Desert FM 95.3

di Desert FM 95.3

NEFF Deputy President, Kalimbo Iipumbu, reflects on the Otjinene developments

Tribal tensions have erupted in the village of Otjinene in the Omaheke Region, following the death of a local Omuherero man in a violent altercation involving five Aawambo individuals. The suspects are in custody, but tensions boiled over this morning with reports of retaliatory attacks, business stalls belonging to non-Ovaherero vendors were allegedly torched, and some communities have been told to vacate the area. In response, the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) issued a strong statement condemning the violence and tribalism, calling for national unity and renewed focus on fighting economic injustice. Joining is Kalimbo Iipumbu, NEFF Deputy President, to reflect on the developmen

Stacy Likando, a teacher and resident of Otjinene, speaks about tribal tensions in the settlement

Otjinene, now at the centre of disturbing tribal tensions. Violence broke out in the early hours of yesterday, with reports of Ovaherero community members allegedly torching stalls belonging to Aawambo, Ovazemba and other non-Ovaherero vendors. This follows a fatal altercation last Thursday, where a local Omuherero man died in a fight involving five Aawambo men, now in police custody. As fears of ethnic retaliation rise, questions about the social fabric of Otjinene and how tribal divisions are managed, or ignored,have taken centre stage. To give us a clearer picture from the ground, we’re joined now by Stacy Likando, a teacher and resident of Otjinene.

Mike Kavekotora: The history and future of Namibia's NDPs

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah launched the National Development Plan 6 (NDP6) this afternoon, a blueprint largely informed by the Swapo Party manifesto. However, critics and economic analysts have long pointed to policy inconsistencies and poor implementation as recurring hurdles for previous NDPs. This raises an important question: are these national plans becoming more of a cliché than a catalyst for real change? To unpack this, we were joined by long-time lawmaker and seasoned political voice, Mike Kavekotora.

Ras Mubarak on why African governments must abolish visa requirements for travel within the continent

Ghana’s former lawmaker and outspoken pan-Africanist Ras Mubarak has launched a bold movement aimed at persuading African governments to abolish visa requirements for travel within the continent. His team of 12 Ghanaians, including four media crew from Ghana Television, is set to spend a staggering $11,520 in visa fees to journey across 39 African countries, raising awareness on the need for a truly borderless Africa. Mubarak spoke to Desert FM about this urgent call for unity and free movement across the continent.

George Kambala: Why the AR criticised the National Assembly’s decision to send 3 members to be sworn in at the Pan-African Parliament

The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement has strongly criticised the National Assembly’s decision to send three of its members to be sworn in at the Pan-African Parliament, claiming the move lacks legal and procedural backing. The members in question, Philipus Katamelo, Uahekua Herunga, and Rodney Cloete, reportedly travelled to South Africa “dubiously,” according to an AR statement issued yesterday. AR contends that the National Assembly has not officially designated them for this role, and labels the act as corrupt, lacking transparency, and misleading to both the Namibian and African public. The movement is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the three members, preventing their swearing-in, and the issuing of a public apology. Joining us now to unpack this further is AR lawmaker George Kambala.

Justina Erastus: 2nd edition of youth in Oil and Gas Summit

The Youth in Oil and Gas Summit, now gearing up for its 2nd edition later this month in Walvis Bay. Under the powerful theme “Drilling into the Future: Empowering Youth in Namibia’s Oil & Gas Revolution,” this summit — founded by dynamic young leader Justina Erastus — is more than just another event. It’s a platform that aims to bridge the gap between opportunity and access, giving youth across Namibia a seat at the table in the country’s booming energy sector. With a notable endorsement from the African Energy Chamber, the summit has solidified its place as a pan-African youth platform, connecting students, entrepreneurs, industry players, and policy Justina Erastus, the visionary behind this initiative, share what we can expect from this year’s edition — and more importantly, how youth from all corners of Namibia are being included and empowered.

Walters Kamaya: HPV vaccine role out in Namibia

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has announced that the HPV vaccine will be officially rolled out between the 2nd and 13th of June 2025, targeting girls aged 9 to 14, primarily through school-based programs. The goal? To prevent cervical cancer — a disease responsible for hundreds of deaths annually and largely linked to HPV. But not everyone is on board. While health authorities tout the vaccine's benefits, some researchers are urging the government to completely reject the vaccine, citing concerns about its potential impact on fertility. Others have questioned whether Namibia has done its own local research, or if this decision is based purely on recommendations from the World Health Organization. Joining us now to break it all down is Walters Kamaya, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services, to help us understand the ministry’s position and clarify any concerns.

Marius Kudumo expands more on the the president’s remarks, her vision for NDP 6 and the real task ahead for Namibia’s civil service

It’s been just over 100 days since Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took office and her message is clear: accountability, professionalism, and delivery must define her administration. But as her critics ramp up scrutiny, calling this period one of ‘rhetoric over results’, the question is what signals are coming from State House and how should the nation interpret them? After her address to the civil service, we speak to public policy analyst Marius Kudumo about the president’s remarks, her vision for NDP 6 and the real task ahead for Namibia’s civil service.

Simon Mogane reflects on construction of Katutura earliest homes

He arrived in the then South West Africa where the northern side of the city was only dense bushland. It would later become Katutura and he would be instrumental to it. Today on Daybreak, we pay tribute to Simon Mogane, a founding figure in the construction of Katutura’s earliest homes. The man who helped shape the urban backbone of black Windhoek during apartheid died last week. He leaves behind a legacy etched in the very walls of the capital. In 2023, he sat down with Ester Mbathera to reflect on his journey. Let’s take a listen .

MP Tuhafeni Kalola talks more on allowing 16 year olds to vote

Affirmative Repositioning MP Tuhafeni Kalola recently tabled a bold motion in parliament asking to lower the voting age to 16. Just days ago, the UK moved in a similar direction. We chat to Kalola about why he believes Namibian teenagers are ready to vote, what research and global trends say and what the political stakes are in redefining who gets a say at the ballot box.

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