Abstract
M.A.
There are various opposing versions about what went on in Namibia during the years preceding its liberation from the South African ' colonialist ' rule. Clarity in this regard is blurred by the reality that the various accounts about what happened are influenced by the political inclination of those who tell them. Two viewpoints are however clear. Firstly to those who were supportive of the South African colonialist rule over Namibia, it represented the last resistance point before South Africa itself in terms of fending off the influence of communism and the chaos that African governance is associated with , could bring peace and stability in this region. Secondly to those who were supportive of the struggle by the Namibian African majority for, it represented one of the last two black spots in the continent where Africans were shamed by the yoke of colonialism and where their values as Africans and their self-determination had to give way to the will and whims of a tiny minority with neo-fascist inclinations.
In this thesis the aim is to look at the effect of militarism on the Namibian population especially in the fields of education, health and family life. It is not a detailed account of South Africa 's military involvement , but a general view with the focus on certain crucial areas. Militarism was the main method used by the apartheid government to
suppress the struggle for freedom. During the years of warfare the education system partially collapsed because of pressures put on the teachers and scholars by the South African military authorities as well as by the disruption caused by the movement of troops and battles between SWAPO soldiers and the SADF. In many areas the SADF took over the educational system in the place of local teachers. As in the case of the schools the South African authorities also occupied the health centres (Clinics and hospitals) in Namibia. Certain mission hospitals and clinics were closed to stop them from aiding SWAPO. This led to deteriorating health service in those areas. The Namibians looked upon this actions as the further extent:Ion of South African colonialism in their country. Family life was also influenced strongly by the war in Namibia. The
indigenous economy was disrupted family in the war zones were resettled , people were killed, tortured , arrested and Jailed when suspected of aiding SWAPO cadres . In general family life suffered under the harsh conditions brought about by the war.