, together with this identity, a very particular role and place within the South African context. This identity was exemplified in the men who were conscripted into the military from 1967 until 1994, and who participated in operations on the border regions of Namibia and Angola as well as within local townships in the war of liberation against apartheid and minority rule. Many veterans have been left grappling not only with the traumas associated with combat but also with the loss of their identities as war heroes in a country under changed political control. As a result, many of their personal stories and experiences of combat have been silenced by society at large and also, to varying degrees, within their own families, the Church, and among the younger generation who have grown up under a different dispensation. The conflict between vacillating narratives of villains who fought on the wrong side of history and victims of a closed socialisation system has supported the identity struggle faced by many veterans today. Against this backstory, this article explores the effects of storytelling as a trauma release using a narrative approach. CONTRIBUTION: This article offers a contribution to the use of storytelling in pastoral conversations as a trauma release for untold stories. This insight links to the focus and scope of the journal as a pastoral narrative approach has been used under the umbrella of Practical Theology.

BACKGROUND: In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, blended learning is becoming an increasingly popular transition from traditional forms of learning and teaching to e-learning. It is therefore important that lecturers adapt their practice and transform their teaching in line with the online platform in use, as this has the potential to benefit students, lecturers and the institution alike. However, little research exists regarding the perspectives of nurse educators on the use of blended learning as a teaching method. AIM: The study aimed to explore and describe the perspectives of nurse educators on the use of blended learning as a teaching method at the Faculty of Health Sciences at a university in Namibia. SETTING: The study was conducted at a public nurse education institution in Namibia. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory, descriptive design that was contextual was applied to collect data from a convenient sample of 15 lecturers using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Four themes emerged in this study, namely, understanding of blended learning, benefits of utilising blended learning, challenges of utilising blended learning, and recommendations to ensure effective use of blended learning. CONCLUSION: The study findings identified potential areas of both strengths and shortcomings in nurse educators' use of blended learning as a teaching and learning strategy. CONTRIBUTION: These findings may be used to develop ongoing strategies and targeted interventions that can strengthen nurse educators' abilities to design learning environments that are conducive to blended learning.

BACKGROUND: Drawing upon the supply chain integration model, this research examined the impact of supply chain integration on resilience. Building resilient supply chains has become paramount because of the complex nature of the contemporary environment. However, adopting supply chain integration mechanisms in the Global South still needs to be stronger OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to examine the impact of supply chain integration on resilience. This study aims to address the need for more robust supply chain integration mechanisms in the Global South, particularly Namibia, and to explore the relationship between supply chain integration practices and resilience in the Namibian Port Authority METHOD: This study employed a quantitative, correlational approach with a sample of 280 participants from the Namibian Port Authority to establish the relationship between supply chain integration practices and resilience. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling RESULTS: Statistical analysis reveals a significant direct impact of supplier, internal, customer and information sharing on supply chain resilience CONCLUSION: Building resilient supply chains is crucial because of the contemporary environment. This study provides evidence of the importance of supply chain integration practices in enhancing resilience and contributes to the scant literature on supplier integration in organisations in sub-Saharan Africa CONTRIBUTION: This study fills a gap in the literature regarding supplier integration in organisations in sub-Saharan Africa. It offers valuable insights for logisticians on the role of supply chain integration in building resilience and provides important insights to logisticians

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of disability and dependency among elderly individuals globally. However, there is currently limited research examining the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare providers, including nursing students, in Namibia AIM: This study aimed to examine nursing students' perceptions and attitudes of caring for patients with dementia SETTING: The study was conducted at two university campuses in Namibia METHODS: A quantitative correlational design was employed to conveniently recruit 196 third- and fourth-year nursing students between April and August 2023, utilising the Geriatric In-Hospital Nursing Care Questionnaire (GerINCQ) online survey. Data were analysed using SPSSv28 for descriptive and inferential statistics RESULTS: The perception score ranged from 2.26 to 2.43, indicating negative attitudes and perceptions towards dementia care. The highest mean perception of 2.43 (95% CI = 2.3-2.55) was on reacting to challenging behaviour and the lowest was on professional responsibility 2.26 (95% CI = 2.12-2.4). Correlations were observed between age and performed interventions (r = 0.66; p = 0.01) and gender and dementia-sensitive care (r = 0.52; p = 0.01 CONCLUSION: The study revealed unfavourable attitudes and perceptions towards dementia care among nursing students, contrary to the optimistic anticipation. The results highlight the urgent need to develop and integrate dementia care strategies and practices into nursing education curricula CONTRIBUTION: This study provides valuable data for informing quality assurance initiatives aimed at improving nursing training in dementia care

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is among the top causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the attitudes of women of reproductive age towards cervical cancer services in the Otjozondjupa region, Namibia. SETTING: The setting of this study was the Otjozondjupa region, one of the 14 regions of Namibia. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was used. The data were collected with a questionnaire from a stratified sample of 381 out of the 37066 study population of women of reproductive age across four districts of the region. Descriptive data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. RESULTS: The findings revealed that most respondents (83.1%) had an overall neutral attitude towards the screening, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer; they were not concerned about the risk of cervical cancer and would not practice health-seeking behaviours regarding cervical cancer services. CONCLUSIONS: The respondents were indifferent with regard to prevention, screening, and management services for cervical cancer, implying that they would not use available cervical cancer services. CONTRIBUTIONS: Attitudes of women of reproductive age towards cervical cancer services were highlighted. Subsequently, an educational programme for nurses to enhance the utilisation of cervical cancer services among women of reproductive age in the Otjozondjupa region, Namibia, was developed. Guidelines were developed to facilitate the implementation and evaluation of the educational programme activities to enhance the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age.