Marking a notable advancement in cultural heritage and scholarly communication, the University of Namibia’s research repository has been officially renamed UNAM Gā-aisib Repository. This change follows a university-wide competition inviting staff to propose a name that truly represents the essence of the institution’s academic and cultural values.
The winning name, Gā-aisib, was submitted by Dr. Ellison Tjirera from the Sociology Section in the Department of Social Sciences at the Main Campus and was chosen from an impressive 58 entries. Gā-aisib, a term from the local Khoekhoegowab language meaning “wisdom,” beautifully captures the essence and mission of the repository. As part of the competition, Dr. Tjirera won N$1000 in book vouchers.
Dr. Tjirera shared that the inspiration behind the name came from a dual motivation. “Firstly, the repository functions as a central hub for the University’s scholarly output and represents the collective wisdom and dedication of UNAM’s researchers in addressing societal challenges.
“Secondly, the name Gā-aisib aligns with efforts to decolonise institutional practices by valorising and popularising indigenous languages. This approach not only preserves linguistic heritage but also ensures that the name is accessible and easily embraced by the community,” he elaborated.
Dr Tjirera further remarked that what makes the name Gā-aisib ideal is that it’s easier to pronounce thus making it pick up traction quickly.
The University Librarian Dr. Joseph Ndinoshiho emphasised the repository’s importance in showcasing UNAM’s research output on a global scale. “The UNAM Gā-aisib Repository is a well-organised collection that makes the University’s research accessible worldwide, contributing significantly to UNAM’s academic reputation and ranking. The repository is growing and user statistics indicate that it is being used all over the world,” he said.
The renaming of the repository to UNAM Gā-aisib Repository not only underscores the institution’s dedication to academic excellence but also highlights a profound respect for cultural identity and linguistic diversity.
The competition for the repository’s new name, aimed to find a name that was original, distinctive, easy to remember, and reflective of one of Namibia’s recognised languages. After a meticulous review, Gā-aisib emerged as the ideal choice.
The UNAM Gā-aisib Repository can be accessed here: https://repository.unam.edu.na.
