Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

IAM's Thuli Mwjara on the intersection of faith, sexuality, and human rights

Next, we turn our attention to an organisation that has been walking alongside Namibia for over two decades Inclusive and Affirming Ministries, or IAM. Their work is both unique and important, engaging directly with the intersection of faith, sexuality, and human rights. IAM is currently in Namibia for a series of high-level engagements meeting with influential faith leaders, LGBTI leaders, and strategic partners in Windhoek and Swakopmund. The aim? To assess the realities on the ground, strengthen partnerships, and deepen dialogue around issues that are often sensitive but crucial for building inclusive communities. Joining me now is Thuli Mwjara, IAM’s Strategic Advocacy Coordinator, to talk about the purpose of their visit, the conversations they’re having, and what this work means for Namibia and the region.

Dr. Mara Mberira on the link between our thoughts and mental well-being

Author Morna Ikosa writes that recent reports show that Namibia has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa. While financial distress is often cited as a leading cause, the real story runs deeper into our minds, our thought patterns, and how we process life’s challenges.She notes that experts like Dr. Caroline Leaf and Dr. Joe Dispenza point out that the vast majority of our daily thoughts are repetitive and alarmingly, most are negative. This toxic thinking can shape our mental, physical, and emotional health in profound ways. But here’s the hope: our brains can be rewired. We can learn to replace destructive thoughts with constructive ones, and reclaim a healthier mindset.Joining us now to unpack this is Dr. Mara Mberira, clinical psychologist, to talk about the link between our thought life and mental well-being and how we can start building healthier mental habits.

Paulus Hawanga on roll-out of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 in schools across Namibia

This conversation touches on a public health debate that’s been making headlines the roll-out of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 in schools across Namibia. While the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education assure the public the vaccine is safe and vital in preventing cervical cancer, some parents remain sceptical, citing fears, unanswered questions, and even conspiracy theories. To help us understand how parents have been reacting, whether they’ve been adequately informed, and how these concerns are being addressed, we’re joined by Paulus Hawanga, founder and interim president of the National Organisation of Parents in Education.

Councillor Nestor Kalola on water challenges faced by the Samora Machel constituency

We continue our conversation on Namibia's dwindling water resources: The latest Namibia Statistics Agency Atlas reveals that while some parts of the country have a fair share of boreholes and taps, others particularly high-density constituencies are facing severe strain on public water infrastructure. Take the Samora Machel constituency for example with over 92,000 residents and only 105 public taps, that’s an average of about 880 people sharing a single tap. It’s a number that paints a stark picture of the challenges facing communities in accessing one of life’s most basic needs. To help us understand the reality on the ground, we’re joined by Councillor Nestor Kalola of the Samora Machel Constituency.

NMT Foundation Study Explores Youth Political Participation

This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Young workers organising for democracy, justice and a better future”, resonates in Namibia, where young people are voting, mobilising online, and organising around issues that matter to them yet still face structural, economic, and cultural barriers to full participation. The NMT Foundation has released new research, Namibia’s Youth and Political Participation in the 2024 Presidential and National Elections, ahead of its official launch at YouthQuake Namibia 2025 on 15 August. Desert FM spoke to Shelleygan Petersen, Project Officer at the NMT Foundation, to unpack the findings and their implications for Namibia’s democratic future.

Hawala’s Death Sparks Renewed Calls for Truth

Former Defence Force chief and liberation struggle veteran Dumeni “Jesus” Hawala passed away at the age of 89. Some will remember him for his leadership in the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia. Still, for survivors of the infamous Lubango dungeons in Angola, his death marks another lost opportunity for the truth to emerge about the detention, torture, and deaths of Namibians accused of spying during the liberation struggle. One such survivor, Mihe Gaomab I, has long called for a truth and reconciliation process in Namibia to address this painful chapter of history. He joins Desert FM to share his reaction to Hawala’s death and what it means for survivors, the families of the missing, and the nation’s unfinished journey toward justice.

Men’s Workshop Targets Gender-Based Violence

With ongoing challenges around funding and implementation, conversations around gender equality and the role of men in that regard. A recently held men engagement’s workshop organised by Women’s Action for Development (WAD) and funded by the European Union has sparked the conversation again. Joining Desert FM is James Itana, Executive Director of Regain Trust and facilitator of the workshop, to discuss how this is a key initiative to challenge harmful gender norms and involve men in the fight against gender-based violence

Monika Kristof on Namibia's water poverty challenges

According to the 2023 Namibia Statistics Agency Atlas, there are stark regional differences in how Namibians get their water. Across the country, we have around 7,150 boreholes and 3,500 public taps, which averages out to about 59 boreholes and 29 public taps per constituency. But the numbers tell a deeper story. Take Samora Machel constituency for example with a population of over 92,000 people, there were just 105 public taps in 2023. That means nearly 880 people sharing a single tap. It’s a reality that paints a clear picture of the pressure on our public water infrastructure, especially in densely populated areas. To unpack these statistics and what they mean for everyday Namibians, we’re joined by Monika Kristof, Analyst from the Harambee Economic Intelligence (HEI) team.

Hidipohambo Vatilifa on allegations of financial mismanagement and internal factionalism within SWAPO’s Okahandja district

We turn our attention to a storm brewing within SWAPO’s Okahandja district: Allegations of financial mismanagement, unauthorized withdrawals, and internal factionalism have sparked petitions, locked offices, and calls for audited reports. The claims point to deep concerns about transparency, leadership appointments, and accountability ahead of the next election cycle. To shed light on these matters, we’re joined by a member of the district executive, Hidipohambo Vatilifa, to respond directly to these allegations and outline the way forward.

Windhoek Hosts Inaugural Commonwealth Youth Dialogue to Shape Global Priorities

From 4 to 8 August, Windhoek hosted a landmark event, the first-ever Commonwealth Youth Council Consultative Dialogue under the theme “Reimagining Youth Leadership: Strengthening Systems for Sustainable Impact.”The event brought together young leaders, policymakers, and advocates from all 56 Commonwealth countries to discuss pressing issues such as climate leadership, gender inclusion, education, employment, and digital innovation. More than 200 youth participants contributed to shaping what is expected to become the Windhoek Declaration, setting youth-informed priorities for the Commonwealth moving forward.Joining Desert FM is Nadia Araes, Namibia’s National Youth Delegate to the Commonwealth Youth Council, to share insights from the dialogue.

128 de 144