Desert FM 95.3

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The Namibian turns 40 years

From its roots as a liberation-era voice of dissent to the then apartheid government to today’s era of digital transformation, The Namibian has lasted the test of time to remain the country’s largest daily. Now at 40, questions of sustainability, relevance, and press freedom in a changing media landscape come to the fore. Leading that journey is managing director and editor Tangeni Amupadhi. He joins us to talk about where The Namibian stands today, the challenges of modern journalism, and what the next 40 years could look like.

Student Union Condemns Political Exploitation of School Learners

We spoke to Bernard Kavao, board chairperson of the Student Union of Namibia, who condemns the use of school learners as political tools. He urges parents, teachers, and authorities to protect minors from political influence and focus on their education and well-being

Disappointment as Eshoke Chula-Chula vs African Stars Clash Called Off Over Sponsorship Shortfall.

We spoke to a local football analyst about the cancellation of the Chula Chula vs African Stars game. He says the cancellation of the much-anticipated showdown highlights poor planning and a lack of corporate support. He emphasizes that sponsors in Namibia must do more to back the match, especially with World Cup preparations looming.

NFA Explains Cancellation of African Stars vs Chula Chula Fundraising Match

NFA communications manager Isaack Hamata says the much-anticipated clash between African Stars and Chula Chula was called off after organisers failed to secure the N$800,000 needed to stage the game. He adds that refunds or alternative arrangements for ticket holders will be announced soon, stressing the funds were meant to support the Brave Warriors’ World Cup preparations.

Youthful Voice Enters Mariental Elections

The upcoming regional and local authority elections are scheduled for 26 November, and among the youngest contenders is 21-year-old William Minnie, spokesperson of the Landless People’s Movement Youth Command. He is running for a seat on the Mariental Local Authority, raising questions about youth participation in politics, readiness for leadership, and the priorities of Mariental residents. He joins Desert FM to share his goals in this decision.

Diamond Tycoon Maurice Tempelsman Dies at 95

Maurice Tempelsman, the Belgian-American diamond tycoon who played a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s diamond industry, has died at the age of 95. He is remembered for helping to link founding president Sam Nujoma with De Beers executives, paving the way for the creation of Namdeb, but also for his controversial ties to African dictators, Cold War manoeuvres, and allegations of exerting undue influence over African leaders. In Namibia, his legacy is both praised and questioned. Desert FM is joined by economist Robin Sherbourne who shares more on Namibia’s diamond industry and political economy.

Union Demands Executive Director’s Removal over Fishing Quota Allegations

The Mining, Metal, Maritime and Construction Workers’ Union is demanding the removal of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform’s executive director, Teofilus Nghitila, over allegations of irregular involvement in fishing quotas. Desert FM is joined by the union’s acting secretary-general, Joseph Garoeb, to unpack the call for accountability and its impact on the fishing industry.

Remembering Maurice Tempelsman: Diamond Powerbroker with Deep Ties to Namibia.

Maurice Tempelsman, a towering figure in the global diamond industry and longtime companion of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, has died in New York. We spoke to Founding NamDia CEO Kennedy Hamutenya on Tempelsman’s complex legacy from advising Namibia’s leaders before independence to shaping the nation’s diamond policies and cutting industry.

MTC Clarifies Role in Fighting Online Scams, Urges Consumers to Stay Vigilant.

We spoke to MTC spokesperson Erastus Nekundi about online scams and SIM registration. He explained that while registration helps reduce fraud, investigating scams is the police’s responsibility. Consumers are urged to stay vigilant and only share personal information with verified contacts.

LPM's Duminga Ndala on National Youth Fund

The government has budgeted N$257 million for the establishment of the National Youth Fund, a bold initiative aimed at tackling Namibia’s staggering 44.4% youth unemployment rate. The fund promises loans, apprenticeships, and graduate internships all geared toward supporting young people in business, innovation, and skills development. But already, questions are being raised: information around the fund remains limited, requirements such as environmental clearance certificates are confusing to many, and application timelines differ from region to region. So, will this fund really work for young people if information is not properly shared at the grassroots level? To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Landless People’s Movement Youth League Command Leader, Duminga Ndala.

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