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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Now showing 1 - 5 of 10

Recent Submissions

Investigating othering in Because Pula Means Rain, A Beautiful Place to Die and A Cowrie of Hope
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-12-25) Cecil, Lupahla Xolani
This thesis offers an in-depth analysis of Othering of people living with albinism, inclusive of blacks, men and women in Because Pula Means Rain by Jenny Robson, A Beautiful Place to Die by Malla Nunn and A Cowrie of Hope by Binwell Sinyangwe. These three texts were selected using purposive sampling because they are related to the subject of Othering which is being analysed in this thesis. The characters in the novels frequently experienced Othering in their communities. Thus, the novels were found to be suitable to be used in this study. The post-colonial theory was used to analyse the subject of Othering of people living with albinism. The qualitative literary design was used to interpret the Othering of people living with albinism. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the findings of the study. The study revealed that patriarchy is the main reason why women are othered in African communities and the most powerful tool that can be used to empower women and transform their lives is education. The study also revealed that people living with albinism are othered in African communities because of the traditional African beliefs that uphold that people with albinism are born as a result of a curse or a punishment from God. And then finally, the study revealed that blacks are othered by the white people because the whites believe that they are more superior than the black people. Unfortunately, due to the effects of colonialism, blacks tend to abide by what the whites have made them to believe about themselves (blacks). In a nutshell, the study realised that Othering of other people in the society is a primitive and barbaric act that should be stopped because this act affects the socio-economic lives of those who are othered. To add on to that, it should be noted that the world has transformed into a global village, and, therefore, it is absurd to find that there are some people who are made to live outside the mainstream of the society which bars them from getting the same opportunities that are enjoyed by those who are living in the mainstream of the society. Surely, for this world to be a better place, there should be inclusivity of everyone in everything, regardless of the person’s race, sex, religion, skin colour and other socially constructed discriminators.
Exploring mimicry and ambivalence in God of Mercy and The Fishermen: A postcolonial perspective
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-12-14) Shange-Shiwaovanhu, Valombola Tuhafeni
Colonialism has brought a lot of changes to Africa. These changes remained after colonialism and they can still be seen today. The culture, the identity, the beliefs, and the language of African people have been greatly influenced by the West. These changes are portrayed by African writers in their novels that show the impacts of colonialism. It is for this reason that this thesis aimed to investigate the themes of mimicry and ambivalence in Okezie Nwoka's God of Mercy and Chigozie Obioma's The Fishermen, focusing on the profound effects of colonialism on African identities, cultures, and interpersonal relationships. Colonialism has significantly reshaped the cultural landscape of Africa, leading to shifts in identity and social dynamics among its people. Through a postcolonial theoretical framework, this study analyses how these authors portray the psychological and social consequences of colonial influence, particularly how mimicry manifests in characters' behaviours and attitudes. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study utilises a text selection criterion to focus specifically on these two novels which have received limited scholarly attention despite their rich exploration of postcolonial themes. The findings reveal that Western cultural influences deeply permeated African societies, resulting in conflicts between those who embrace new beliefs—such as Christianity—and those who remain committed to traditional practices. The analysis highlights how characters navigate their identities amidst these cultural tensions, illustrating the complexity of their relationships shaped by mimicry and ambivalence. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ongoing effects of colonialism in contemporary African literature, emphasising the need for further exploration of these themes in other works within the genre.
Investigating womanism in Odafen's Tomorrow I Become a Woman, Medie's His Only Wife, and May's Wahala
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-12-14) Amadhila, Toini Itsuwe
This study investigates the portrayal of womanism in three significant African novels: Tomorrow I Become a Woman by Aiwanose Odafen, His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie, and Wahala by Nikki May. Womanism, a term coined by Alice Walker, serves as a critical framework through which African women challenge patriarchal structures and reclaim their autonomy, emphasising race, gender, and class. The study explores how these novels depict womanism, focusing on individual empowerment, solidarity, and resistance to traditional gender roles. Odafen’s Tomorrow I Become a Woman illustrates the protagonist’s journey toward self-determination and education as a means of defying societal limitations. Medie’s His Only Wife highlights the transformation of Afi, who gradually rejects the oppressive expectations of an arranged marriage, asserting her autonomy in a patriarchal society. In contrast, May’s Wahala emphasises the importance of female solidarity and community strength as a form of collective resistance, offering a powerful example of mutual support among women. The research also examines how language, narrative structure, and dialogue discourse shape the representation of women in these texts. It shows how language functions both as a tool for resistance and a means of reinforcing gender norms. Through internal monologues, first- and third-person narrations, and character dialogues, the novels reveal the complexities of African womanhood and the ways women negotiate their identities amidst external pressures and internal conflicts. Furthermore, the study assesses the broader significance and implications of womanism, emphasising its role in fostering empowerment, solidarity, and independence among African women. It concludes that womanism provides a critical framework for challenging patriarchal practices and reshaping gendered identities in contemporary African societies. The findings suggest that future research should explore the evolving themes of womanism in contemporary African literature and its practical application in community-based initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality. Educators and policymakers are encouraged to incorporate these texts and womanist principles into curricula and programmes that promote women’s empowerment, autonomy, and leadership in African contexts.
An investigation of racial and gender dynamics in Coetzee’s Disgrace and Gordimer’s The House Gun
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-12-31) Shipanga, Iyaloo Ndafika
This study explored the intricate dynamics of gender roles within contemporary society, focusing on how these roles are constructed, maintained, and challenged across various contexts. Key findings revealed that traditional gender roles continue to exert significant influence on personal identity, professional opportunities, and interpersonal relationships. However, there is a notable shift towards more fluid and egalitarian understandings of gender, particularly among younger generations. The research highlighted the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors in shaping these dynamics and the role of media and education in promoting gender equity. Ultimately, this thesis will contribute to the ongoing discourse on gender by providing insights into the evolving nature of gender roles and the implications for policy and practice to foster inclusivity and equality.
Exploring liberation war atrocities in postcolonial autobiographies of Ndeikwila’s Agony of Truth and Angula’s SWAPO Captive
(Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2024-11-01) Shingereshu, Sevelinus Shingereshu
This thesis explored the brutal atrocities committed by various actors during the war of liberation struggle in Namibia. This study explored the representation of the liberation war atrocities in the postcolonial autobiographies of Ndeikwila’s Agony of Truth (2014) and Angula’s SWAPO Captive (2018). Both texts serve as poignant narratives that illuminate the personal and collective traumas experienced during the struggle for independence in Namibia. Through a critical analysis of these autobiographies, the study examined how the two authors confront the brutal realities of war which include betrayal, violence, and the moral complexities faced by freedom fighters. Ndeikwila’s Agony of Truth delves into the psychological and emotional toll of warfare, thereby portraying the internal struggles of individuals caught in the crossfire of conflict that promised liberation yet delivered suffering. In contrast, Angula’s SWAPO Captive recounts experiences of captivity and disillusionment with the liberation movement, thus highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals in pursuit of a broader social and political goal. By situating these autobiographies within the framework of postcolonial theory, this research underscores the significance of personal narratives in understanding historical injustices and fostering a deeper appreciation for the narratives of those who lived through these critical periods. Ultimately, the study aimed to reveal how these works contribute to a more nuanced understanding of postcolonial identity and the lingering effects of colonial violence on the contemporary African society.