Browsing Faculty of Humanities by Subject "Botswana"
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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) -
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) -
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) -
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) -
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) -
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) -
Bolaane, M.M.M.; Kanduza, A.M. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This discussion is a critical assessment of the role of cultural factors in promoting tourism in Botswana. From the 1990s, the Botswana Government’s policy on tourism focused on involving local community participation in tourism by making Botswana cultural heritage one of the cornerstones of tourism. This policy included goals of alleviating rural poverty and promoting sustainable resource management. Communities in urban and rural areas were challenged to market their cultural knowledge such as holding court, traditional Botswana hospitality, performance arts and handicrafts in attracting international tourists. This policy of engaging communities in cultural tourism caused tension in relations with policies launched earlier. Since independence in 1966, the Government of Botswana followed economic policies which promoted private sector participation and partnerships. From the 1970s, the private sector was particularly courted to participate in tourism in order to attract famous and rich tourists such as entertainment actors to Botswana. This promoted a strategy and vision called ‘low volume –high price market tourism’. The Government hoped to use its reputation for good governance and economic management to attract rich tourists. It was anticipated that through cultural tourism, local communities in various parts of the country would become involved and benefit. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/867 Files in this item: 1
Bolaane_BNR_2008.pdf (111.0Kb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students’ competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other’s work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of elearning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/743 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_OIR_2006.pdf (1.931Mb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald Publishing Group td; www.emeraldinsight.com/oir.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach - The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings - Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students' competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other's work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. Research limitations/implications - The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Practical implications - The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Originality/value - Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of e-learning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/168 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutulakalusopaetal2.pdf (498.7Kb) -
Jain, P.; Nfila, R.B. (Emerald, http://www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how libraries and information centres can play a key role in national development through strategic working partnerships with Government and other stakeholders. Methodology - The paper is based on literature Review and practical examples. Findings - The paper finds that Botswana Government has formulated Maitlamo policy for the development of public libraries and through this policy partnerships have been established by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP) through the Sesigo Project, and another partnership has been between parastatal organizations such as Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Botswana National Library Services (BNLS). Originality - The paper suggests the potential areas of partnerships that include community development, youth development, music and sports, cultural activities and indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/840 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2011 (60 (5).pdf (1.072Mb) -
Jain, P.; Mutula, S.M. (Sage Publications, www.sagepub.com, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Presents the findings of a questionnaire survey carried out to determine the scope of IT diffusion in Botswana in the context of the National Vision 2016. The study was aimed at establishing the extent of IT use in the country; identifying the constraints and opportunities of IT diffusion and recommending the way forward. The target population comprised of IT-related government departments, IT training institutions, IT vendors and IT-oriented parastatals. The survey was confined to the capital, Gaborone and produced a response rate of 90 percent. The results showed that 98 percent of participants believed that the scope for IT diffusion in the country was good. However, several constraints were identified, including lack of skilled manpower, lack of IT policy, inadequate IT infrastructure, inadequate private sector participation, tendering procedures that favour foreign companies more than local companies, absence of clear mission statements for IT diffusion within organizations, lack of understanding of the use of IT by management and fear of retrenchment by staff. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/842 Files in this item: 1
Jain_ID_2001.pdf (916.6Kb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge. Design/methodology/ approach – The paper is based on a literature review. Findings – The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africa’s development. Research limitations/ implications – The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in-depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country. Practical implications – The paper supposes that in spite of all these variations and implications KM can be adapted for indigenous knowledge. The paper contributes in terms of the literature review to showing how tacit knowledge can be managed using ICT. It can be useful for the researchers and knowledge workers. Recommendations are made concerning what needs to be done to improve ICT conditions in Africa such as: ICT policy formulation; literacy programs; legal and regulatory framework; manpower training; and empowerment of local people. Originality/value – Little has been done in Africa to explore the potential of using ICT as a mechanism with a knowledge management approach, in the thrust of Africa’s development. This paper proposes how it is possible to use ICT to manage and disseminate indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/846 Files in this item: 1
Jain_EL_2006.pdf (1.502Mb) -
Mutshewa, A.; Rao, K.N. (Emerald, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Libraries are changing their modes of delivery at a very fast rate. This article describes how the University of Botswana library has advantage of the new technologies to enhance its service to its patrons. The University local network is used to bring library electronic resources to the desktops of the patrons in their offices. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/423 Files in this item: 1
Mutshewa_LHT_2000.pdf (563.3Kb) -
Bagwasi, M.M. (Multilingual Matters and Channel View Publications, http://www.multilingual matters.com, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: In multilingual societies such as Botswana, language use is an extremely complex matter, further compounded by the fact that the languages involved are themselves dynamic phenomena that often elude the planned outcomes of policies which try to shape and constrain them. The paper describes the functional distribution of the national language Setswana, spoken as a mother tongue by 80% of the population, and English, the official language in Botswana. The role of the two languages is outlined, with particular regard to cultural identity, on the one hand, and social and economic status on the other. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/831 Files in this item: 1
Bagwasi_LCC_2003.pdf (692.5Kb) -
Haron, M. (Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, http://academic.sun.ac.za/tsv/Scriptura/scriptura.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Southern Africa's Muslim minorities have been growing at a steady pace through procreation, conversion and migration. These Muslim communities have rooted and embedded themselves onto the Southern African soil and have contributed in varied ways to the respective countries where they reside and live. Apart from South Africa's well documented Muslim community, very little attention has been given by scholars to the Muslim communities in its neighbouring states. When one surveys the region, it becomes evident that nothing substantial has been written about the Muslims in Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho except for a few popular journalistic articles, and that few attempts have been made by scholars to write about the Muslim communities in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. This article will therefore try to look at the last mentioned country with specific focus on the Gaborone Muslim community. This article complements the academic studies that have been produced in 1989 and 1998/2000 respectively. This article mainly focuses itself upon the contemporary developments that have taken place in Botswana's capital city where most of the Muslims reside and work. It intends to pinpoint, describe and briefly analyse all the major role players and institutions that are around and that have contributed towards creating a unique Gaborone Muslim community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/150 Files in this item: 2
haron_gaborone_muslimcommunity2006.pdf (214.9Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Akpabio, E. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The state of Botswana and the University of Botswana have made avowed commitments to gender equity. The former has done so by signing up for and implementing various protocols aimed at enforcing gender justice and the latter by mainstreaming gender in its various processes activities and operations. The main focus of this study is to find out if this commitment to gender mainstreaming is reflected in the University's house journal - UB Newsletter. This is because of the media's ability to influence the public agenda by focusing the audience attention on particular issues, thus guaranteeing the salience of such issues in the minds of audience members. The study universe was the content of the newsletter over a six year period - 2000 - 2005. Content categories were academic, non-academic/social, appointment, and interviews. The study examined physical units, involving examination of the space devoted to activities and achievements of members of staff. The findings indicated that male members of staff dominated in all the content categories in the editions of the publication analyzed, thus giving the erroneous impression that the University of Botswana is a man's world. Flowing from these findings, the study recommends that the Public Affairs Department engage in gender-aware reporting in order to redress the situation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/686 Files in this item: 1
Akpabio_BJAS_2007.pdf (4.728Mb) -
Bolaane, M. (Blackwell Synergy; The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com, August NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a background discussion on the impact of game reserve policy on Bugakhwe, " River BaSarwa" (Bushmen/San people) in Eastern Ngamiland. The issues of local community ownership and its relationship to perceptions of what constitutes a rural development, and the problems of land rights, wildlife management and settlement, are important in the booming industry of the Okavango region. When the Moremi Game Reserve was created in 1963, the San of Khwaai were moved out and relocated in their present position, at the north gate of the Moremi Game Reserve. The question of access to traditional land and its resources has characterized the BaSarwa's response to the government's Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) initiative of 1995. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/229 Files in this item: 2
Bolaane_SPA_2004.pdf (4.085Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Bolaane, M. (Wiley-Blackwell, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a background discussion on the impact of game reserve policy on Bugakhwe, “River BaSarwa” (Bushmen/San people) in Eastern Ngamiland. The issues of local community ownership and its relationship to perceptions of what constitutes a rural development, and the problems of land rights, wildlife management and settlement, are important in the booming industry of the Okavango region. When the Moremi Game Reserve was created in 1963, the San of Khwaai were moved out and relocated in their present position, at the north gate of the Moremi Game Reserve. The question of access to traditional land and its resources has characterized the BaSarwa’s response to the government’s Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) initiative of 1995. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/535 Files in this item: 1
Bolaane_SPA_2004.pdf (2.049Mb) -
Chebanne, A. (Routledge (Taylor and francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The Khoisan people are one of the indigenous peoples of Southern Africa. Botswana has the greatest diversity of these autochthonous communities. As ethnic minorities, they are characterized in the main by small numbers, aboriginality, and necessitousness compared to other ethnic communities who readily engage modern socioeconomic dynamics of the country. They are generally marginalized and their ethnic and social identity is completely eclipsed because in Botswana they are lumped together in cultural and language development with the main society and this has only exacerbated their plight as they are reeling under assimilation and marginalization. This situation has the effect of ethno-linguistic endangerment as they lose their individual ethnic and linguistic identities. Their agitations for ethno-linguistic preservation rights have been put in the lime-light by Human Rights NGOs. This paper examines the condition of these people within the current monolithic cultural framework, which has the effect of annihilating the Khoisan. It argues that handling the Khoisan issues within a multicultural discourse framework would be the most palpable way to cater for their continued existence as indigenous communities. It is through their languages, their preserved ethnicity, and within a framework of multicultural discourses that they can best communicate their identity through their culture. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/999 Files in this item: 1
Chebanne_JMD_2010.pdf (1.755Mb)
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