Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

Pius Dunaiski addresses Indian Prime Minister visit to Namibia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in Namibia for a landmark state visit – his first to the country in nearly 30 years. The visit underscores a deepening of bilateral ties, particularly in areas of biodiversity, trade, strategic minerals, and diplomatic cooperation. India and Namibia have collaborated closely in recent years – from the high-profile cheetah relocation project to educational exchanges and growing trade in diamonds and uranium. As both countries look to strengthen their engagement within frameworks like BRICS and the Global South, this visit is being closely watched as a possible turning point. To give his more context on the significance of this diplomatic moment and what it could mean for Namibia’s global partnerships, we were joined by former ambassador to India, Pius Dunaiski.

Tannan Groenewald unpacks Namibia’s reclassification to a lower-middle income country

Namibia has been reclassified by the World Bank from an upper-middle income to a lower-middle income country in its FY2026 income classification update. This makes Namibia the only country globally to have been downgraded this year. The World Bank cites a slower economic growth rate and weak performance in the mining sector as key contributors. To make sense of all this, we were joined by Tannan Groenewald, Head of Data & Analytics at Cirrus Capital.

Rodrick Likando discusses the call for N$100,000 compensation for human deaths caused by wildlife

Namibia’s Human-Wildlife Conflict Self-Reliance Scheme is once again under the spotlight. Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP and shadow environment minister, Rodrick Likando, recently called the current N\$100,000 compensation for human deaths caused by wildlife “insufficient” and even “undermining to the dignity” of grieving families. He also raised concerns about limited community benefit from conservation and tourism, despite rural residents bearing the most risk. But what exactly is he proposing and how practical or sustainable are those solutions? He joins us to explain.

Olga Rossler speaks on the closure of Bedrock Montessori School in Luderitz

In Lüderitz, a town witnessing a surge in green hydrogen and oil investments, the sudden closure of Bedrock Montessori School has sparked alarm. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture states that Bedrock operated without official registration, failing to separate its educational activities from a residential property. With exams approaching, affected parents worry about disrupted learning. Principal Olga Rossler now speaks out. We explore whether this decision jeopardises both student futures and Lüderitz’s reputation as an investment hub.

Mathews Phosa discusses the passing and legacy of former SA Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza

South Africa is in mourning following the passing of former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza. Known to many as “DD,” Mabuza served as deputy president under Cyril Ramaphosa from 2018 to 2021 and previously held the post of Mpumalanga Premier. His political career spanned decades—from anti-apartheid activism to the upper echelons of national leadership. As tributes pour in, we speak now to Dr. Mathews Phosa—a fellow Mpumalanga leader, freedom fighter and ANC NEC member. He shares his reflections on Mabuza’s political life, his legacy, and what his death means for the ANC and the country at large.

Martin Lukato Lukato unpacks a moratorium on granting official state funerals

The Namibian Cabinet has placed a moratorium on granting official state funerals from 16 June 2025 until 31 March 2026, following a spate of high-profile liberation-era deaths. While the government says this is meant to review and reform the funeral honours system, questions around transparency, cost, and political fairness in state funerals have long persisted. Opposition voices have been calling for clearer guidelines and public accountability. Joining us is Martin Lukato, president of the National Democratic Party (NDP), to weigh in on what this moratorium means for national unity, remembrance, and state responsibility.

Johan Coetzee discusses the latest crisis at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency and its implications on SOE governance

From botched boardroom battles to multi-million-dollar mismanagement, Namibia’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) continue to dominate headlines – and not for the right reasons. The latest crisis at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) reveals just how fragile governance structures have become. Acting CEO Richwell Lukonga has been removed by the new Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Natangwe Ithete, amid serious concerns over succession politics, board interference, and alleged asset sell-offs. Political and public policy analyst Johan Coetzee joins us to unpack what this says about SOE governance in Namibia and what needs to change urgently.

Katrina Nomboga unpacks robberies trageting service stations and cash in transit vehicles

Armed robberies targeting service stations, businesses and cash-in-transit vehicles are becoming an alarming trend in Windhoek. Just yesterday, robbers made off with over N$500,000 during a brazen heist at a service station, raising fresh concerns about public safety, crime prevention strategies and the operational risks faced by businesses. Joining us to unpack this worrying development is Assistant Superintendent Katrina Nomboga of the Windhoek City Police.

Ricardo |Gôagoseb : Spokesperson for Hyphen Hydrogen

Local leaders say the hyphen hydrogen project represents more than just innovation — it’s a symbol of hope, jobs, and economic upliftment.

Lydia Amutenya

The City of Windhoek has proposed a 4% weighted average electricity tariff increase for the 2025/26 financial year, aligning closely with NamPower’s recently approved 3.8% bulk tariff adjustment.

144 de 145