Desert FM 95.3

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Petrol and diesel prices reduced following January over-recoveries

The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has announced a fuel price reduction of N$1 per litre for petrol and 50 cents per litre for both diesel grades, effective 4 February nationwide, following over-recoveries recorded in January. Speaking to Desert FM, chief economist Abed-nego Ekandjo unpacks the reasons behind the decrease and its potential impact on inflation, transport costs and household budgets.

|Khomanin community unites to push for communal land

Social justice activist Shaun Gariseb says the |Khomanin community has formally organised itself to give direction to its long-standing fight for communal land. He says the |Khomanin remain the only recognised traditional community without communal land, despite decades of petitions, and believe unity is key to securing restorative justice.

Prison Fellowship Namibia graduates new cohort of inmates

Prison Fellowship Namibia executive director Elago Nantana says true rehabilitation starts with inner freedom, not just physical release. He explains that the organisation’s faith-based Prisoner’s Journey programme helps inmates rediscover their identity, purpose, and hope, even while still behind bars.

Kufuna launches Kavango Kickstart Tour to tackle drugs, crime in schools

Rundu local authority councillor Patrick Kufuna says the Kavango Kickstart Tour was inspired by rising cases of drug abuse, crime, and mental health challenges among learners. He tells Desert FM the school-focused campaign brings together police officers, social workers,s and nurses, with plans to expand beyond Kavango East to schools across the country.

ACC investigates emergency tender linked to Sankwasa

The Anti-Corruption Commission is probing urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa over a N$4.9-million emergency tender awarded to his private company, focusing on the use and verification of a tax good-standing certificate during the procurement process. Speaking on Desert FM, Namibia Revenue Agency chief strategic communications and support engagements Steven Ndorokaze unpacks what the case reveals about the integrity of tax compliance systems, procurement safeguards, and governance vulnerabilities.

ACC probes Sankwasa over emergency tender

The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa over a N$4.9-million emergency tender awarded to his private company, citing concerns about a tax good-standing certificate and procurement procedures. Speaking on Desert FM, corporate governance expert Ntelamo Ntelamo discusses what the case reveals about accountability, governance gaps, and the safeguards needed to protect public trust.

Sankwasa warns councillors over unpaid municipal debts

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has warned government institutions and councillors to urgently settle outstanding municipal debts, saying failure to do so could lead to disconnections, sanctions, or deductions from councillors’ allowances. Speaking on Desert FM, former Okahandja deputy mayor and current town councillor Asker Aupindi weighs in on whether the minister’s stance reflects firm accountability or an overreach, amid growing concerns over billions owed by local authorities to the Namibia Water Corporation.

Namibia registers long-acting HIV prevention injection

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has announced the successful registration of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection requiring only two doses a year, placing Namibia among the first African countries to adopt this next-generation technology. Speaking on Desert FM, ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says while the breakthrough could improve HIV prevention and adherence, key questions remain around affordability, access and how quickly it can reach those who need it most.

Proflight Zambia Restores Direct Namibia-Zambia Flights

Direct flights between Windhoek and Livingstone resume on 3 March, operating three times a week. Captain Josias Walubita says the route will boost tourism, trade, and business travel, cutting a 20-hour road trip to just three hours by air, and strengthen regional connectivity in Southern Africa.

Kandorozu calls for Namdia to be dissolved over diamond theft concerns

National Unity Democratic Organisation lawmaker Vetaruhe Kandorozu has called for the dissolution of Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia), citing governance failures, ignored security warnings, and diamond theft that he says have severely damaged investor confidence and the national economy. Speaking to Desert FM, Kandorozu said Namdia’s mandate should be transferred to institutions such as the Namibia Diamond Trading Company or Namdeb to restore transparency, protect Namibia’s diamond resources, and ensure ordinary citizens benefit from the country’s mineral wealth.

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