Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

Karonda questions Parliament leave system, warns against executive overreach

SONU president Evilastus Kaaronda has criticised the growing debate around leave of absence in Parliament, saying the current system remains effective and should not be politicised. He also warned that requiring the President to approve the Speaker’s leave risks undermining the separation of powers.

Nekundi denies interference allegations amid Namport controversy

Transport minister Veikko Nekundi is at the centre of a controversy following reports that he allegedly instructed the Namibian Ports Authority not to divert business from a company linked to the president’s son, raising concerns about governance, conflict of interest and transparency, allegations he strongly denies. Speaking to Desert FM, Nekundi addresses the claims directly, clarifying his position and responding to growing public scrutiny.

Shafudah tables N$104 billion budget as tax measures take centre stage

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled a N$104 billion 2026/27 national budget, projecting N$89.8 billion in revenue and about N$15 billion in borrowing, while raising sin taxes and managing N$16.2 billion in interest payments amid expanded commitments such as subsidised tertiary education and public wage adjustments. Speaking to Desert FM, Chantell Husselmann the PwC Namibia country senior partner and head of tax provides a technical tax-focused analysis, highlighting N$9.8 billion in processed refunds by the Namibia Revenue Agency and improved turnaround times.

Excise hikes in N$104 billion budget raise food security concerns

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled a N$104 billion 2026/27 national budget, projecting N$89.8 billion in revenue and about N$15 billion in borrowing. This includes higher excise duties such as an increase in tobacco tax from N$22.81 to N$23.58 per pack of 20 cigarettes and a 3.39% rise on alcoholic beverages, while the old age grant rises modestly to N$1 700 per month amid a constrained N$6.5 billion development allocation. Speaking to Desert FM, Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia director Ben Schernick unpacks how sin taxes and excise adjustments intersect with food insecurity, poverty and household vulnerability.

All eyes on 2026/27 budget as Shafudah tables national spending plan

All eyes are on finance minister Ericah Shafudah as she tables Namibia’s 2026/27 national budget amid rising public debt, cost-of-living pressures and mounting expectations for economic growth with fiscal discipline. Speaking to Desert FM, economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu unpacks what the budget could mean for ordinary Namibians, businesses and the country’s long-term economic stability.

PDM meets president as youth unemployment tops agenda

Youth unemployment remains one of Namibia’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. A delegation from the Popular Democratic Movement, led by its president, McHenry Venaani, recently paid a courtesy visit to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to discuss critical national concerns. Speaking to Desert FM, Venaani unpacks the discussions, proposals tabled and what the engagement could mean for young Namibians moving forward.

Spyl gears up for congress as Nekongo eyes re-election

The Swapo Party Youth League is preparing for its next national congress, a pivotal event expected to shape the youth wing’s leadership, with secretary Ephraim Nekongo widely seen as likely to seek re-election, possibly unopposed. Speaking to Desert FM, Nekongo addresses his leadership, the upcoming congress and his vision for the league’s future as Namibia grapples with rising youth unemployment and shifting political dynamics.

State House reviews former presidents' benefits amid mansion debate

State House is reviewing the Former Presidents’ Pension and Other Benefits Act following public debate over the reported N$152 million spent on retirement homes for former heads of state, amid speculation that president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah may seek to end state-funded mansions. Speaking to Desert FM, political scientist Rui Tyitende says the review could also consider extending benefits to former vice presidents, currently covered under the Presidential Remuneration and Other Benefits Act.

Repeat copper theft suspect rearrested as Windhoek infrastructure targeted

A 35-year-old habitual offender has been rearrested in Windhoek for allegedly targeting copper cables linked to critical infrastructure, including NamPower, despite multiple pending cases and being granted N$2,500 bail. Speaking on Desert FM, Superintendent Marceline Murapo of the Windhoek City Police Service outlined the risks these crimes pose to public safety and efforts to safeguard essential services.

Frederick Shitana slams ‘shocking’ N$2 royalties for Namibian artists

Musician and member of parliament Frederick Shitana has strongly criticised what he calls the shocking underpayment of royalties to local artists reportedly as little as N$2 per play warning that it threatens the sustainability of Namibia’s creative industry. Speaking on Desert FM, he called for urgent reforms to ensure greater transparency, fairness and proper compensation for artists.

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