Browsing Faculty of Humanities by Title
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Kelaotswe, O.N. (Boleswa Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy (BJTRP), December NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the practices of traditional healing and how they are integrated or rejected by the African Independent Churches (AICS)in Botswana. The paper argues that in spite of some doubtful elements of rejection in the AICS, there is a large degree of integration of healing in the AICS Botswana. The story of this paper is based on a long discussion with a prophet healer who does not have a clear view of his position with respect to integrartion of healing in the AICS and traditional healing. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/352 Files in this item: 1
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Otlogetswe, T.J.; Bagwasi, M.M. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper explores the linguistic contexts, uses and meanings of the colour terms ntsho (black) and tshweu (white) in Setswana. Using a corpus data, the paper argues that the two terms display cultural and linguistic meanings which are sometimes lacking in Setswana dictionaries and certain translations. The analysis of the data reveals that the two colour terms collocate with a variety of other words in the language to result in a complex array of meanings. Further, the analysis reveals that while traditionally ntsho is associated with negative semantics, it is used in a variety of senses to celebrate heroes and heroines in Setswana culture. In a similar way, tshweu has ngative senses in certain limited contexts. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/856 Files in this item: 1
Otlogetswe_MJLL_2008.pdf (2.264Mb) -
Mekgwe, P.; Smith, A.M. (Indiana University Press, www.iupress.indiana.edu, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Acclaimed Edinburgh-based author Alexander McCall Smith is a professor of Medical Law and a prolific fiction writer. He has written over fifty books. It is, however, with the fictional character Ma-Ramotswe that his name is most readily associated. Ma-Ramotswe is the protagonist in McCall Smith’s Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series, which comprises six novels to date. The seventh and last in the series, Blue Shoes and Happiness, is to be released in 2006. The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series is widely read in thirty-two languages across the world. The novels are set in Botswana, where McCall Smith was previously in the Department of Law at the University of Botswana. The author retains a strong relationship with the country and its people. In July 2004, Alexander McCall Smith visited Gaborone, Botswana, to begin work on adapting The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series into a film. In this interview with Pinkie Mekgwe, McCall Smith talks about the importance of creating a character who represents “all that is fine in the human condition” in an era and geopolitical space where nihilism reigns. The author opens up on his life, work, awards, and future possibilities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/968 Files in this item: 1
Mekgwe_RAL_2006.pdf (1.127Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Library Management; Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.; www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister; www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This article seeks to answer one basic question: “Are archival institutions in the Eastern and Southern African region developing, stagnating or receding backwards?” Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews the state of archives and records management in the Eastern and Southern African region. It argues that many archival services in the region have gone through a period of retardation and are in dire need of revitalization. Findings – The article indicates that the challenges of managing electronic records are enormous and that unless measures are taken the region stands to lose much of its valuable historical and cultural heritage. Originality/value – The article suggests various ways of revitalizing archival services in the Eastern and Southern African region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/57 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mnjama_archival_landscape.pdf (4.734Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services is seen as a success story by many other African archival institutions. The Department has made major strides in developing records services, opening five regional centres and partially automating most of its finding aids. However, as this article indicates, major aspects of managing public sector records remain chaotic and regulations governing the management and disposal of public records are flouted by many Civil Servants. The article concludes by suggesting that the time has now come for the National Archives to focus on the management of the entire life cycle of records rather than managing only the preservation stage. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/108 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mnjama_kenya_2003.pdf (1.793Mb) -
Alimi, M.M.; Bagwasi, M.M. (Sage Publications http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Using samples from local newspapers, letters and public speeches, this article argues that English assimilates to and reflects the Botswana culture through borrowing and semantic modification. It discusses those terminologies and expressions that depict the cultural values of Batswana in the usage of English in Botswana. Two types of borrowed items are discussed: those depicting old traditional practices that cannot be translated into English (kgosi and mophato) and those reflecting recent socio-political experiences in Botswana including the HIV/AIDS threat (tebelopele and omang). The people’s culture is also expressed by items such as brigade and the lands that have been semantically modified. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/728 Files in this item: 1
Alimi_JAAS_2009.pdf (1.466Mb) -
Bennett, B.S.; Bolaane, M.M. (African Studies Center, Boston University, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The article is about the inter-war history of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, in which it was alleged that Tshekedi Khama, regent of the BaNgwato (1925-1949), was persecuting a small group of people for practicing Anglicanism, thus violating the official monopoly of the London Missionary Society (L.M.S.). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/747 Files in this item: 1
Bolaane_IJAHS_2010..pdf (1.411Mb) -
Gerhan, D.R.; Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the technical reasons for excessively slow internet speeds at the University of Botswana, to discover the present state of development efforts addressing such examples of the qualitative digital divide, and to recommend remedies. Design/methodology/ approach – Surveys of students, the authors' professional experiences, and reports from corporate, public, and intergovernmental organizations provided insights into the effects – and causes – of internet slowdown. Findings –Bandwidth bottlenecks were identified in successive stages of intercontinental internet traffic. Causes included network design and capacity, telecommunications regulations, and competing budgetary demands within Botswana. Research limitations/implications – Much of the literature on the digital divide has stressed plentiful hardware and internet connections in affluent societies versus their scarcity in developing societies. This study illustrates that hardware and connections are necessary but not sufficient for adequate online performance. Technological advance and development can each stimulate the other, and that two-way interconnection necessitates more than a simple call for more spending to increase developing countries' bandwidth. The paper presents recommendations in addition to higher funding. Originality/value – Student and other micro-level data serve as measures for the local performance of a global utility, the internet. Tracking message transmission uncovers bottlenecks along the path of the intercontinental internet, specifically as it reaches Africa. These “street-level” approaches can assist the international aid community, the telecommunications industry, and the public sector in Botswana and elsewhere in removing obstacles to the internet as a potentially important tool for national- and human-development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/796 Files in this item: 1
Gerhan_LHT_2005.pdf (1.566Mb) -
Monaka, K.C. (National Inquiry Services Centre, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The conventional composition of the English syllable is captured in the template: CQ^ Vi^ CQ''. This means that the onset accommodates a minimum of zero and a maximum of three consonants, the coda a minimum of zero and a maximum of four, whilst the nucleus takes a minimum of one and a maximum of two vowels. This article focuses on the onset constituent, and argues that the English onset branches twice instead of three times. It argues that the conventional three position onsets are derived from word initial consonant clusters, and that these onsets do not appear to hold word medially where only onsets with two positions appear to be attested. Motivating evidence is drawn from other languages, specifically Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, because it is believed that, except for the coda, the binary branching nature of syllable constituents is universally imposed in the worid's languages. Also, no one language or dialect can exhaustively account for all linguistic phenomena — evidence to demonstrate an otherwise systematic behaviour of a phonological unit may have to be drawn from other languages or dialects. A brief overview of the Optimality Theory account of syllable onset is given, and areas of overlap are noted. Description: Some symbols may not appear the same as in the original abstract URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/735 Files in this item: 1
Monaka_SALALS_2007.pdf (2.111Mb) -
Jain, P.; Thapisa, A.P.N. (Emerald, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The question of low productivity in Botswana is a cause of concern and a study has been carried out into perceptions about productivity in a sample of academic and public librarians. The main barriers to productivity were a lack of: job satisfaction, technological facilities and employee empowerment, together with poor management, working environment, relationship among staff, and inefficient use of human and material resources. The authors suggest that a serious culture change is required which would involve modifying both management and employees attitudes towards work, behaviour and commitment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/824 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LM_2000.pdf (709.6Kb) -
Makgala, C.J.; Botlhale, E. (Routledge (Taylor and francis), www.routledge.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This account of tribal finances in Bechuanaland Protectorate under British colonial rule argues that while the treasury dispensation made the tribes responsible for their finances, it also brought about a new dynamic and challenge in tribal communities as a result of a new monetary and financial system. Little or inadequate remuneration led to low morale, theft, and the employment of incompetent personnel in some instances. The colonial authority needed the chiefs to run tribal affairs and for political stability. As a result, chiefs often escaped unpunished whenever they were involved in peculation of funds. On the other hand, when tribal revenue workers did the same they were harshly dealt with. Efficiency and corruption in the treasury system differed from one area to another and was dependent on the character of the chief in the area. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/924 Files in this item: 1
Makgala_AHR_2008.pdf (2.701Mb) -
Kalusopa, T. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – This paper attempts to discuss some of the key challenges that Zambia faces in the application of information communication technologies (ICTs) for the small-scale farmers. Design/methodology/ approach, A survey of information needs of small-scale farmers in two selected provinces was carried out in order to establish and prioritize their information needs. Evaluation of the existing information infrastructure provided insights into the type of ICTs that can support the provision of information to small-scale farmers in Zambia. Findings - The paper highlights some of the salient findings of the research carried out under the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Zambian Chapter and financed by the International Development Research Foundation (IDRC) from 2001 to 2003. These, among others, include: weak human capital and technical infrastructure, lack of clear national information policy and lack of a coordinated agricultural information support system for small-scale farmers anchored on ICTs. Research limitations/implications – This study illustrates that it is becoming increasingly evident that the success of any agricultural development programme in Zambia requires a well organized and functionally integrated information delivery system propelled by the application of appropriate ICTs. The paper presents recommendations for this to be realized. Originality/value – The changes in the socio-economic and political arena in Zambia have had a drastic effect on the management of the agriculture sector. Further, even though it is widely acknowledged that information plays an important role in agricultural and rural development in Zambia, this conception has received less pragmatic attention and seems to have been less consolidated over time. The central role of information in this sector has thus been largely superficial. The need for a clear national policy framework on the use of ICTs for the small-scale farmers to enhance national development is thus articulated in this paper. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/764 Files in this item: 1
Kalusopa_LHT_2005.pdf (897.5Kb) -
Amanze, J.N. (Edinburgh University Press, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Argues that although Botswana is predominantly a Christian country, belief in and veneration of ancestors continues unabated. Ways in which the resilience of ancestor worship is based on the fact that it is the core of the Tswana Traditional Religion; Creation of another brand of Christianity that is attracting many Batswana Christians because they feel it is relevant to them as Africans in their struggle for human existence. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/765 Files in this item: 1
Amanze_SWC_2003.pdf (6.527Mb) -
Bwalya, Kelvin Joseph (May 14, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: The emergence of knowledge economies and extensive use and adoption of ICT in business entities have placed more pressure on governments to implement e-Government in their public service delivery platforms. For some of the governments, implementation of e-Government follows no explicit strategy but is done with a loosely coordinated approach. A properly designed e-Government implementation strategy with input from the local context is desired if implementation were to be deemed successful. Because of efficiencies brought about by the adoption and appropriate use of ICT in businesses and other private sector entities, e-Government is slowly becoming a sine qua non for responsive and transparent governance and is seen as one of the most important ingredients to national competitiveness. Using a desk literature review, this paper emphasises the different factors that should be considered when developing e-Government projects, especially in Africa. The paper discusses the basics of e-Government readiness in Zambia by analysing the different initiatives that are being put in place to encourage e-Government development, and analyses the balance between the back-end and front-end applications in public delivery platforms. The paper posits that a lot needs to be done if proliferation of e-Government applications was to be attained in Zambia and that future Zambia and that future e-Government strategies should be implemented within the realm of community informatics. This entails the application of ICT aimed at personal, social, economic, cultural and governance development of and within communities. It is anticipated that the adoption of a community informatics approach will enable the citizens to buy-in to the different e-Government applications and thereby guarantee continued usage. This paper presents factors which may act as reference points when e-Government strategies are being drawn for the SADC region. Description: A discussion paper URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1146 Files in this item: 1
Bwalya_Unpublished_2011.pdf (3.081Mb) -
Chirikure, S.; Pwiti, G. (University of Chicago Press, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Community archaeology has conferred an alternative dimension on conventional archaeology and heritage management, empowering previously powerless peoples, particularly the indigenous and local communities that have lost rights to their heritage through colonialism. So important has its impact been that there has been only limited reference in the literature to its problems. Examination of case studies from various parts of the world reveals that problems associated with defining what a community is and who is indigenous, coupled with the existence of multiple communities with multiple interests, have sometimes diminished the utility of the approach. In some cases, archaeologists and heritage managers have been unwilling to give up some of their powers and have continued to view local communities as only passive partners. In others, local communities have considered their views and concerns more important than those of the archaeologists. As a result, the so-called equal partnerships between archaeologists and communities have disappointingly ended up as uneasy relationships. Without effective solutions to some of these problems, community archeology may remain a goal to be pursued rather than becoming standard practice. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/471 Files in this item: 2
Chikure_CA_2008.pdf (908.4Kb)Chikure_CA_2008.pdf (908.4Kb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – This paper analyses the opinions of the Botswana National Library Service’s (BNLS)Headquarters (HQ)staff and staff of the Botswana public libraries on strategic human resource management issues, which were tested by six hypotheses. Design/methodology/ approach – The analysis was carried out by statistical means. The t-test was the method used for comparing the two groups’ mean scores. Analyses were repeated using the Chi-squared test. Findings – The study identified a number of issues where staff had differences of opinion: changing employees’ expectations about work, transformational leadership, job satisfaction, performance feedback and delegation of responsibility. The paper briefly discusses the issues where the status of the library influenced staff opinions. Research limitations/implications – It is to be noted that the data collected from HQ has to be used with caution because the number of respondents there was smaller than the respondents from public libraries. Practical implications – The author throws light on human resource management techniques in the everyday library environment. This paper may help policy makers to identify ways in which they can motivate their employees; it may help policy planners to identify their staff’s different requirements. Originality/value – This paper provides a useful and insightful application of a general human resource management tool to the specific organizational context of public libraries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/771 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2005.pdf (1.185Mb) -
Morapedi, W.G. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This article focuses mainly on the Tuli block and Ghanzi farming areas because they were and still are the most economically viable. The aim of this article is to draw a comparison between the labour situation in Ghanzi and the Tuli Block farms during the protectorate years, specifically from 1930 to 1966. These two areas lie in two extreme ends of Botswana. The Ghanzi farms lie in the dry highlands of western Botswana, close to Namibia. In the 1930s and early 1940s Ghanzi was a peripheral area, having little contact with the rest of the country and the settler economy being largely subsistence. The Tuli Block is in the valley bushveld of eastern Botswana close to the Transvaal (now Limpopo province).By the 1930s and 1940s, this area had already adopted commercial farming. It is interesting to compare these two areas because while one would expect many similarities under British protection, the contextual variations that existed also created divergences that invite comparisons. Whites (predominantly Afrikaners) from South Africa owned the farms in both areas, but there were different regional variations, different ecological zones and ethnic workforces that make an interesting comparison. These key aspects of the farming areas and their implications will become clear as the study unfolds. Another interesting comparison is between the different ethnicities that provided labour within the Ghanzi farms. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/506 Files in this item: 1
morapedi_AS_2007.pdf (2.681Mb) -
Oladokun, O. (Routledge (Taylor & Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The study investigated the information seeking behaviour of two categories of distance learners in Botswana, comprising the cross border students and those that registered with the University of Botswana. The return of 364 duly completed questionnaires recorded 70.1 percent response rate. Cross tabulation and chisquare were made to relate the independent variables to the findings and establish possible influence where appropriate. The study made recommendations that could assist the providers of distance education on the information milieu in which distance learners operate generally in Africa and Botswana in particular and also lead to the improvement of students’ use of information resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/656 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_JLISDL_2010.pdf (1.331Mb) -
Ojedokun, A.A.; Lumande, E. (Sage Publications, http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The development of cooperative electronic networks and consortia by academic libraries in Southern Africa allows them to provide seamless access to electronic information resources while sharing the cost of access. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/925 Files in this item: 1
Ojedokun_ID_2005.pdf (858.6Kb) -
Amanze, James N. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the preventative role of condoms in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. It will be argued in this paper that because of the magnitude, severity, devastation and complexity of the HIV/AIDS pandemic there is great need to advise people to use condoms as one of the weapons in the fight against this deadly disease. The primary objective of this advice is to save human lives, though this of course quite often compromises moral standpoints. Failure to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by all means available is like entering into a covenant with death, which may consequently lead to the eventual depopulation of Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1030 Files in this item: 1
Amanze_BNR 2000.pdf (1.292Mb)
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