Scholars welcome Dr Niikondo’s book
Dr Andrew Niikondo, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs and Research at the Polytechnic of Namibia launched his book titled, – The Management and Administration of Development in the Southern African Development Community Region.
Dr Niikondo is the main author and editor of the book, while seven other academic scholars made some significant contribution to the book.
Niikondo said that the book is designed to equip students with the analytical, methodological and practical expertise needed to make a positive contribution to development in Namibia, SADC and in other countries with which they are actively involved.
“In particular, it helps students to acquire a range of tools for the formulation of appropriate responses to a diverse range of problems, including those relating to productive capacity, inter-sectoral integration, economic and social diversification and self-sufficiency,” he said.
Guest speaker Hon. Andimba Toivo ya Toivo said the book will generate new energy and self-confidence amongst citizens in general and the youth in particular.
“In a period of history when some elements in our country might have some doubts about the remarkable strengths and dynamism of our people to write, books, in this way, the book will help dispel doubts and despair,” he said
“I therefore call upon young Namibian academics to follow this brilliant example,” he added. concluded.
Dean of Students at the Polytechnic of Namibia, Dr Frieda Shimbuli, acknowledged the other contributors to the book, which include, Prof Charles Keyter, Professor of Public Management at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Prof Darma Mahadea an Associate Professor in the School of Economics and Finance at the University of KwaZulu_Natal, Prof Eleni Sfakianaki from the School of Social Science at the Hellenic Open University of Greece, Prof Imitrios A. Giannias the Dean at the School of Social Sciences also from the Hellenic Open University in Greece, Dr Johan Coetzee, Senior Lecturer at the Polytechnic of Namibia, Prof Marina Metzger, Professor of Monetary Economic at Berlin School of Economics and Law and Prof Shameem Ali, Associate Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean in the faculty of Management Science at the Polytechnic of Namibia.
Niikondo thanked his co-authors and said that after teaching Development Management for many years, he experienced a serious challenge because all books that he was using become obsolete and there were no more books in stocks.
“Eventually, I decided to take the bull by the horn to write my own book, I had enough material, but I also need co-authors worldwide to contribute chapters in order to give the book an international flavour,” he said.
Niikondo concluded by quoting Terry Pratchett who said “The only superstition I have is that I start a new book on the same day that I finish the last one, even if it’s just a few notes in a file. I dread not having work in progress”.
