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Johannes Gaseb goes from activism to politics

Johannes Gaseb goes from activism to politics Okahandja activist Johannes Gaseb says service delivery at Okahandja is not getting better. He has, therefore, decided to run for local authority elections. Desert FM speaks to him about the shift from activism to formal politic

Journalists to run for office in upcoming regional and local elections

As Namibia prepares for the regional and local authority elections in November, a debate has erupted over journalists who want to run for office. While the Constitution protects every citizen’s right to seek public office, concerns have been raised about conflicts of interest and the potential erosion of public trust in the media. To dive into this complex issue, political scientist Rui Tyitende speaks to Desert FM.

Olsen Kahiriri on James Sankwasa's warning to local authorities to present clear service delivery plans

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has issued a stern warning to local authorities, including the City of Windhoek. Sankwasa says councils that fail to present clear service delivery plans risk losing their allocated funds, which could instead be redirected to towns that are making progress, particularly in informal settlement development. To unpack the possible implications of this on the community we are joined by community, activist Olsen Kahiriri.

Former MP Josef Kauadenge on why they formally supported the use of local Namibian languages in parliamentary proceedings

The conversation continues on using local Namibian languages in parliamentary proceedings, after MP Job Amupanda used local Oshidonga language in his notice of question. Despite growing calls for inclusivity, the former MP, Josef Kauadenge, spoke to Desert FM to explain why they never formally supported the initiative during their tenure.

Manuel Ngaringombe unpacks PDM's wave of resignations

Namibia’s official opposition in the last parliament, the Popular Democratic Movement, is facing a wave of resignations. In recent months, senior figures including Vipuakuje Muharukua, Yvette Araes, and Vakamuina Kamutuezu have all stepped down, while other members are voicing frustrations over financial troubles and internal disputes. The party, which lost more than two-thirds of its seats in the last election, has been grappling with reduced funding, salary cuts, and declining influence. The question now is whether PDM can stabilize, or if these departures signal deeper cracks within Namibia’s political landscape. To help us understand this wave of resignations, Desert FM spoke to the party's secretary general, Manuel Ngaringombe.

Malawian journalist journalist Josephine Chinele on Malawi general elections

Malawi’s general election, held on Tuesday, is seen primarily as a tight race between incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera and his predecessor Peter Mutharika. This is set against rising economic hardships, soaring inflation, fuel shortages and widespread discontent. The counting has begun. Desert FM speaks to journalist Josephine Chinele for an on-the-ground update. Photo credit: BBC.com

Sociologist Ellison Tjirera on importance of local languages

Yesterday in parliament, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda broke new ground by posing his questions in Oshindonga, with his colleague Vaino Hangula providing the English translation. While parliamentary rules allow the use of vernacular languages when translation arrangements are in place, it is rare to see them actually used on the floor. This moment has sparked debate about the value of local languages in Namibia’s highest decision-making spaces. To unpack this, sociologist Ellison Tjirera speaks to Desert FM.

Teaghan Beresford on her visit to the geographic North Pole

Imagine this: from the quiet coastal town of Swakopmund to the frozen extremes of the North Pole... on board a Russian nuclear icebreaker. It sounds like something from a documentary, right? Well, it’s real and it’s Namibian! Today, we celebrate a remarkable achievement by Teaghan Beresford, a Swakopmund teenager who recently became one of the very few people on Earth and the first known Namibian to set foot on the geographic North Pole. Her journey was part of an international science expedition that included students from over 21 countries. From online classes to Arctic exploration this story is about curiosity, courage, and breaking boundaries. Beresford joins Desert FM to tell us more about this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Verushka Dumeni on impacts of eMobility Windhoek Initiative

The City of Windhoek Municipality is preparing to pilot low-carbon public transport buses under the eMobility Windhoek Initiative, supported by the Development Bank of Namibia. If successful, this pilot could lead to the procurement of more electric and hybrid buses, helping make public transport in the capital cleaner, more frequent, and more accessible. The announcement came from City of Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja during the launch of Zero Emissions Week, which also features activities like a car-free day, an environmental video competition, and showcases of electric vehicles. But what does this shift mean for the environment, for commuters, and for the city at large? To help us unpack this, we are joined by environmental expert Verushka Dumeni.

Nestor Kalola on relocation of Havana Four-Way residents

The City of Windhoek has officially begun engaging with residents of Havana Four-Way as part of an ongoing relocation process. This forms part of the expansion of Matshitshi Street and Eneas Peter Nanyemba Drive into a dual carriageway, alongside the development of a new Community Market and Taxi Rank. With relocation scheduled to happen between the 1st and 31st of October 2025, there are still many questions in the community about access to services, transport, and long-term housing security. Joining us now to discuss this development in more detail is Councillor Nestor Kalola of the Samora Machel Constituency, who was part of the high-level engagement that took place.

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