Desert FM 95.3

di Desert FM 95.3

St. Barnabas Primary School Advances Soccer Field Project.

Many schools in previously disadvantaged communities lack proper sports facilities. We spoke to Principal Hinua Mbangura about the vision and progress of the new soccer field project at St. Barnabas Primary School in Katutura.

African Stars vs Eeshoke Chula Chula: Fundraising Clash for Brave Warriors Set for August 31

The Brave Warriors World Cup Campaign Committee has confirmed a fundraising match at Independence Stadium to raise N$7.5 million for the 2026 qualifiers. Tickets cost N$50 for general entry and N$500 for VIP, with transport support from the City of Windhoek. We spoke to Chairperson Tim Ekandjo on the sports chat show for more details and how corporate sponsors can get involved.

Youth at the Helm: Local Action Driving Namibia’s Development Goals

On International Youth Day, Karatura Central Councillor Vezemba Rodman Katjaimo urges Namibia to empower young people at the grassroots, placing them at the centre of decision-making, entrepreneurship, and leadership to achieve the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

What If Africa’s Fuel Imports Stopped for 30 Days?

We spoke to Abednego Ekanjo from the Ministry of Mines about the risks of Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products and what it would take to build true energy independence.

Paulina Dempers on the passing of liberation struggle veteran Dumeni 'Jesus' Hawala

Next, we reflect on the passing of former Defence Force Chief and liberation struggle veteran Dumeni 'Jesus' Hawala, who died recently at the age of 89. While many remember him for his leadership in the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, his death also brings to the surface painful memories for survivors of the Lubango dungeons in Angola a place infamous for the detention, torture, and deaths of Namibians accused of spying during the liberation struggle. Joining us now is one of those survivors, Paulina Dempers, who shares her reaction to Hawala’s passing and what this moment means for survivors, the families of the missing, and Namibia’s ongoing quest for truth and justice.

IAM's Thuli Mwjara on the intersection of faith, sexuality, and human rights

Next, we turn our attention to an organisation that has been walking alongside Namibia for over two decades Inclusive and Affirming Ministries, or IAM. Their work is both unique and important, engaging directly with the intersection of faith, sexuality, and human rights. IAM is currently in Namibia for a series of high-level engagements meeting with influential faith leaders, LGBTI leaders, and strategic partners in Windhoek and Swakopmund. The aim? To assess the realities on the ground, strengthen partnerships, and deepen dialogue around issues that are often sensitive but crucial for building inclusive communities. Joining me now is Thuli Mwjara, IAM’s Strategic Advocacy Coordinator, to talk about the purpose of their visit, the conversations they’re having, and what this work means for Namibia and the region.

Dr. Mara Mberira on the link between our thoughts and mental well-being

Author Morna Ikosa writes that recent reports show that Namibia has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa. While financial distress is often cited as a leading cause, the real story runs deeper into our minds, our thought patterns, and how we process life’s challenges.She notes that experts like Dr. Caroline Leaf and Dr. Joe Dispenza point out that the vast majority of our daily thoughts are repetitive and alarmingly, most are negative. This toxic thinking can shape our mental, physical, and emotional health in profound ways. But here’s the hope: our brains can be rewired. We can learn to replace destructive thoughts with constructive ones, and reclaim a healthier mindset.Joining us now to unpack this is Dr. Mara Mberira, clinical psychologist, to talk about the link between our thought life and mental well-being and how we can start building healthier mental habits.

Paulus Hawanga on roll-out of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 in schools across Namibia

This conversation touches on a public health debate that’s been making headlines the roll-out of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 in schools across Namibia. While the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education assure the public the vaccine is safe and vital in preventing cervical cancer, some parents remain sceptical, citing fears, unanswered questions, and even conspiracy theories. To help us understand how parents have been reacting, whether they’ve been adequately informed, and how these concerns are being addressed, we’re joined by Paulus Hawanga, founder and interim president of the National Organisation of Parents in Education.

Councillor Nestor Kalola on water challenges faced by the Samora Machel constituency

We continue our conversation on Namibia's dwindling water resources: The latest Namibia Statistics Agency Atlas reveals that while some parts of the country have a fair share of boreholes and taps, others particularly high-density constituencies are facing severe strain on public water infrastructure. Take the Samora Machel constituency for example with over 92,000 residents and only 105 public taps, that’s an average of about 880 people sharing a single tap. It’s a number that paints a stark picture of the challenges facing communities in accessing one of life’s most basic needs. To help us understand the reality on the ground, we’re joined by Councillor Nestor Kalola of the Samora Machel Constituency.

NMT Foundation Study Explores Youth Political Participation

This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Young workers organising for democracy, justice and a better future”, resonates in Namibia, where young people are voting, mobilising online, and organising around issues that matter to them yet still face structural, economic, and cultural barriers to full participation. The NMT Foundation has released new research, Namibia’s Youth and Political Participation in the 2024 Presidential and National Elections, ahead of its official launch at YouthQuake Namibia 2025 on 15 August. Desert FM spoke to Shelleygan Petersen, Project Officer at the NMT Foundation, to unpack the findings and their implications for Namibia’s democratic future.

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