Desert FM 95.3

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Robin Lewis: Betsy, cooking oil, and life-saving bone marrow transplants

Now, we take you on a road trip unlike any other—a journey powered not just by purpose, but also… by cooking oil! The founders of Numinous Expeditions, a humanitarian-driven travel initiative born out of a life-changing moment in 2017. After recovering from a bone marrow transplant, Jolandie Lewis made a promise to live a life of meaning - and together with her partner, Robin, they hit the road across Africa in a truck named Betsy, driven by compassion and, quite literally, vegetable oil. Joining us now is Robin to talk about their mission, the mechanics behind running a truck on used cooking oil, and the extraordinary lives they've touched through projects like Matches on the Map, which recently celebrated a real, life-saving donor match.

Irmgard Rannersmann on the 2025 Namibian National Symphony Orchestra Festival

Next, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most anticipated musical events on Namibia’s cultural calendar — the NNSO Concerto Festival 2025. Taking place this coming weekend at the National Theatre of Namibia, this annual showcase brings together classical masterpieces and the incredible talents of Namibia’s youngest musicians, some as young as 8 years old! Joining us to talk about this celebration of youthful brilliance and orchestral excellence is Irmgard Rannersmann, Chairlady of the Board of Directors at the Namibian National Symphony Orchestra.

Frederico Links: The hits and misses of Namibia’s tendering process

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is making significant progress in its investigation into alleged corruption within the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The Namibian understands that a former medical supplier to the ministry, along with a close relative and a former executive director, have been ordered to surrender their passports as part of the probe. The investigation appears to involve a complex network of irregularities linked to medical tenders, suppliers, and high-ranking officials, potentially exposing systemic abuse within the public healthcare procurement process. This decisive action by the ACC could serve as a critical test of its independence and effectiveness, especially under the country’s new presidential administration. A transparent and thorough investigation may help restore public confidence in state institutions, signalling a renewed commitment to accountability and the rule of law at the highest levels of government. We spoke with Frederico Links, who has written many times on Namibia’s tendering process.

Dr Matuikuani Dax on increasing alcohol consumption in Namibia

Namibia consumes more alcohol per capita than most countries on the continent and the consequences are staggering. From rising road deaths to overburdened hospitals, alcohol-related harm is no longer just a personal issue, it's a national crisis. Despite laws that restrict alcohol sales on Sundays and public holidays, it’s still widely available even at fuel stations and in residential areas. According to the World Health Organization, enforcement of Namibia’s Liquor Act remains weak, and 12.7% of our adult population engages in binge drinking. Dr Matuikuani Dax, a medical researcher at UNAM’s School of Medicine, joined Desert FM having given more context and opinions to the matter.

Dr Ndumba Kamwanyah on changes in executive directors across several ministries

The Namibian government has once again shuffled its top administrative leadership with executive directors across several ministries reassigned, some just months after their initial appointments. The changes, announced by the Prime Minister’s Office, have raised serious questions about the stability of governance, staff morale, and the transparency of decision-making within the state. Public policy and political analyst Dr Ndumba Kamwanyah joins Desert FM to help us understand the implications and what this might tell us about the direction of Namibia’s public administration.

Akser Aupindi on visit to Okahandja state hospital

The Deputy Mayor of Okahandja, Akser Aupindi, has written a strongly worded letter to the Minister of Health, raising the alarm over a shocking shortage of doctors, nurses, basic supplies, and even cleaners. Aupindi joins Desert FM, explaining more as to what his visit was like and what measures are being put in place to assist the hospital.

Ministry Tackles Declining Learner Performance with 'Ending Learning Poverty' Campaign

The Ministry of Education launched a three-day campaign titled ‘Ending Learning Poverty for All in Africa’ to address declining learner performance. To unpack what learning poverty looked like in Namibia and how it could be tackled, we were joined by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp.

Shark Island Handed Over to Heritage Council

Shark Island will no longer operate as a tourism site, following Cabinet’s approval to transfer management from NWR to the National Heritage Council. We spoke to NHC director Erica Ndalikokule on what the change means.

BREAKING: Dr. Bernard Haufiku details corruption at Ministry of Health

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has ramped up its investigation into alleged mismanagement involving over N$600 million in medicine tenders. Former suppliers, ministry officials, and even a relative of a senior executive are reportedly under scrutiny. But this is not a new story: Back in 2020, former health minister Dr. Bernard Haufiku handed over files alleging inflated drug prices, collusion between suppliers and ministry staff, and irregular procurement practices.And years earlier, his professional fallout with then-permanent secretary Andreas Mwoombola stirred headlines. Mwoombola has since publicly denied allegations of wrongdoing, calling them “false and unsubstantiated,” and even accused Dr. Haufiku of interfering with tender processes and promoting favoured suppliers. With the stakes this high — involving taxpayer money, public health, and integrity in procurement — we speak directly to Dr. Bernard Haufiku, to unpack what really happened, where accountability lies, and what reforms are urgently needed.

Dr. Omo Kakujaha-Matundu on whether Namibia should forge its own monetary path

The Bank of Namibia recently unveiled newly designed coins and polymer banknotes under the theme “Our Currency, Our Heritage, Our Pride.” A symbolic move that celebrates national identity and security innovation but, here’s the contradiction: while we carry the Namibia dollar, its value is still pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. And even more troubling - the rand is accepted in Namibia, while our dollar isn’t accepted across the border. So, is Namibia truly monetarily independent or are we still stuck in South Africa’s economic shadow? To help us unpack this and explore whether it's time for Namibia to ditch the currency peg and forge its own monetary path, we’re joined by respected economist Dr. Omo Kakujaha-Matundu.

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