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.

BACKGROUND: Robust results-based monitoring and evaluation (M) systems allow government to track the progress and impact of development programmes. This article focused on the current M system as adopted for the Child Support Grant (CSG) programme of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW) in Namibia. OBJECTIVES: The article examined whether the adopted M processes and arrangements for the MGEPESW sufficiently track the outcomes for beneficiaries of the CSG programme to enable strategic decisions by the MGEPESW. METHOD: A desktop review of available literature on M systems was complemented by a review of strategic reports and programme documentation of the MGEPESW that sets out the current M arrangements. Further interviews with senior, middle and programme managers responsible for the implementation of the CSG programme assessed the suitability and gaps of these arrangements as well as the proposed recommendations to strengthen the existing M arrangements. RESULTS: The research found several gaps in current practice that hinders the MGEPESW and decision-makers in assessing the outcomes for child beneficiaries. CONCLUSION: Recommendations were offered to improve the current M system to better track the outcomes of the CSG programme. This included a refined theory of change, revised indicators and strengthened institutional arrangements. CONTRIBUTION: The improved results-based M system for the MGEPESW offers a comparative base for the implementation of results-based M systems for child-focused cash transfer programmes in similar contexts.

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.

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: Morphological characteristics and life history strategies are vital in the success of plants to inhabit specific areas. Until recently the genus Acanthopsis was taxonomically poorly understood, and a recent revision rectified this aspect. The group comprises 20 species, all confined to arid parts of South Africa and Namibia. Much regarding the life history and ecology of the genus was still unknown. OBJECTIVES: Members of the genus Acanthopsis adapted to harsh environmental conditions have evolved an array of functional traits to enhance their chances of survival. The present contribution focuses on a select few of these traits, with discussion centred around them METHODS: This paper gives an overview of some casual and anecdotal observations made on the morphological characteristics and life history strategy during the taxonomic study. RESULTS: Significant adaptations include a perennial subshrub habit, spinous inflorescences/infructescences, and flowers exhibiting the classical syndrome for insect pollination, likely by insects possessing elongated proboscises. Additionally, the seeds are myxospermous and undergo dispersal solely when there is an ample supply of water for germination. Noteworthy is the prompt germination of seeds, occurring within 24 h. CONCLUSION: Certain observations may potentially serve as catalysts for further, more in-depth investigations into the ecological significance of specific morphological traits and how the species might respond to anticipated future changes in temperature and precipitation.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the need for competency-based medical education has been emphasised. Each country needs a defined set of physiotherapy competencies from the associations and governing bodies OBJECTIVES: Our review aimed to map competencies of undergraduate physiotherapy education and propose a context-specific competency framework for Namibia METHOD: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and was reported using the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. Qualitative direct content analysis utilising the five main competency domains from the WHO Rehabilitation Competency Framework was adapted RESULTS: Five main competency domains were proposed: practice, professional growth and involvement, learning and development, management and leadership, and research. Nineteen potential competencies were identified, and each competency has a set of knowledge and skills activities that is expected of each student CONCLUSION: The proposed competencies still need to undergo expert consensus and content validation before they can be adopted and implemented in Namibia. Future studies can explore the perspectives and experiences of the faculty, students and clinicians on the current status of competency-based education of undergraduate physiotherapy programme in Namibia. Similarly, future studies can focus on possible assessment strategies that can be used for each competency and an evaluation framework for assessing milestones in student competencies from entry into clinical education to graduation CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The review proposed a context-specific competency framework for Namibia with a set of knowledge and skills activities that is expected of each student. The faculty can adopt these competencies and improve on their competency-based physiotherapy education

In the historical and current transformation discourses in South Africa and Namibia, the concept of decolonisation is no longer a mere abstract concept. Decolonisation is now a fundamental policy and regulatory imperative that is heavily centred on, among other things, the land question and debates around the historical as well as present-day use of indigenous cheap and unskilled labour in underpaid sectors of industry -particularly the mining sector. During the colonial era, as the mining industries in South Africa and Namibia expanded, a substantial number of migrant labourers and local workers entered the mines. To safeguard these mineworkers' legal rights, labour laws were passed. Despite the implementation of such labour laws, regular strikes were a feature of the mining industries in South Africa and Namibia at the time. In the post-colonial dispensation, the South African mining industry has been characterised by numerous strike actions, while in Namibia, widespread dissatisfaction with working conditions has been noted. This raises the question of whether or not South Africa and Namibia have made progress in defending mineworkers' labour rights. This question is critical when viewed through the lens of a post-colonial society governed by a constitutionalised labour law framework. While there has arguably been a noticeable improvement in mineworkers' employment conditions, labour-related inequities continue to characterise the mining industries in South Africa and Namibia in the post-colonial era. Profiteering, capitalism, safeguarding the security of tenure of foreign mining corporations, and the persistent need to ensure the ease of doing business in the mining sector appear to take precedence over defending mineworkers' rights. Thus, this article explores the labour rights discourse developed by South African and Namibian mineworkers, as well as the applicable labour legislation. A strong case is made for reconsidering the extent to which South African and Namibian labour laws have been decolonised. This is done in a manner that is attentive to investment security and sustainable growth of the mining sector in the two countries as well as the realisation of African mineworkers' fundamental labour rights.

Die volhoubaarheid van klein- en mediumgrootte kontrakteurs (SMC's) is noodsaaklik met inagneming van die kritieke rol wat hulle in sosio-ekonomiese ontwikkeling wêreldwyd speel. SMC's in Namibië worstel deur die jare deurlopend omdat hulle misluk, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van 'n gebrek aan robuuste beleidsraamwerke om SMC-ontwikkeling en volhoubaarheid in die land te rig. Hierdie studie ondersoek die kritieke suksesfaktore (GSF's) vir SMC's se volhoubaarheid in Namibië. Deur 'n kwalitatiewe benadering te gebruik, is data ingesamel van 60 doelbewus geselekteerde konstruksiebedryfdeelnemers, bestaande uit eienaar-bestuurders van kontrakterende firmas, beleidmakers en konstruksie professionele konsultante. Onderhoude is met die deelnemers gevoer deur gebruik te maak van 'n semi-gestruktureerde onderhoudsinstrument. Data is ontleed met behulp van refleksiewe tematiese analise. Die bevindinge het ses GSF's aan die lig gebring wat insluit die openbare en private instellings se samewerkende ondersteuning, vaardigheidsopleiding, 'n bemagtigende konstruksie-besigheidsomgewing, toegang tot voldoende en bekostigbare finansiering, konsekwente werksgeleenthede en firma eienaar se entrepreneuriese vaardighede. Die geïdentifiseerde CSF's is gebruik vir die ontwikkeling van 'n raamwerk vir die rigtinggewing van die ontwikkeling van SMC's in Namibië. Deur die ses CSF-faktore in die raamwerk in te sluit, kan SMC's effektief ontwikkel en volgehou word. Die raamwerk kan beleidmakers help om fundamentele beleidshervormings te maak en toepaslike en konteksspesifieke intervensies te ontwikkel om SMC's in Namibië en soortgelyke kontekste in stand te hou.

The sustainability of small and medium-sized contractors (SMCs) is vital, considering the critical role they play in socio-economic development globally. SMCs in Namibia have been consistently grappling with high failure rates over the years, largely due to a dearth of robust policy frameworks to guide SMC development and sustainability in the country. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) for SMCs' sustainability in Namibia. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 60 purposively selected construction industry participants, comprising owner-managers of contracting firms, policymakers, and construction professional consultants. Interviews were conducted with the participants, using a semi-structured interview tool. Data were then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings revealed six CSFs, including public and private institutions' collaborative support, skills training, an enabling construction business environment, access to adequate and affordable finance, consistent work opportunities, and firm owner's entrepreneurial skills. The identified CSFs culminated in the development of a framework for guiding the development of SMCs in Namibia. By incorporating the six CSFs in the framework, SMCs could be effectively developed and sustained. The framework may assist policymakers in making fundamental policy reforms and developing appropriate and context-specific interventions to sustain SMCs in Namibia and similar contexts.

BACKGROUND: Despite the efforts of Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services to build maternity waiting homes (MWHs), few pregnant women make use of them. Long distances among the general population in Namibia limit the utilisation of MWHs. Little research has investigated what factors are limiting the use of these facilities despite the urgent need for them. The aim of this study thus was to explore and describe the perspectives of pregnant women on the utilisation of the MWHs near Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital in Oshikoto Region METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was employed. The accessible population in this study comprised 18 participants who were selected for the study using a purposive sampling technique RESULTS: Participants reported numerous barriers to visiting MWHs in Namibia, including an inadequate number of rooms, theft, food scarcity and the effects of poverty on the living conditions of the MWH users. Enablers visiting MWHs included the safe delivery of babies by skilled staff, reduced transport costs, access to timely management of labour complications and affordable accommodation CONCLUSION: The study revealed that a number of barriers must be overcome before the desired number of women take advantage of MWHs. Multiple factors act as constraints to their use, including inadequate number of rooms, theft, food scarcity and the long distance between patients' homes and MWH services CONTRIBUTION: The study's findings can be used to develop targeted interventions and strategies that can be used by MWH providers to address the identified barriers

Namibia has adopted several policies, pieces of legislation and programmes aimed at improving the well-being of children. However, the Namibian National Policy on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) of 2004 no longer adequately reflects the contemporary problems faced by vulnerable children. Policy makers require a comprehensive and integrated set of indicators to inform policy revision to make informed choices. This article reviewed national and international child protection reports, evaluation studies and indices to identify contemporary indicators for tracking child well-being in Namibia. It found that while the available indicators reflect objective well-being measures, there is a gap in tracking the subjective experiences of children, child safety and the promotion of children's rights. The article offers an alternative integrated indicator framework that captures multiple dimensions of child well-being. Adoption of this framework can enable policy makers to make more informed decisions to support vulnerable children.

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.

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: The issue of the mode of entry to nursing programmes and its effect on student success is a key concern among researchers globally. Identifying the mode of entry, which has the potential to improve academic success, decrease the failure rate and lead to the successful completion of a degree, is crucial to increase the nursing workforce AIM: The objectives of this study were to assess the association of mode of entry to a nursing programme on student success among undergraduate students SETTING: The study was conducted at a public nursing education institution (NEIs) in the northeast of Namibia METHOD: A retrospective multi-cohort study was conducted to assess the association of mode of entry on student success. Academic outcomes were analysed, observing two cohorts of nursing students RESULTS: Results show that 76.2% (f = 16) of mature-age entry students and 53.7% (f = 29) of direct entry students completed their programme on time. However, 42.1% (f = 8) of access students were expected to return. Female students 56.8% (f = 25) and male students 56.0% (f = 28) completed on time. There was no significant relationship between the mode of entry and completion status with p > 0.05, respectively CONCLUSION: A higher percentage of mature-age entry students was found to complete their studies on time than direct entry and English access entry students CONTRIBUTION: These findings could be used in the revision of student recruitment strategies to select nursing students who are more likely to achieve the best academic outcomes

BACKGROUND: Globally, enrolled nurses (ENs) are embarking on an educational journey to become registered nurses (RNs) in order to enhance their knowledge and career opportunities. However, their aspiration is not without challenges. In Namibia, the experiences of these nurses have not been extensively researched. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore and describe the experiences and challenges of ENs undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of Namibia. METHOD: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research strategy was followed as the basis of conducting the study. A sample of 15 nursing students was purposively selected from the target population of 73 nursing students. This sample size was determined by the saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes. The collected data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach. RESULTS: Three main themes subsequently emerged from the study: ENs' positive experiences advancing in the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme; nurses' negative experiences advancing in the BNSc programme; and recommendations to ensure effective advancement in the BNSc programme. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that ENs positively experience becoming a RN when it comes to self-development; however, they have negative experiences such as not receiving exemptions for prior learning and having to learn a new curriculum. CONTRIBUTION: These findings may be used by the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health management in order to develop targeted interventions and ongoing strategies during their curriculum review cycles to ensure positive student experiences and success within the programme.

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.