Desert FM 95.3

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Henning Melber Quits SWAPO After 50 Years

After more than half a century of membership in SWAPO, veteran political analyst Henning Melber announced his resignation from the party. He cited a painful turning point: the elevation of Solomon ‘Jesus’ Hawala, accused of running the brutal Lubango detention camps, to national hero status and the announcement of a state funeral. Melber described this as a betrayal of SWAPO’s founding values and a refusal by the party leadership to reckon with its darkest chapter. To explore what this means for both Melber’s legacy and the party’s moral standing, Desert FM spoke to Henning Melber himself.

NDP Unveils Candidates and Shadow Cabinet Ahead of Elections

The National Democratic Party (NDP) is stepping up its political game ahead of Namibia’s regional and local authority elections. Over the weekend in Katima Mulilo, party president Martin Lukato endorsed 30 candidates who will contest in constituencies and councils, while also unveiling a new shadow cabinet set to serve for the next five years. With him being the party’s only representative in the National Assembly, many are asking what this means for the NDP’s political footprint. Desert FM spoke to Martin Lukato, the NDP president.

Windhoek Bus Commuters Urged to Switch to New Cashless Smart Card

No cash, no old cards, no ride. From Monday, Windhoek’s municipal buses will only accept the new cashless smart card. Passengers have until the end of today to transfer their old card balances or get a free new card at designated City of Windhoek offices. We spoke to the spokesperson of the City of Windhoek, Lydia Amutenya.

Junias Shilunga calls for action on long-overdue uniform supply to nurses

In the healthcare profession, uniforms are more than just clothing they’re part of professional identity, hygiene standards, and patient trust. But at Eenhana State Hospital, nurses say they haven’t received new uniforms in over a decade. Requests have reportedly been submitted year after year, acknowledged but never acted upon. As a result, new staff and those with worn-out uniforms are forced to buy or make their own. To talk about what this means for nurses, patient care, and the image of our public health system, we were joined by Junias Shilunga, Secretary General of the Namibia Nurses Union.

Tannan Groenewald explains the harsh realities behind Namibia’s youth joblessness

Namibia’s latest labour force data tells a sobering story, in just five years the working-age population grew by 344 000 people, yet employment fell by nearly 179 000. Youth are hardest hit, with 42% of those aged 15 to 34 neither in work, school, nor training. The figures also reveal a steep unemployment rate of 81% among 15–19-year-olds who are not studying. To help us break down what these numbers really mean, we’re joined by Tannan Groenewald Head of Data and Analytics at Cirrus Capital.

Richard Gariseb Sets Bold Goals as Okahandja United Kick Off Preseason.

Okahandja United head coach Richard Gariseb speaking to Desert FM says the 2025–26 league campaign will focus on stronger home performances, scoring more goals, and pushing for a top-eight finish as preseason training begins on 18 August at Okahandja’s Liverpool Stadium.

Uaka Katuamba: Brave Warriors Closer Than Ever to World Cup Dream.

Football analyst Uaka Katuamba breaks down Coach Colin Benjamin’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, sharing his thoughts on player form, key fixtures, and why Namibia must rally behind the Brave Warriors for this historic opportunity.

Political Ties Raise Questions Over Sisa Namandje’s Defence Role

Sisa Namandje is one of Namibia’s most prominent lawyers, but when he took on the defence of key suspects in the N$400 million Namcor corruption case, many questioned his impartiality. As a member of SWAPO’s Politburo and Central Committee, Namandje’s dual role has sparked debate. Desert FM is joined by political analyst Ndumbah Kamwanyah for an incisive look at legal ethics, political influence, and the boundaries of professional duty.

Cabinet Approves N$257 Million Youth Development Fund

The Cabinet has approved a N$257 million Youth Development Fund, offering interest-free and low-interest loans to young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 without the need for collateral. The fund is set to become operational in August and will cover business start-up and growth loans, as well as apprenticeships and internships, across all 14 regions. While the initiative promises to create tangible opportunities, some question its readiness, accessibility, and overall impact on youth empowerment. Desert FM spoke to Duminga Ndala, leader of the LPM Youth Command, to weigh in.

New Bus Routes Bring Relief to Okapale Residents

After years of walking long distances to access transport, over 40,000 Okapale residents can now ride municipal buses directly from their community. We spoke to member of Parliament Ivan Skrywer, who championed the cause.

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