The UNAM Press publishing unit was officially launched in February 2012 by Vice Chancellor Professor Lazarus Hangula. This is an important milestone in the history of the University and of publishing in Namibia. Ten years previously, in 2002, and in honour of the University’s 10th anniversary, the UNAM Press imprint was first introduced to publish academic books written by UNAM scholars. In its 20
th year, the University established a dedicated UNAM Press publishing unit, with a Publisher, Editorial Manager, and Administrative Officer. The unit reports to the Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research, Professor Osmund Mwandemele. UNAM Press’s publishing programme is guided by the UNAM Press Policy approved by Senate in 2011, and the relevant Committee of Senate. However, during 2013 the UPC was merged into the broader Research and Publications Committee. An Editorial Board, selected by the Research and Publications Committee, works with the UNAM Press unit to implement policy and approve or reject publication proposals and manuscripts. Submissions go through a rigorous peer-review process. The vision of UNAM Press is to be the leading publisher of scholarly research and innovation in Namibia. We publish works on topics related to Namibia and the Southern African region, reflecting the strengths of the University and the best scholarship in and on Namibia and the region. Published and future titles include studies of culture and languages; nation building and democracy; education; law; history; autobiographies; the environment and sustainable development. UNAM Press thus plays a vital role in fulfilling the vision and mission of the University, as defined in its key statements, by:
• Disseminating the results of the university’s research across a broad spectrum of real-world problems, in order to communicate and share this research with others and so contribute to nation-building.
• Serving as a repository for the preservation, development and articulation of national values and culture, through the promotion of Namibian history, art and languages.
• Engaging with society in the creation and dissemination of knowledge.
• Becoming a treasure house of knowledge at the service of national development.
