Desert FM 95.3

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Windhoek Country Club Staff Protest New Policies, Demand Fair Treatment

Workers at Windhoek Country Club have handed over a petition after new management cut performance bonuses and enforced a disputed non-disclosure policy. Union representative Absalom Vellum says employees were pressured to sign and consultations were ignored. The union has given management 14 days to respond, or face possible labour action.

The Editor’s Desk – 1 December 2025

Every Friday on page 11 of The Namibian, the paper makes its stance clear on national issues and dissects them. The editorial has served as the paper’s position on issues since its inception. It’s divided public opinion, it’s been thought-provoking, it’s been scrutinised and sometimes celebrated. We speak to acting Editor of The Namibian, Shinovene Immanuel, to unpack tomorrow’s edition of the Editor’s Desk.

Kahungu denies liability in N$20m travel repayment dispute

Former Windhoek councillor Fransina Kahungu is among those instructed to repay part of the roughly N$20 million allegedly spent on unapproved international trips. She speaks to Desert FM's Olweendo Mombuga host, Junne Akawa, saying she never travelled after receiving the minister’s directive and should not be held liable.

Accountability battle erupts over unapproved City of Windhoek travel

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has ordered former City of Windhoek councillors to repay about N$20 million spent on what he says were unapproved international trips. Several ex-councillors are refusing, arguing that the trips were authorised through council resolutions and not subject to ministerial approval. Desert FM speaks to former mayor Muesee Kazapua to unpack how travel authorisations work and where accountability should lie.

Questions raised over lack of youth in Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ambassador selections

A national debate has reignited after president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed seven new ambassadors, a move critics say sidelines capable young leaders. Former parliamentarian Joseph Kauandenge argues the selections recycle “out-of-touch” political figures instead of empowering emerging talent. He speaks to Desert FM about how Namibia missed a key opportunity to modernise its diplomatic corps and strengthen its international presence.

AI deepfake scam targets Namibians using fake Gwen Lister video

A Groot Aub couple nearly lost their savings after almost falling for an online scam featuring an artificial intelligence-generated video of veteran journalist Gwen Lister promising huge investment returns. The incident mirrors a wave of deepfake videos impersonating president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, prime minister Elijah Ngurare, and other public figures. Desert FM speaks to digital tech expert Nrupesh Soni as concerns grow over regulation, digital literacy and public safety.

Sankwasa orders ex-councillors to repay N$20m for ‘unapproved’ trips

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has directed former Windhoek councillors to repay about N$20 million he says was spent on unapproved international trips. Several councillors from Swapo, the Independent Patriots for Change, National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) and the Affirmative Repositioning are refusing, arguing the journeys were authorised by council resolutions. Desert FM speaks to Nudo’s Joseph Uapingene, one of the councillors affected, as the City of Windhoek warns the order may be difficult to enforce legally.

Nghituwamata’s Ghana posting raises integrity concerns

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed former executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata as Namibia’s new ambassador to Ghana, even as she remains under Anti-Corruption Commission investigation over a N$4.9-million tender linked to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa. The move has sparked renewed debate about government vetting and integrity checks for top diplomatic posts. Desert FM speaks to former ambassador and diplomatic analyst Pius Dunaiski for insight on the implications of this appointment.

GBV activists warn of fading momentum

As Namibia marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the campaign unfolds amid rising cases of GBV, femicide and violence against women and girls. Five years after the youth-led 'Shut It All Down' protests sparked a national reckoning, activists say many of the promises made remain unfulfilled. Nsozi Mwazi, one of the movement’s founders, speaks to Desert FM on where the fight stands today and what must be done to reclaim momentum.

Expert says free tertiary education could transform TVET — but warns quality control is key

Wezesha Vocational Training Centre founder Augustinius Ngombe tells Desert FM the free tertiary education plan is a major breakthrough for TVET access, but insists Namibia must prioritise quality, modern equipment and strong oversight to avoid overcrowding and “fly-by-night” institutions.

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