Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

Lüderitz mayor, Phillipus Balhao on Namibia’s first-ever salmon farming project

A development that could redefine the economy of Lüderitz and turn Namibia into a global aquaculture player - Namibia’s first-ever salmon farming project has received N$41 million in new funding and is officially moving ahead near Lüderitz. Spearheaded by the African Aquaculture Company, this project aims to produce thousands of tonnes of salmon annually, with the first harvest expected by late 2026. If successful, it could grow into a billion-dollar export industry, creating hundreds of jobs and reducing our reliance on costly salmon imports. International investors have taken note - and it’s all thanks to Namibia’s cold Benguela Current, which offers perfect conditions for salmon farming. Joining Desert FM to talk about what this means for Namibia, is Lüderitz mayor, Phillipus Balhao.

Rosy Schaneck on the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Council Dialogue

From 4 to 8 August, Namibia will host one of the most significant youth platforms on the continent - the Commonwealth Youth Council Dialogue, right here in Windhoek. With youth unemployment, climate anxiety, digital inequality, and policy exclusion dominating conversations across Africa, this dialogue promises to move beyond rhetoric and into action. Joining us now is Rosy Schaneck, Africa Regional Representative on the Commonwealth Youth Council.

Simon Namesho on UNAM's drive to establish Department of Applied Nuclear Science

Namibia is making bold moves. The University of Namibia has announced it is finalising plans to establish a Department of Applied Nuclear Science - a first-of-its-kind for the country. This school will focus on nuclear energy, medicine, agriculture, and water technologies, and forms part of the country’s long-term development strategy under NDP6. But how will this school work? Who will fund it? How safe is it? And most importantly, how will it benefit ordinary Namibians? To help us understand the scope and implications of this ambitious plan, we are joined by Simon Namesho, spokesperson of the University of Namibia.

Ndumba Kamwanyah: The fall and fall of African liberation movements

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has just returned from the Liberation Movements Summit held in South Africa over the weekend, where several former revolutionary parties gathered. The summit comes at a time when support for many of these liberation movements has declined significantly. But can such a gathering help these parties regain voter confidence, adapt to the rising wave of post-war pro-democracy movements, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape? To help us unpack these questions, we’re joined by political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah.

Drug rehabilitation specialist Lindsay Ackerman on Namibia's drug problem

A total of 24 people from six towns across Namibia were arrested for drug possession over the weekend. The growing number of drug users and continued arrests suggest that the country is fighting a war it may not be winning. This raises the question: are the police targeting the right people? With arrests largely focused on users and low-level dealers, concerns are mounting that major drug networks and cartels are being overlooked. To help us explore and understand this complex issue, we’re joined by drug rehabilitation specialist, Lindsay Ackerman.

UNAM students Florence Indongo and Tasha-Miswa Marwizi on their initiative to promote constitutional awareness in the Khomas region

Namibia has witnessed a steady decline in its reading culture over the years, particularly among young people, a trend often attributed to the rise of social media. Despite the increased accessibility to books through the internet, many youths show little interest in reading, especially when it comes to the Constitution. The foundational document is rarely approached as everyday literature or used as a practical guide to understanding economic and political systems. In response to this gap in legal awareness, a group of final-year students from the University of Namibia has launched an initiative aimed at promoting legal literacy across the Khomas region. Florence Indongo and Tasha-Miswa Marwizi spoke to Desert FM about their drive to promote constitutional awareness in the Khomas region.

City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya reacts to the /Khomas Rate Payers and Residents petition

The /Khomas Rate Payers and Residents handed over a detailed petition to the City of Windhoek today. Their grievances cover several key areas - from unfulfilled debt write-offs for pensioners, to persistent challenges within the Built-Together housing scheme, lack of coordination between municipal departments, and critical service delivery failures in relocated areas like Okapale. Joining us for this discussion is City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya, to shed light on how the municipality is responding to these demands.

Shaun Gariseb on pensioners being targeted by scammers

Next, we focus on a developing and deeply troubling situation involving pensioners’ transactional accounts at Nampost. A recent post by the Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners has alleged that a syndicate may be infiltrating pensioners’ accounts, making unauthorized deductions and adding unknown beneficiaries. One such case involves Ouma Petrina Sikela, who, like many others, only discovered the discrepancies after her money had already been deducted. Joining us to shed more light on this disturbing issue is Shaun Gariseb, a well-known Katutura community activist, who has been advocating for and assisting affected pensioners.

NABTA's Pendapala Nakathingo on the growing tensions within Namibia's public transport sector

We turn to growing tensions within Namibia’s public transport sector: A group of taxi drivers recently staged a protest at the Ministry of Works and Transport, raising concerns about the growing presence of e-hailing services such as Yango, LEFA, and InDrive. Their message? These app-based services are eating into their livelihoods, allegedly operating with lower prices, unfair advantages, and without permits - all while formal taxi drivers must comply with strict and sometimes delayed licensing procedures. To unpack these concerns and understand the road ahead for the industry, we’re joined by Pendapala Nakathingo, Secretary General of the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA).

IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge on 16 local authorities that are currently without CEOs

16 local authorities are currently without CEO's. Politicians have said that this is affecting service delivery. Some have gone without one for over two years. While the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development blames poor political leadership at the council level, questions are being raised about whether the minister himself has followed the correct legal and legislative procedures in trying to fix the problem. Joining Desert FM is IPC spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge to delve into the matter.

136 de 144