Desert FM 95.3

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Church and traditional authority tensions emerge in Ohangwena

A church land dispute at Onamukalo village in the Ohangwena region has ignited a broader debate around freedom of worship, traditional authority, and the regulation of churches in Namibia. Speaking to Desert FM, bishop Lukas Katenda of the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of Namibia says the church will establish a congregation in the village regardless of village leadership approval, while traditional leaders maintain the community has rejected the proposal.

Namfisa educates public on medical aid funds

As part of its 2026 consumer education series, the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) is helping the public better understand the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, which strengthens consumer protection and oversight in Namibia’s non-banking financial sector. Today’s focus is on chapter 7 of the act, which regulates medical aid funds, with Namfisa consumer education specialist Junias Erasmus explaining what this means for ordinary Namibians.

Namibia prepares to co-host ICC U19 Cricket World Cup

Namibia will host 16 matches of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted with Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February, at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground and the HP Oval. Although Namibia did not qualify, co-hosting puts the country under international scrutiny, with Cricket Namibia spokesperson Natalia Nauyoma speaking on Desert FM about preparedness, infrastructure and government support.

Sesriem fire raises questions over safety compliance at NWR

Namibia Wildlife Resorts is facing scrutiny after a fire at its Sesriem resort last December killed a two-year-old child and left more than 70 employees homeless. Reports that fire extinguishers were not serviced have raised concerns about safety compliance, with city police senior station officer John Afrikaner joining us – after speaking to The Namibian investigative reporter Tracy Tafirenyika – to explain the legal requirements and standards.

Minister Sankwasa tightens rules on councillor trips

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa says he will no longer approve councillors’ trips unless they clearly benefit the state. Meanwhile, Swapo has reinforced rules requiring elected officials to follow party deployment decisions. These moves have renewed debate on accountability, decentralisation and democratic governance, with former councillor and parliamentarian Joseph Kauandenge speaking to Desert FM.

IPC calls for blacklisting of non-performing road contractors

Road contractors are once again under fire as projects drag on past deadlines, disrupting communities and wasting public resources, yet accountability remains questionable. IPC shadow works and transport minister Nelson Kalangula says enough is enough, calling for harsh penalties and even blacklisting for companies that fail to deliver.

City Police reflect on Festive Season housebreaking incidences in Khomas

As families celebrate the festive season and many people travel or spend more time away from home, concerns are rising over housebreaking and crime in the Khomas Region. Police say criminals often take advantage of this busy period, leaving residents anxious about their safety and property. We take a closer look at crime trends this festive season and what is being done to keep communities safe. To talk to us about the situation in the Khomas region over the festive season, we spoke to sergeant Kavekotoka Humavindu of the City Police.

Suicide Cases Rise Early in the Year, Highlighting Need for Mental Health Support

Police have confirmed that seven suicide cases and one attempted suicide have been recorded in different parts of the country since the start of the year. The cases span several regions and were reported during the festive and early New Year period a time which mental health professionals say can be particularly difficult due to financial pressure, isolation, unemployment and unresolved personal challenges. To help us understand what these figures mean, what warning signs to look out for, and how communities and families can respond, we are joined by Ceaseria Mutau, Executive Director at Eureka Psychological Services at the University of Namibia.

NamBTS calls for urgent blood donations

Namibia’s blood reserves are at a critical level, with the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia confirming that the country currently has only enough blood to last three days. This comes at a time when road accidents remain high and hospitals continue to rely on a steady blood supply to save lives. To help us understand how serious this shortage is, what is driving it, and how the public can respond, we are joined by Frieda Vatileni-Asino, spokesperson for the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia – NamBTS.

Hofni Iipinge on the Oshana's region's flood preparedness

Year after year, floods have claimed lives, cut off villages, submerged mahangu fields, and forced schools to close in the Oshana region. In one such season, 16 people drowned, including children as young as six and elderly residents trying to cross flooded oshanas at night. Entire communities like Uuvudhiya, Ompundja and Okatjali were left isolated, relying on donkey carts, boats and emergency airlifts. Studies conducted in the region have repeatedly warned about poor infrastructure, lack of early warning systems, poverty, weak disaster risk structures and limited resources, all of which continue to make Oshana one of the most flood-vulnerable regions in the country. With those hard lessons in mind and as Namibia looks ahead the big question is: how prepared is the Oshana Region for the 2026 rainy season? To unpack what has changed, what still needs urgent attention, and how the region plans to protect lives and livelihoods going forward, we are joined by Hofni Iipinge, the Governor of the Oshana Region.

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