UNAM Press Publications
Autobiography
Taming My Elephant
2016
ISBN: 978-99916-42-18-5
In Oshiwambo, the elephant is likened to the most challenging situation that people can face. If an elephant appears in the morning, all planned activities are put on hold and the villagers join forces to deal with it. For Tshiwa Trudie Amulungu, the elephant showed up on many mornings and she had no choice but to tame it.
Growing up in a traditional household in northern Namibia, during the period of South African rule, Amulungu's life started within a very ordered framework. Then one night she crossed the border into Angola with her schoolmates and joined the liberation movement. Four months later she was studying at the UN Institute for Namibia in Lusaka Zambia. She went on to study in France before returning after 12 years to take part in the elections that led to Independence.
Amulungu recounts the cultural shocks and huge discoveries she made, both in exile and after Independence, with honesty, emotion and humour. She draws the reader into her experiences, reflecting on the socio-historical-cultural context, and portraying life, friends, and community in the different places she lived.
This is a compelling story of survival, longing for home, fear of the return and overcoming adversity in strange environments. It is also a love story that brought two families and cultures together.
The author reflects on the vast differences in life experiences over three generations in her family. There is no comparison between her childhood and that of her children, let alone between their youthful experiences and those of her parents.
'A remarkable and important book, which should be widely read in Namibia and by other general and academic readers interested in Namibia'
Heike Becker, Professor of Anthropology, University of the Western Cape
Mukwahepo
woman, soldier, mother
2013
ISBN: 978-99916-42-19-2
The remarkable story of the first woman to be trained militarily by SWAPO, who was then sent to care for young Namibians who had left the country in the mid-1970s. She reflects on the harsh realities of life in exile and her difficulties after the liberation struggle was over.
'Recorded struggle history has tended to focus on the upper echelons of leadership.... There is very little about the nurturers and healers... As in all societies across the globe, these were mostly women. This is why the story of Mukwahepo's is so important, not only for Namibia but all the Southern African countries that have gone through liberation struggles.' Elinor Sisulu, author of Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In our Lifetime
Making a Difference
2012
ISBN: 978-99916-870-8-7
'Failure is not in my vocabulary,' says Libertina Inaaviposa Amathila – medical doctor, leading member of Namibia's liberation movement SWAPO, and Cabinet Minister for 20 years. Courageous, committed, cutting through difficulties that deterred others, she empowered Namibian communities in exile and at home. This best-selling account of her life is insightful, candid, and amusing.
Education
Democracy and Education in Namibia and Beyond: A Critical Appraisal
2016
ISBN: 978-99916-42-30-7
The Namibian constitution makes full provision for education as a fundamental human right and freedom. Three years into independence, as part of the government’s educational policy, the ‘Education for All Policy’ was launched as a stepping stone to free quality education. However, inequities have become widely pronounced within the Namibian educational system.
Democracy and Education in Namibia and Beyond debates the education–democracy nexus in Namibia and the southern African context. It defines and explores the meaning of democracy and related concepts. It also looks at what democracy means in the context of human rights and access to education.
This is an important contribution to the Namibian education landscape, and it will certainly stimulate further debate and highlight key deficits that we must deal with to ensure meaningful reform in our education system.
Hon. Professor Peter H. Katjavivi, MP
Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Namibia
History and Memory Politics
The Politics of Distinction
African Elites from Colonialism to Liberation in a Namibian Frontier Town
2016
ISBN: 978-99916-42-29-1
In this insightful ethnography of the changing politics of the public sphere in urban Namibia, Mattia Fumanti focuses on the border town of Rundu.
The author highlights the fundamental contribution elites make to the public space through their much-praised concept of civility and their promotion of nation-building at the local level.
He focuses on how generational relations between elites in Rundu have shaped, and been shaped by, the transitions from colonial rule and the war of liberation, to Independence and post-Independence. He opens a window on relations between the hinterland and the capital, and illuminates post-apartheid issues in Namibia and elsewhere in Southern Africa, as they have come to be reflected in public debates about education, youth aspirations, the state, citizenship, good governance and the role of ethnic and settler minorities.
‘This book is a vibrant antidote to Afro-pessimism and views that emphasize the spectacle of disaster, kleptomania and corruption of the weak state. By examining the rhetoric of public morality Fumanti challenges this but is, nevertheless, also critical of the ruling elite. This is a sophisticated and nuanced analysis of how small-town elites emerge and how they see the world, a group of people who are potentially vital players in the evolving shape of African cultures and moralities, who have not received the scholarly attention they deserve.’
Robert Gordon, University of Vermont and University of the Free State
Mattia Fumanti is Lecturer in Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom. He has conducted anthropological research in Namibia, Ghana and the UK.
Namibia and Germany: Negotiating the Past
2015
ISBN: 987-99916-42-09-3
100 years since the end of German colonial rule in Namibia, the relationship between the former colonial power and the Namibian communities who were affected by its brutal colonial policies, remains problematic, and interpretations of the past are still contested.
This book examines the ongoing debates, conflicts and confrontations over the past. It scrutinises the consequences of German colonial rule, its impact on the descendants of victims of the 1903-08 genocide, Germany's historical responsibility, and ways in which post-colonial reconciliation might be achieved.
Re-Viewing Resistance in Namibian History
2015
ISBN: 978-99916-42-27-7
This rich collection combines the work of experienced academics and a new wave of young Namibian historians – architects of the past – writing about late nineteenth century resistance, songs of the struggle, gender issues in SWAPO’s camps, memorialisation, intenational solidarity, and aspects of the history of Kavango and Caprivi. They write ‘forgotten’ people into history and provide a reading of the past that reflects the tensions and competing identities that pervaded ‘the struggle’.
Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous Knowledge of Namibia
2015
ISBN: 978-99916-42-05-5
Indigenous knowledge is the dynamic information base of a society, facilitating communication and decision-making. It is the cornerstone of many modern-day innovations in science and technology. It is also a ready and valuable resource for sustainable and resilient livelihoods, and attracts increasing public interest due to its applications in bio-technology, health, bioprospecting, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food preparation, mathematics and astronomy.
"Indigenous Knowledge of Namibia" is a fascinating compendium aimed at a wide readership of academics and students, government officials, policy makers, and development partners. The 17 chapters examine the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants for treating HIV/AIDS, malaria, cancer, and other microbial infections of humans and livestock; indigenous foods; coping and response strategies in dealing with human-wildlife conflicts, floods, gender, climate change and the management of natural resources. A new rationalisation of adolescent customary and initiation ceremonies is recommended in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic; and a case study of the San people of Namibia speaks to the challenges of harmonising modern education with that of indigenous people.
The editors, Kazhila C. Chinsembu, Ahmad Cheikhyoussef, Davis Mumbengegwi, Martha Kandawa-Schulz, Choshi D. Kasanda and Lawrence Kazembe, are senior UNAM academics. Individual chapters are written by UNAM academics and post-graduate students from several disciplines in the natural and social sciences.
"Before I went to a formal school [i.e. Western education], I had the opportunity of playing cultural games like mulabalaba, kanamundame, kudoda and other cultural games with my contemporaries. These games opened my eyes that by the time I started school I could do basic counting. I could count my father's cattle because of the knowledge I obtained from the cultural games." (A teacher from Zambezi Region).
Language and Culture
Otuzo twOvaherero
2017
ISBN: 978-99916-42-38-3
Otuzo twOvaherero provides valuable information on Ovaherero patriclans and records folklore and praise poems in Otjiherero. Previously, these did not exist in written form. The book attempts to preserve these oral traditions before they disappear. It aims to restore pride to the Ovaherero, particularly in patrilineages that were displaced by the Ovaherero-German war of 1904-1907.
Otuzo twOvaherero is structured around the Ovaherero patrilineal descent system (otuzo) which is the basis of the Ovaherero religion Oupwee. The surnames and homesteads that belong to the same patrilineage are grouped together under each patriclan to help the reader to easily trace the homesteads that belong to one patriclan (and thus have a common ancestry). The distinct features of each patriclan are specified in terms of totems, taboos, patriclans which collaborate, and praise poems of homesteads.
All the patriclans and praise poems in this book were collected from Ovaherero communities living in Namibia. The author uses the term ‘Ovaherero’ to include the various groups which speak the common language Otjiherero and which include the Ovahimba, Ovaherero, Ovatjimba and Ovambanderu.
Von Schelmen und Tatorten, Von Literatur und Sprache
Festschrift für Hans-Volker Gretschel
2014
ISBN: 978-99916-42-31-4
This Festschrift celebrates Professor Hans-Volker Gretschel, who retired from the University of Namibia in 2011. It contains original contributions addressing German literature and language development in Namibia, German language teaching in Sub-Sahara Africa, the modern rogue and neo-colonialism in television. These articles show the way forward for German and German Studies in Southern Africa.
Omiano vya Tjipangandjara
Otjiherero Proverbs and Idioms
2013
ISBN: 978-99916-42-07-9
Over 150 proverbs and idioms from the Ovaherero community in Namibia, presented in Otjiherero with a literal English translation, origin, general meaning, context, usage and English equivalents.
English-German Glossary of Namibian Terms
2012
ISBN: 978-99916-42-03-1
Useful German terms to express a variety of English words used in Namibia since Independence, referring to political developments and changes in society. Of value to university lecturers and school teachers of German, journalists, development workers, NGOs, government officials and civil servants.
Law
Customary Law Ascertained Volume 3
The Customary Law of the Nama, Ovaherero and Ovambanderu, and San Communities of Namibia
2015
ISBN: 978-99916-42-12-3
These are the final two volumes of the Customary Law Ascertained series facilitated by the University of Namibia's Human Rights and Documentation Centre, in which recognised Namibian traditional authorities have self-stated their customary laws.
"The ascertainment of customary law helps us understand and appreciate our cultural diversity in the process of forging a common Namibian identity and heritage. It also helps us understand the rationale for the existence of the various customary laws, as well as how communities decide what laws they will keep and which to discard in view of the Namibian Constitution and other laws...We cannot adopt an uncritical approach to customary laws, therefore; but need to start the process of engagement and dialogue – which these volumes will help us to achieve." Former African Union Commissioner, Advocate Bience Gawanas
Customary Law Ascertained Volume 1. The customary law of the Owambo, Kavango and Caprivi Communities of Namibia was published by Kuiseb Publishers/Namibia Scientific Society in 2010.
The Law of Pre-Trial Criminal Procedure in Namibia
2014
ISBN: 978-99916-42-23-9
Since Independence, Namibia has developed its own criminal jurisprudence. Courts have pronounced on criminal issues, and legislation has been passed to keep up with the spirit and vision of the Namibian Constitution.
This invaluable book explains the rights of individuals, the duties of law enforcement officers, and the procedures of the courts in criminal cases. It will be of use to accused persons, police officers, prosecutors, legal practitioners, judicial officers, and students of law.
Customary Law Ascertained Volume 2
The Customary Law of the Bakgalagari, Batswana, and Damara Communities of Namibia
2013
ISBN: 978-99916-42-11-6
These are the final two volumes of the Customary Law Ascertained series facilitated by the University of Namibia's Human Rights and Documentation Centre, in which recognised Namibian traditional authorities have self-stated their customary laws.
"The ascertainment of customary law helps us understand and appreciate our cultural diversity in the process of forging a common Namibian identity and heritage. It also helps us understand the rationale for the existence of the various customary laws, as well as how communities decide what laws they will keep and which to discard in view of the Namibian Constitution and other laws...We cannot adopt an uncritical approach to customary laws, therefore; but need to start the process of engagement and dialogue – which these volumes will help us to achieve." Former African Union Commissioner, Advocate Bience Gawanas
Customary Law Ascertained Volume 1. The customary law of the Owambo, Kavango and Caprivi Communities of Namibia was published by Kuiseb Publishers/Namibia Scientific Society in 2010.
Labour Law in Namibia
2012
ISBN: 978-99916-870-1-8
A comprehensive, scholarly, text analysing the Labour Act of 2007. Over 500 relevant cases are cited from Namibia and beyond. This is a unique reference guide for teachers and students of law, legal researchers and practitioners, human resource practitioners, employers, employees, trade unions, public servants, public policy advisors, and the academic community.
Literature
Writing Namibia: Literature in Transition
2018
ISBN: 978-99916-42-33-8
Writing Namibia: Literature in Transition is a cornucopia of extraordinary and fascinating material which will be a rich resource for students, teachers and readers interested in Namibia. The text is wide ranging, defining literature in its broadest terms. In its multifaceted approach, the book covers many genres traditionally outside academic literary discourse and debate. The 22 chapters cover literature of all categories in Namibia since independence: written and performance poetry, praise poetry, Oshiwambo orature, drama, novels, autobiography, women’s writing, subaltern studies, literature in German, Ju|’hoansi and Otjiherero, children’s literature, Afrikaans fiction, story-telling through film, publishing, and the interface between literature and society. The inclusive approach is the book’s strength as it allows a wide range of subjects to be addressed, including those around gender, race and orature which have been conventionally silenced.
The Lie of the Land
2017
ISBN: 978-99916-42-35-2
The Lie of the Land is a novel set against the background of the German colonial wars in Namibia in the early 1900s. The central character is an academic in linguistics who occasionally acts as a British agent. He is a cynical, private individual who sees himself as a neutral observer but is eventually forced to take sides when he witnesses the atrocities of the Herero and Nama genocide and, above all, meets a young Nama woman who enchants him. The novel explores the shifting nature of the oppressor and the oppressed.
Despite the unfolding tragic events, the story is lightened by surprising bursts of humour, and is ultimately a love story.
A very well researched historic novel, it makes events which shaped the subsequent history of Namibia accessible. The strength of the novel is the rich and evocative use of language to paint landscapes and characters and its enthralling use of humour.
– Dr Jeremy Silvester, Historian at the Museums Association of Namibia
Public Policy
Understanding Policy Domains, their Salient Forces and Organisational Challenges
2012
ISBN: 978-99916-870-0-1
This book provides policy-makers, practitioners, students and other researchers in the field, with a clear understanding of the process of policymaking and who is responsible for what. It sets the tone for academics and policy practitioners to confront the problems and challenges that countries face as they seek to improve governance and service delivery.