Desert FM 95.3

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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.

Charmaine Tjirare dives into PDM resignation

Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Charmaine Tjirare announced her resignation from the party after a number of recent resignations. She is the fifth PDM member to resign from the party after Vakamuina Kamutuezu, Yvette Araes, Esmeralda !Asbes and Shonena Nathanael resigned last week. She gives Desert FM more insight into this move and what’s happening at the PDM.

Akser Aupindi on Otjozondjupa governor interfering in Okahandja matters

Otjozondjupa governor John Khamuseb is under fire after Okahandja deputy mayor Akser Aupindi accused him of interfering in council matters. This comes after Khamuseb wrote to the municipality’s chief executive to halt land surveying and allocation of plots to two people at Okahandja. Aupindi speaks to Desert FM to provide more context.

Romeo Muyunda on the EIF’s proposed Green Industrial Zone in Namibia

In a significant stride towards sustainable development, the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) is advancing a proposal for a Green Industrial Zone, aiming to secure €25 million (approximately N$625 million) in funding under the Mitigation Action Facility. Shortlisted among the top 20 out of over 500 global submissions, this project is poised to position Namibia as a regional leader in green industrial transformation. The proposed zone, located at Farm 58 in the Erongo region, plans to host renewable energy projects, sustainable manufacturing, clean technology industries, and natural resource value chain development. We are joined by the Fund's spokesperson Romeo Muyunda to unpack the potential impact of such a facility.

Hildegard Bentele on her 2025 Namibian visit

The European Parliament's Committee on Development Deputy Chair, Hildegard Bentele, is visiting Nambia from September 17 to 19, 2025. This high-level mission, alongside EU Commissioner for International Partnerships H.E. Jozef Síkela and other senior MEPs, aims to strengthen the EU-Namibia partnership. The delegation will focus on advancing Namibia's green industrialization strategy, particularly in green hydrogen and critical raw materials, under the EU's Global Gateway initiative. During their stay, they will engage with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, key decision-makers, and visit EU-supported projects to assess their impact on sustainable development and job creation. Bentele joins us in studio for an in-depth look at this visit.

Jackson Muma on his journey from PR to CEO of the Okongo Town Council

Today we’re joined by a familiar name in Namibia’s communications world – Jackson Muma. Many of you know him for his work in Public Relations, but he has since taken a bold step into leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of Okongo Town Council. We’ll be talking about his journey, the challenges of moving from PR to the boardroom, and his vision for Okongo.

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