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Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613744432939008 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Namufohamba, Martha |
| author2 | Khoza, Lindiwe Mhakamuni |
| author_browse | Khoza, Lindiwe Mhakamuni Namufohamba, Martha |
| author_facet | Khoza, Lindiwe Mhakamuni Namufohamba, Martha |
| author_sort | Namufohamba, Martha |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2024. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/131852 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | eng |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:41:00.939Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/131852 Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force Namufohamba, Martha Khoza, Lindiwe Mhakamuni Smit, Hendrik Adolf Petrus Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Science. School for Geospatial Studies and Information Systems. Military education Nambia. Namibian Defence Force Armies. Namiba -- Vocational education Armies. Nambia -- Vocational guidance Military physical education and training -- Namibia. UCTD Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2024. ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Staff development through continuing professional development (CPD) programmes is central to the improvement and retention of staff members in every organisation. The Namibia Defence Force (NDF) is no exception. The study explores the importance of CPD for military instructors in context of the NDF. It is aimed at evaluating the current CPD programmes of the Namibia Defence Force in order to determine the extent to which the NDF equips military instructors with the knowledge and skills required in the NDF. The four objectives of this study are: 1) to develop an instrument to be used towards identifying the knowledge and skills needed by military instructors in the NDF; 2) to investigate the factors that adversely and positively influence the successful implementation of existing CPD programmes for military instructors in the NDF; 3) to assess the current CPD programmes of the NDF in order to determine whether they equip military instructors with the knowledge and skills required of them by the NDF; 4) to develop a framework that can be used to construct a tailor-made professional development programme(s) for military instructors in the NDF. The study is grounded in Human Resource Planning Theory, Capability Theory, Curriculum Development Framework, and Appreciative Inquiry Theory. It employs an inductive qualitative research methodology, utilizing purposive sampling to select participants. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and document analysis (documented records, legislations, Memoranda of Understanding [MoUs] and reports). Interviews were conducted with a total of 50 individuals, comprising of four training officers from the Namibian Defence Headquarters, 15 training officers from various Namibian military institutions, 15 military instructors from the NDF, and 12 NDF trainees, as well as four officials from higher learning institutions in Namibia. Data was thematically analysed and presented in narrative form. The findings confirm the existence of human resources policies and CDF training directives that regulate CPD implementation for military instructors in military training institutions. Effective CPD programmes hinge on policy, governmental support, and professionalism. The study identifies three types of CPD programmes in the NDF: academic programmes offered by University of Namibia (UNAM); Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST); and Namibia Training Authority (NTA); military and in-service training provided by Namibia Command and Staff College (NCSC), Namibia Defence Force Training Establishment (NDF TE), School of Air Power (SOAPS), and Naval Training School (NTS); exchange programmes with partner countries. The study found that current CPD programmes yield positive outcomes for military instructors, training institutions, the NDF, and the nation as a whole. These benefits include enhanced competencies, a pool of qualified military instructors, increased motivation and job satisfaction, educational empowerment, a sense of belonging, cost savings on training resources, improved political stability and state security. However, challenges impeding effective CPD implementation were also identified. They include financial constraints, COVID-19, unfairness in selection of military instructors, lack of understanding of the importance of CPD, limited specialised fields of study, and bureaucratic hurdles. The study recommends that the NDF prioritise financial resources for CPD programmes for military instructors, offer incentives and rewards for qualified military instructors, develop individualised CPD programmes tailored to institutional needs, and secure active involvement of NDF leadership in transfer of knowledge from experienced instructors to new military instructors. The implications of CPD findings for the military in general underscore the importance of continuous skill enhancement for operational effectiveness. With military instructors benefiting from ongoing professional development, military personnel can receive training that is aligned with current strategic, technological, and tactical advancements. This leads to a more adaptive and capable force, better prepared for the complexities of modern defense operations. CPD fosters standardisation across training programmes, helping maintain consistent quality and compliance with international standards, which is essential in joint or multinational military exercises. Additionally, CPD promotes a culture of lifelong learning, which not only improves mission readiness but also strengthens leadership and boosts morale within the rank and files, contributing to overall force resilience and effectiveness. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie. Doctoral 2025-04-03T08:14:44Z 2025-04-03T08:14:44Z 2024-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/131852 eng Stellenbosch University xxi, 297 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Military education Nambia. Namibian Defence Force Armies. Namiba -- Vocational education Armies. Nambia -- Vocational guidance Military physical education and training -- Namibia. UCTD Namufohamba, Martha Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force |
| title | Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force |
| title_full | Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force |
| title_fullStr | Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force |
| title_full_unstemmed | Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force |
| title_short | Continuing professional development of military instructors in the Namibian Defence Force |
| title_sort | continuing professional development of military instructors in the namibian defence force |
| topic | Military education Nambia. Namibian Defence Force Armies. Namiba -- Vocational education Armies. Nambia -- Vocational guidance Military physical education and training -- Namibia. UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/131852 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT namufohambamartha continuingprofessionaldevelopmentofmilitaryinstructorsinthenamibiandefenceforce |