University of Namibia Department of Political Science

The University of Namibia Political Science or UNAM Political Science Department, is a department within the University of Namibia's Faculty of Economic and Management studies in Windhoek Namibia. It is responsible for directing research and teaching programs in the fields of political science and social science. The department was first established in 1992 at the founding of the university. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees level in Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science International Relations and Philosophy some of which are interfaculty linked.[1][2]

UNAM Political Science Department
TypeUniversity Department
Established1992
Parent institution
University of Namibia
Vice-ChancellorKenneth Matengu
PrincipalPhanuel Kaapama
DeanJacob Nyambe
Academic staff
12
Administrative staff
3
Students500
Undergraduates450
Postgraduates45
5
Address
340 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue, Pioneers Park
, , ,
CampusUNAM Main Campus
LanguageEnglish

Recognition and research edit

The department has been the centre of key Namibian policy shift since its formation. It has also produced several notable political leaders to its ranks. Its Professor Emeritus André du Pisani has published over 50 research projects in mapping the future of Namibia since 1990. Phanuel Kaapama who heads the department has also at the appointment of President Hage Geingob been a chairperson or deputy chairperson of committees set up to revive the Namibian economy.[3][4]

The department has also been a "training ground" for many political office leaders. Since its formation, it has contributed most members to the UNAM SRC than any department of the university with both Job Amupanda and Joseph Kalimbwe going on to elected Presidents of the 25 000 member student union in 2009 & 2017. Others include David Nangolo and Nahus Angula.

Amupanda went on to become the youngest  Deputy dean in the history of the University of Namibia at the time of his appointment in 2016. In his book Kalimbwe described the department as "a highly competitive academic atmosphere, an absolute training ground for future political battles".[5]

In April 2019, deputy president of Landless People's Movement (Namibia) Henny Seibeb graduated from the department.

Notable alumni edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Faculty of Economic and Management Science - Political and Administrative Studies". University of Namibia. 31 October 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  2. ^ Nhongo, Kaula. "Unam needs a strategist: Academics - Windhoek Observer". Observer.com.na. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  3. ^ "African Books Collective: Professor Andre du Pisani, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Namibia". Archived from the original on 2019-04-26. Retrieved 2019-04-26.
  4. ^ "Some people's history matters more than others' – Du Pisani". The Namibian. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  5. ^ Kalimbwe, Joseph (2016-10-02). Persecuted In Search of Change. Performance Development Centre.