Desert FM 95.3

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NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata on major boost for Namibia’s 2026 World cup dream

Nearly N$1 million was raised at a high-profile gala dinner in Windhoek for the Brave Warriors' 2026 World Cup campaign. Held under the theme “One Team, One Dream, One Nation”, the event brought together government officials, corporate entities in Namibia, and football enthusiasts all determined to see the Brave Warriors on the world’s biggest stage. Joining Desert FM to unpack the significance of this milestone, and what lies ahead for the campaign is the spokesperson of the Namibia Football Association, Isack Hamata.

Donatus Tegako, Walvis Bay Rural Constituency Councillor land dispute in Walvis Bay sparks accusations of unfair treatment

Following the demolition of 50 shacks belonging to land squatters in Kuisebmond, allegations of discrimination have surfaced. Some residents claim that illegal land occupants are receiving “special treatment” over those who have waited for years on official housing lists. The eviction was carried out based on a court order obtained by the private landowner. However, the fallout has raised critical questions about policy, compassion, and fairness in land distribution. Joining Desert FM is Donatus Tegako, Walvis Bay Rural Constituency Councillor, he shares more on the situation.

Knowledge Ipinge on Shell concerns for Namibia’s Oil and Gas sector

Namibia's offshore frontier was once a hotspot for bold global explorers, only to see Shell pull back and downgrade the country from its priority list. The PEL 39 block has seen billions spent and nearly ten wells drilled, with some ultimately written off due to technical and geological difficulties. Joining Desert FM is Knowledge Ipinge, the founder of the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers, to share more on the impact and the readiness plan for local service firms.

Outer Dollar Debate Raises Questions of Cultural Sensitivity and National Identity

The Bank of Namibia is under fire over its newly introduced N$1 coin, which many Namibians have jokingly and some, seriously, dubbed the "Outer Dollar." While the central bank says the coin symbolises economic exchange and national commerce, public outrage continues to grow, with calls for an apology and cultural sensitivity training. Political scientist and commentator join Desert FM, Rui Tyitende governance and social cohesion to fully unpack the matter.

Stefan Kühn speaks to Desert FM about his bronze medal win at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi

Today, we shine a proud spotlight on a young Namibian who has made history on the international stage. At the recently held 2025 The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, Stefan Kuhn etched his name into the record books by becoming Namibia’s first-ever medalist at the competition, walking away with a hard-fought bronze medal in the Youth 97kg heavyweight division after defeating Georgia’s Nikolozi Dzamashvili by split decision. Stefan also received a gold medal at the African Games in May. It’s a story of grit, sacrifice, and national pride - and we’re incredibly honored to have Stefan Kuhn, along with his father Phillip Adrian Kühn, join us live in studio today.

Local Authority Elections on the Horizon Vincent Kanyetu shares more on political party readiness

With local authority elections on the horizon, new political players are stepping into the fray. One such party is the Action Democratic Movement (ADM), officially registered in mid-2024 under the leadership of Vincent Kanyetu, a veteran of Namibian politics. Although ADM secured just 0.21% of the vote in last year’s national polls, its founder now says the party is preparing to contest local councils with fresh structures and clear development plans.

UNP Prepares for First Election says Sakaria Amos Likuwa, Chief servant of the UNP

Namibia’s political landscape continues to evolve. The United Namibians Party (UNP), headquartered in Rundu and led by Sakaria Amos Likuwa, was officially registered by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in 2024. The party’s founders promise to unite Namibians, combat hunger, and promote equal access to opportunities across all regions, despite the UNP currently having no branches and having yet to contest any elections. Joining Desert FM is Sakaria Amos Likuwa, Chief Servant of the UNP, to share how the party plans to enter the race, build support, and deliver on its promises.

Forgotten in Samora Machel: residents speak out ahead of elections

Today, we examine the Samora Machel Constituency in Windhoek, where many residents claim that the councillor, Nestor Kalola, is rarely present, the regional council office has been closed for weeks, and people feel forgotten. Desert FM joined by Joseph Fernando, a resident of Samora Machel, to help us understand what is happening on the ground.

Former health minister Bernard Haufiku speaks to Desert FM about his consultancy work with Chinese pharmaceutical firm Jiangsu Aidea Pharma

Former health minister Bernard Haufiku has defended his consultancy work with Chinese pharmaceutical firm Jiangsu Aidea Pharma, saying the partnership aimed to introduce affordable HIV medication in Africa and collaborate with Namibian universities. Haufiku recently come under fire for facilitating a meeting between the Ministry of Health and the Chinese pharmaceutical company - while also being a vocal critic of inflated tenders and so-called “middlemen” in the health procurement space. Critics are asking: Is there a contradiction in Dr. Haufiku’s recent facilitation of foreign drug suppliers while calling out middlemen as a cancer in the system? Is he walking the talk - or playing both sides? Desert FM spoke to Haufiku for his side of the story.

McHenry Venaani on reshuffle of Executive Directors

Members of the opposition have reacted to the second reshuffle of the Executive Directors, as announced this week by Secretary to the Cabinet Emilia Mkus. All in all, eight executive directors (EDs) have been redeployed to new ministries. The ED of information and communication technology, Audrin Mathe, moves to the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, replacing Nghidinua Daniel, who has been transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. Nghidinua takes over from Etienne Maritz, who is set to retire. Moreover, Erastus Haitengela will be the new ED of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, while Gerard Vries will be the ED responsible for sport, youth and national service in the same ministry. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata will be the ED responsible for agriculture and land reform in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, while Teofilus Nghitila will be responsible for water and marine resources in the same ministry. But former official opposition leader, McHenry Venaani, says this is not the best way to do it, especially when trying to deal with EDs accused of corruption.

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