Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

Charmaine Tjirare dives into PDM resignation

Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Charmaine Tjirare announced her resignation from the party after a number of recent resignations. She is the fifth PDM member to resign from the party after Vakamuina Kamutuezu, Yvette Araes, Esmeralda !Asbes and Shonena Nathanael resigned last week. She gives Desert FM more insight into this move and what’s happening at the PDM.

Akser Aupindi on Otjozondjupa governor interfering in Okahandja matters

Otjozondjupa governor John Khamuseb is under fire after Okahandja deputy mayor Akser Aupindi accused him of interfering in council matters. This comes after Khamuseb wrote to the municipality’s chief executive to halt land surveying and allocation of plots to two people at Okahandja. Aupindi speaks to Desert FM to provide more context.

Romeo Muyunda on the EIF’s proposed Green Industrial Zone in Namibia

In a significant stride towards sustainable development, the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) is advancing a proposal for a Green Industrial Zone, aiming to secure €25 million (approximately N$625 million) in funding under the Mitigation Action Facility. Shortlisted among the top 20 out of over 500 global submissions, this project is poised to position Namibia as a regional leader in green industrial transformation. The proposed zone, located at Farm 58 in the Erongo region, plans to host renewable energy projects, sustainable manufacturing, clean technology industries, and natural resource value chain development. We are joined by the Fund's spokesperson Romeo Muyunda to unpack the potential impact of such a facility.

Hildegard Bentele on her 2025 Namibian visit

The European Parliament's Committee on Development Deputy Chair, Hildegard Bentele, is visiting Nambia from September 17 to 19, 2025. This high-level mission, alongside EU Commissioner for International Partnerships H.E. Jozef Síkela and other senior MEPs, aims to strengthen the EU-Namibia partnership. The delegation will focus on advancing Namibia's green industrialization strategy, particularly in green hydrogen and critical raw materials, under the EU's Global Gateway initiative. During their stay, they will engage with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, key decision-makers, and visit EU-supported projects to assess their impact on sustainable development and job creation. Bentele joins us in studio for an in-depth look at this visit.

Jackson Muma on his journey from PR to CEO of the Okongo Town Council

Today we’re joined by a familiar name in Namibia’s communications world – Jackson Muma. Many of you know him for his work in Public Relations, but he has since taken a bold step into leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of Okongo Town Council. We’ll be talking about his journey, the challenges of moving from PR to the boardroom, and his vision for Okongo.

Osire refugees on not receiving monthly financial benefits

We turn our attention to the Osire Refugee camp where the UNHCR works with the Namibian government to support refugees and asylum seekers, who predominantly live at the Osire Refugee Settlement. In early 2025, there were over 6,500 refugees and asylum seekers in Namibia, a number that has recently increased due to new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). One of the refugees has written to the UNHCR and various authorities, pleading for urgent intervention. He claims that despite being officially registered, many families at Osire are not receiving the money, while others who have been resettled outside Namibia still appear on the beneficiaries list. To help us understand this crisis from the perspective of those directly affected, we spoke to Victor Afande and Nto Divine.

Ndumba Kamwanya on pros and cons of Namibia's oil and gas future

Namibia’s recent oil and gas discoveries have been hailed as a game-changer for our economy, with promises of jobs, growth, and billions in government revenue. But there’s also a word of caution. The Institute for Public Policy Research’s executive director, Graham Hopwood, has warned against overselling the dream reminding us that overpromising could leave citizens disillusioned if the benefits take longer to materialise. A new Deloitte baseline survey predicts around 12 000 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction and production phases, but questions remain: how realistic are these figures, and what lessons can Namibia draw from past resource sectors like diamonds and uranium? To help us unpack this, we’re joined by political analyst Ndumba Kamwanya.

Clement Kaukuetu on sea-based salmon farm in Lüderitz

A major development in Lüderitz could change not only the town but also the country’s economic landscape. A sea-based salmon farm is projected to create about 5 000 jobs over the next 15 years. The project, led by the African Aquaculture Company, promises opportunities in farming operations, processing, distribution, sales, and even marine competencies like diving and vessel operations. But beyond job creation, this venture also has potential to diversify Namibia’s economy and boost our exports. To help us understand what this really means for Namibia, Country director for African Aquaculture Company, Clement Kaukuetu spoke to Desert FM.

Sakaria Johannes on NNN's claims that service delivery would suffer without SWAPO in power

Opposition parties have criticised SWAPO president Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah for claiming that service delivery will be impossible if the ruling party does not win the upcoming regional and Local authority elections. Ndaitwah said form material evidence it is clear that should there be some areas where SWAPO will not have a strong majority service delivery will be delayed. For a critical analysis on this statement I am now joined by political analyst, Sakaria Johannes.

Bernadus Hargeib on Office of the Prime Minister ending drought relief programme

We turn our focus to the Office of the Prime Minister - the office tasked with mitigating drought relief efforts, which recently has announced the end of the drought relief programme. This is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen Namibia social safety nets while avoiding too much dependency on government by the citizen - a move that if effectively implemented can lessen the financial burden significantly. Tto unpack what the OPM’S move means for those who depend on it, we are joined by seasoned Development Practitioner Bernadus Hargeib.

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