Desert FM 95.3

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IPPR report calls for stronger political finance oversight in Namibia

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has launched a report titled ‘Closing the Gaps: Strengthening Political Finance Transparency and Oversight in Namibia’, examining how political parties are funded and whether current laws adequately safeguard accountability and public trust. Speaking on Desert FM, IPPR research associate Frederico Links outlines the report’s key findings and recommendations aimed at tightening oversight and improving transparency in Namibia’s political finance system.

Economist questions value of N$24.8 billion education budget

Education has again received the largest share of Namibia’s national budget, with N$24.8 billion allocated for 2025/26. However, economist Salomo Hei warns that increased funding alone will not solve unemployment and may continue producing graduates who are not aligned with labour market demands. Speaking on Desert FM ahead of the tabling of the appropriation bill, Hei questions whether the current education model supports economic needs, particularly as Namibia prepares for a potential oil and gas boom.

Mining Indaba 2026 calls for beneficiation and regional infrastructure push

Mining Indaba 2026 concluded with record attendance and strong calls for African nations to prioritise beneficiation and regional partnerships. South Africa’s mineral and petroleum resources minister, Gwede Mantashe, highlighted projects such as the Lobito Corridor to ensure infrastructure drives industrialisation instead of merely accelerating raw mineral exports. Speaking on Desert FM, Namibian geologist Zenzi Awases unpacks what this means for Namibia, particularly for Walvis Bay’s growing ambitions in mining and logistics.

Psemas reform plan sparks debate over public healthcare capacity

The government plans to require members of the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme to use designated state health facilities from 1 April as part of Swapo’s N$85.7-billion development plan. prime minister Elijah Ngurare has confirmed that president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed senior officials to use public healthcare from April. Speaking on Desert FM, parliamentarian Utaara Mootu weighs in as unions, including the Namibia National Teachers' Union and the Namibia Nurses Union, warned of legal concerns, a lack of consultation, and added pressure on an already strained public health system.

Namib Mills warns of retrenchments as six-week strike drags on

Local food manufacturer Namib Mills has warned of possible retrenchments as a six-week strike continues, saying it will begin formal consultations if workers reject its latest wage offer. Speaking on Desert FM, general manager ST Ackerman says the company must act in line with labour laws and sustainability concerns, while the Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union insists negotiations are ongoing and rejects what it calls deadline pressure.

Stampriet Uranium project faces growing scrutiny

Debate over in-situ leaching in the Stampriet aquifer has intensified, with Calle Schlettwein and the Namibian Chamber of Environment raising concerns about groundwater risks linked to the proposed project by Headspring Investments. Speaking on Desert FM, company representatives Abel Nghifitikeko and Kirill Egorov-Kirillov respond to questions about environmental safeguards, water permits, and the economic trade-offs involved.

Urgent call to protect Namibia’s pangolins

Namibia-based wildlife biologist Kelsey Prediger and founder of the Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation (PCRF) joins Desert FM to highlight urgent efforts to protect the threatened Temminck’s ground pangolin from poaching and illegal trade. She also discusses PCRF’s ongoing research, an upcoming charity event at Am Weinberg, and a new collaboration with Wild Africa to boost wildlife awareness across the continent.

Namib Mills strike escalates as retrenchment talks loom

The six-week strike at Namib Mills has intensified, with the company warning that it may begin formal retrenchment consultations under the Labour Act if workers reject its latest offer amid ongoing wage disputes with the Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu). Speaking on Desert FM, Naretu leader Petersen Kambinda says the union is standing firm on its demand for 100% of the December bonus and seven months’ backpay, as tensions grow over business sustainability and workers’ rights.

Lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji unpacks legal duty to preserve Fishrot accused’s frozen mansion

An unfinished N$4.5-million mansion in Windhoek’s upmarket Ausblick suburb, owned by Fishrot accused Tamson Hatuikulipi, is reportedly deteriorating despite a 2020 court restraint order placing the property under curators to preserve its value. Speaking on Desert FM, lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji explains the legal and constitutional responsibilities surrounding frozen assets and what happens when their value declines before trial.

Mandatory DNA testing at birth debate raises privacy and constitutional concerns

A thought provoking opinion piece published in The Namibian has reignited debate over family law and constitutional rights, with legal expert Dianne Hubbard arguing that compulsory DNA testing for newborns could undermine privacy, strain families and expand state intrusion despite claims it may prevent paternity disputes. Speaking on Desert FM, Hubbard unpacks the legal, social and policy implications of making such testing mandatory.

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