Desert FM 95.3

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Walvis Bay businessman Kobus van Schalkwyk joins Swapo’s local authority list

Walvis Bay businessman Kobus van Schalkwyk has been placed at number eight on Swapo’s local authority list for the upcoming elections.Van Schalkwyk made headlines in August when he invited Swapo leaders to address the harbour town’s worsening service delivery issues a move the IPC dismissed as a political stunt.He insists that his actions were driven by a desire to fix Walvis Bay not politics. Van Schalkwyk says his nomination, reform petition and vision for council are all part of his commitment to improving services in the town. Desert FM spoke to van Schalkwyk about his vision for Walvis Bay residents.

Sankwasa’s leadership style criticised

Recent decisions by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa have stirred debate on whether he is overstepping his powers. This week, Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi said Sankwasa is “destroying councils” with an “iron fist leadership,” warning that the minister has no jurisdiction to dictate how elected councils use their budgets. Desert FM speaks to LPM’s Ivan Skrywer to unpack his party’s concerns.

Picture of burnt elephant at Etosha questioned

An image of an elephant with severe burns at Charl Marais Dam at Etosha National Park has ignited fierce debate. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism initially labelled the photo “fake,” but it has since been confirmed that it was taken with a Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera on 28 September by photographer Koos Reyneke. Desert FM speaks to Reyneke.

Seibeb’s chieftaincy questioned

Dâure Daman chief Sagarias Seibeb is fighting a move by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to have him degazetted and stripped of state recognition. To understand how this tug-of-war is being felt at the grassroots level, Desert FM speaks to Tsiseb conservancy management committee secretary Gregory Huseb.

Energy company RWE withdrawal highlights need for indigenous consultation on green hydrogen projects

Sima Leibert, a member of the Nama community, speaks to Desert FM on the implications of German energy giant RWE pulling out of Namibia’s green hydrogen project, stressing the importance of free, prior, informed consent for indigenous communities and calling for greater government accountability on ancestral land rights.

Workplace safety concerns grow despite 1,300 inspections

Ndjizuvee Haakuria, Secretary General of the Public Service Union of Namibia, speaks to Desert FM on the urgent need for stronger workplace safety oversight, warning that thousands of workers remain vulnerable despite 1,300 inspections this year.

Minister Sankwaza’s leadership style divides opinion

Community activist Shaun Garisep says Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa’s tough stance on local authorities has sparked political backlash but is winning support from residents who want accountability.

Ephraim Shozi reflects on stormy five-year term at Walvis Bay council ahead of elections

As the 26 November 2025 local authority elections draw closer, Walvis Bay municipal councillor Ephraim Shozi looks back on a turbulent five years in office.Shozi has been at the centre of heated disputes ranging from the controversial role of debt collector RedForce to internal council clashes, persistent service delivery complaints over refuse removal and road maintenance, as well as the pressing issue of housing provision. In an interview with Desert FM, he reflects on the challenges controversies and lessons from his term and what lies ahead for Walvis Bay’s residents.

Analyst stresses importance of national asset register

With Namibia’s national asset register valued at over N$47 billion, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi reported that the government owns more than 8 200 immovable assets including schools, clinics, offices, and railway infrastructure. To highlight the importance of the register, Desert FM speaks with public policy analyst Marius Kudumo.

Etosha fires damage land

Namibia’s flagship conservation spot, Etosha National Park, is reeling from one of the worst veld fires in decades. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has confirmed that over 34% of the park, roughly 775 000 hectares, has been scorched. To unpack this, Desert FM speaks to Gitta Paetzold, chief executive of the Hospitality Association of Namibia.

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