Ounongo Repository

Ounongo means “knowledge” in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages.

The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DTBS, and its aim is to collect, organize, manage, store, preserve, publish and make accessible worldwide, the knowledge assets or intellectual output of the University's researchers, staff and post-graduate students.

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Communities in Ounongo

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 10

Recent Submissions

EXAMINING ARCHITECTURAL TYPOLOGIES OF RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE IN WINDHOEK: A RESPONSE TO COVID-19
(NUST, 2022-06-10) Teta, Tapiwa
Thetypologiesofreligiousfacilitiesandbuildingswereexaminedinanattempttoproposeasystematicdesignapproachwhichconsidersadaptationogrowthintermsofexpansionandcontraction,andenvironmentalchallengesincludingpandemicssuchasCovid-19. TheresearchexaminedexistingreligiousspaceswithinWindhoek.Theanalysisfocussedonexistingformalandinformalactivities,spatialorganisationsandinfrastructuretypologies. TheresearchinformsthedesignofareligiousafacilityrangingfromaspecificchurchtoareligiouscomplexthatcouldhouseseveralChristianchurhesoractivitieswithvariousneeds.
The Story of Water and Windhoek: A Journey of Identity
(NUST, 2021-06-10) Oosthuizen, Johannes
Water in Windhoek is scarce and without managing consumption, life will not be feasible for future generations. This thesis will attempt to provide a precedent in water sustainability through the implementation of an architectural intervention into Windhoek’s water system. With the aid of the motion picture “Rango”, the city’s challenges regarding water will be investigated through both a narrative approach as well as a case-study of Windhoek’s existing water infrastructure. This could lead to a more sustainable infrastructure design in Windhoek, where the city’s inhabitants are aware of their impact on the water system. This research aims to improve awareness of sustainable water use as well as providing a precedent of the integration of a structure with the Pahl fault-line. The building will facilitate water testing and collection as well as archiving important information pertaining to water in Windhoek. The building will provide spaces for experiencing and discussing the above mentioned elements in order to promote learning and awareness. Water shortages in arid cities south of the Sahara are exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and the impact of global climate change. Sustainable, water-focused architecture, will become a future lifeline.
INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: TOWARDS STRENGTHENING HAVANA TOWNSHIP LIVELIHOODS BY THE VALORISATION OF WASTE.
(NUST, 2022-06-10) Schouwenburg, Gerrit
The purpose of this mini-thesis was to develop an architectural solution to address the prevailing waste crisis and related socioeconomic activities within the northern periphery of the City of Windhoek. To understand the circulation of people and waste within these areas, the author interviewed various actors involved in the recycling process. The actors ranged from informal waste pickers to formal large-scale commercial operations. The author found that informal and formal actors within the waste management cycle are linked together, even if their operations seem to be completely separate and in isolation. Thus, an architectural solution is proposed to strengthen spatial agency between the existing socio-economic practices and informal actors found within this context, in conjunction with the formal actors providing economies of scale, knowledge, and market access. The project concept is based on ‘mutualism’, a natural process found in nature where several animal species collaborate to continue their existence. The design suggests a community-based development initiative where solid waste collection is incentivised, transported by waste bicycle carts and trolleys to a collection and processing point where the private solid waste management company (Rent-A-Drum) sorts, and separates recyclable commodities on an industrial scale. The waste management cycle is designed with consideration for the socio-economic context of the northern periphery of the city by providing market spaces for informal trade along prominent movement corridors.
Empowering African women: An analysis of selected black female authored biographical texts in post-apartheid South Africa
(Namibia University of Science & Technology, 2022-04-22) Hamann, Catherine
This study examined the empowering of African women in selected black female authored biographical texts written in post-apartheid South Africa. Women in South Africa have been disadvantaged largely because of the criminal behaviour of the patriarchal male dominated society. The two texts studied were Khwezi – The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo (Tlhabi, 2017) and No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela (Gqubule, 2017). The texts were selected because both were written by African female authors and they address contemporary themes that affect the daily livelihoods of women. The texts also represent a true reflection of the difficult challenges encountered by most women in Africa and other parts of the world. The theories of radical feminism as well as trauma and resilience were used in the analysis of the two texts. The study concluded that it is not a waste of resources to educate the girl-child because education is the best method of empowering women. This study has also revealed that a male dominated society can go to any length to disempower women as long as they have the means. Furthermore, the study concluded that the most dehumanising manner of disempowering a woman through rape. Lastly, the study revealed that biographical writing plays a great role to empower women. The impact of literary texts written by women to represent other women serves as an inspiration because it presents real- life stories. Many women are ashamed to speak out, as a result, they suffer in silence. The stories of both Kuzwayo and Madonsela inspired many women to rise above their circumstances. Hence, women should be encouraged to speak out and report cases of rape or any case of injustices committed against them, despite criticism by society. The study recommends that the patriarchal male society should be educated on the rights of women. In addition, the girl child must be accorded the resources and given the necessary support to acquire an education. It is only when a woman is educated that a society can thrive. It is also imperative to encourage more women to write autobiographies even if someone write it on their behalf. This recommendation is an awareness strategy that can help women to share their various experiences.
Co-Designing And Implementing Independent Journalism And Archiving With The Indigenous San Community In Donkerbos Through A Self-Sustainable Model.
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-08-15) Kaulbach, Peter
This master thesis explores the impact of a multimedia project in a San community, focusing on podcast episodes and digital storytelling initiatives. The project aimed to amplify the voices and stories of the San people [in Donkerbos] while addressing various topics such as politics, cultural practices, and community projects. Through participatory methodologies, the project engaged community members in the production process, ensuring cultural sensitivity and authenticity. The study responds to the systemic underrepresentation and misrepresentation of San communities in mainstream media, which are often shaped by external perspectives. It investigates the project’s influence on the San community’s awareness, empowerment, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development. It examines the reception of podcast episodes among community members, accounting for their perception and attitude toward the content. Additionally, the thesis explores the effectiveness of digital storytelling initiatives, such as videos on social media platforms, in promoting cultural awareness and challenging stereotypes. Methodologically, the thesis employs a mixed-methods approach, including focus groups, workshops, and content analysis. It draws on theories of indigenous media, participatory communication, and cultural preservation to frame its analysis. The findings show that participants gained technical media skills, expressed increased cultural confidence, and began engaging more actively in the documentation of their community’s stories. Challenges included infrastructural limitations and questions of long-term sustainability. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on indigenous media, community-based research, and cultural preservation. It concludes that participatory multimedia initiatives can enhance cultural resilience and representation, while offering a sustainable framework for community-driven storytelling.