Levi Namaseb's 42-year academic legacy

From the mines of Rössing to the lecture halls of the University of Namibia (Unam), Levi Namaseb has devoted over four decades to studying and teaching African languages.

His linguistic career began at Cornelius Goreseb High School in Khorixas, where teachers inspired him and his classmates “to go beyond matric no matter the circumstances”.

That encouragement set the foundation for a career defined by resilience, scholarship and service.

Global partnerships

Namaseb joined Unam in July 1984, initially training in administration but soon shifted his attention to African languages.

He pursued Khoekhoegowab studies, completing a BA, honours, and MA at the University of Natal, followed by a PhD at the University of Toronto.

Along the way, he published widely on the phonetics, grammar, and lexicon of San languages, collaborating with linguists from the United States of America (USA), Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK).

“My success can be ascribed to collaboration,” Namaseb told Careers, acknowledging the global partnerships that contributed to his work.

Despite challenges, including teaching courses from first to fourth year alone, Namaseb remained committed.

“Some years I taught all courses just by myself without any student assistant or colleague,” he recalled.

He described a distinctive teaching style, including conducting lectures in Khoekhoegowab, which he said offers “a huge mutual encouragement to the class”.

Students are encouraged to challenge theories, engaging critically with grammar, syntax and tonology. “Students change our theory by critically getting involved,” he said.

Unabated passion

Namaseb’s contributions extend beyond Khoekhoegowab.

He has conducted serious research on ǀNuuki, ǃKhû, and Zuǀhōasi and hopes to pilot studies of languages around Katima Mulilo.

"Hard work pays in academia, both materially and spiritually," he noted.

"Keep your integrity visible to your employer, students and the community at large," he advised young lecturers.

Even at 69, Namaseb balances weekly lectures with weekend farming.

“Lots of work and challenges keep me on my toes. No time to relax in the real sense of the word, till today,” Namaseb said.

His lasting legacy will be a well-established department of Khoekhoegowab studies at Unam, a testament to his lifelong dedication to Namibia’s linguistic development.