Desert FM 95.3

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Johan Coetzee on NNN appointing Kapofi

Leadership of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has changed hands twice over the past week. The ministry is now being overseen in an interim capacity by defence minister Frans Kapofi. Joining Desert FM to discuss the leadership gap of such a critical ministry is analyst Johan Coetzee.

European Film Festival showcases Namibian talent, marking milestone for local filmmakers

The European Film Festival is set to open new doors for Namibian filmmakers, putting the spotlight on the country’s growing creative scene. Local filmmakers whose works were selected describe the moment as a proud breakthrough for young storytellers and proof of Namibia’s expanding artistic potential. Desert FM speaks to filmmaker Leon Mubiana, who says the selection signals recognition of Namibian stories on an international stage.

Namibia to mark first Global Dignity Day on 1 November

Namibia will celebrate Global Dignity Day for the first time on 1 November, with leadership talks and community activities promoting kindness, dignity and social transformation. Desert FM speaks to Zarou Tomika from Leader Impact under Campus Crusade Namibia, who says the day aims to remind Namibians of the inherent worth of every person.

Activist calls for fresh leadership at Gibeon

A Gibeon activist has urged the village council to address ongoing governance, water supply and leadership challenges that continue to affect residents of the Hardap settlement.The Gibeon Village Council has been operating without a substantive chief executive officer for several years, amid persistent water supply interruption and mounting municipal debt.

Ministry of industries, mines and energy update: Desmond Amunyela & Frans Kapofi interviews

Paragon executive director Desmond Amunyela has denied suggestions that his company’s petroleum exploration licence renewal had anything to do with the firing of former minister of industries, mines and energy Natangwe Ithete. Meanwhile, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed Frans Kapofi as interim industries, mines and energy minister. Amunyela and Kapofi speak on this matter.

Debate erupts as president steps into strategic ministry

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has relieved Natangwe Ithete of his positions as deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, taking over the ministry herself. The Presidency says this move is allowed under article 32 of the Constitution.The decision has sparked debate about governance and the separation of powers. Former prime minister Nahas Angula joined Desert FM to discuss the potential implications for Namibia’s political and constitutional landscape.

No more excuses over road safety delays

Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi warns that officials delaying road safety measures could face dismissal. He says bureaucratic delays are costing lives and insists urgent action is needed to cut Namibia’s rising road deaths. He joined Desert FM to explain what slows implementation and what consequences lie ahead.

VAT-free pads take effect but period poverty remains

The removal of the 15% value-added tax on sanitary pads in force since January 2023 was hailed as a breakthrough for menstrual equity in Namibia. But advocates say period poverty remains widespread, especially among schoolgirls and low-income families. Menstrual health advocate Taljard Uaputauka, founder of Safe Pad Namibia, joins Desert FM to argue that tax relief alone is not enough.

Activist turned politician looks for Karasburg spot

Recently, Karasburg residents have become frustrated with conditions at the town, calling for a complete overhaul of local governance. The community says their town has been neglected, with poor services plaguing the town. Among those leading the charge for change is Jacobus Basson, a long-time community activist turned local authority candidate for the upcoming elections. He joins Desert FM to discuss his ambitions.

President of many hats

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is now the head of state, in charge of the oil and gas portfolio as well as the acting minister of industries, mines and energy. While the Presidency insists this is a temporary measure, critics warn that it may signal a return to what former president Hage Geingob once called “presidentialism”, the systematic concentration of power in one individual. Political scientist Rui Tyitende speaks to Desert FM on this.

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