Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

Indileni Lungameni Denies Leadership Vacuum Has Disrupted Municipal Operations

In Grootfontein, acting CEO of the municipality, Indileni Lungameni is rejecting claims that the leadership vacuum in the office of the CEO has harmed operations, citing milestones such as roadworks, smart water meters, and housing developments. But what is the plan regarding the position? What’s really going on behind the scenes? Lungameni clarifies all of this on Desert FM.

Mulunga Testifies in High-Profile Fuel Scandal

Former Namcor boss Immanuel Mulunga was on the witness stand in court yesterday, denying any wrongdoing in the high-profile corruption case linked to Namibia’s fuel sector. Highlights from the day included a luxury Audi Q8, millions in alleged losses, and key fuel supply contracts now facing serious scrutiny. Journalist Werner Menges, who has been following the case closely for The Namibian, joins Desert FM now to break it all down and update us on where things stand.

Rising Teacher Suicides Raise Alarm in Ohangwena

In a deeply sombre time for the education sector, reports show that sixteen teachers have taken their own lives in 2024 alone, including three tragic cases this past week in the Ohangwena Region. Joining us is Kavihuha Mahongora, Secretary General of the Teachers Union of Namibia, to help us understand what lies behind these numbers and what can be done to protect our teachers’ wellbeing.

Development Bank Demands N$29m from Elindi Brothers

Despite high-profile bail hearings for the Elindi brothers in the Namcor fuel scandal, there is a parallel legal battle, with the Development Bank of Namibia demanding N$29 million in unpaid loans linked to Enercon. To unpack the facts, context, and implications, joining Desert FM is the News Editor at The Namibian, Ester Mbathera.

Kavihuha Mahongora & Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp on teacher suicide in Ohangwena region

The Ohangwena region has been rocked by a wave of tragic suicides involving teachers, with three educators reportedly taking their own lives within the span of just three days. In the latest incidents, a teacher from Okongo is said to have died by suicide early Tuesday morning at around 07h00. Later that same evening, another teacher from Ohehonge Combined School, also in the Ohangwena region, reportedly took his own life at around 20h00. Mental health professionals have described these disturbing events as potential cases of 'copycat suicide', where one suicide may influence others, particularly in close-knit communities or professions. The alarming trend has raised urgent questions about the mental wellbeing of teachers, and whether many are silently battling depression and burnout without adequate support. Are our educators suffering in silence? What systems are in place to protect their mental health? And what more needs to be done? Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has issued a heartfelt message of condolence and concern following a spate of suicides involving three teachers in the Ohangwena region, calling the events one of the most painful moments of her tenure. To help us unpack these issues, we are joined on air by unionist Kavihuha Mahongora, who shares his perspective on the state of mental health among teachers and the urgent interventions needed.

Dawid Eigub speaks about his frustration over the party’s struggle to address persistent financial and governance challenges

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Chief Whip Dawid Eigub has expressed frustration over the party’s struggle to address persistent financial and governance challenges facing local authorities under its control, blaming what he describes as deliberate sabotage from the central government. Speaking to us in an exclusive interview, Eigub singled out Keetmanshoop – an LPM stronghold – as a municipality being stifled by what he claims is political interference.

Rasboom Mwemba on possible suspension of Katima Mulilo Town Council

Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has issued an ultimatum to councillors of the Katima Mulilo Town Council, demanding a detailed explanation for alleged governance and financial mismanagement by Friday, or face possible suspension or dismissal. The council faces the prospect of being suspended or fired altogether. The warning is contained in a letter dated 22 July 2025, in which the minister calls for immediate accountability from the council's leadership amid growing concerns over irregularities at the northern town’s municipality. The National Democratic Party (NDP), which holds influence in Katima Mulilo, has welcomed the minister’s intervention. However, the party is urging the ministry to act selectively and fairly. We spoke to party spokesperson, Rasboom Mwemba.

Shaun Gariseb talks about his aspiration to enter the political office as councillor of Katutura Central

As the local authority elections approach, reports suggest that activist Shaun Gariseb is considering entering the political office as councillor of Katutura Central. He joins Desert FM to clarify those reports.

Director General of the NPC Kaire Mbuende gives context around the NDP6 rollout

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah launched the much-anticipated National Development Plan 6, which she said is a blueprint for inclusive growth, job creation, clean energy, and higher incomes by 2030. But questions linger: Is this plan bold enough? Is it implementable or just another document as other political parties have noted? To give context around the NDP6 rollout, its consultative root and the strategic role of the National Planning Commission, is the Director General of the NPC Kaire Mbuende.

Stanley Shanapinda: Transforming Usakos into a smart city

Desert FM continues looking at Usakos, which has just signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Telecom Namibia to begin its smart city transformation journey. The agreement promises digital transformation, improved public services, and inclusive development. But some critics argue Usakos may be too small or under-resourced for such ambitions. Is this a bold leap into the future—or an expensive digital dream? Stanley Shanapinda, the Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Namibia, helps us understand the vision behind this move.

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