Desert FM 95.3

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Namibia ranks among Africa’s top five in anti-money laundering efforts

Namibia has been ranked among the top five African countries on managing money laundering and financial crime risks in the 2025 Basel Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Risk Index, reflecting steady improvement over the past three years. Speaking to Desert FM, Financial Intelligence Centre director Bryan Eiseb explains what the ranking means for investor confidence, the financial sector, and the reforms still needed to close remaining gaps.

Omhalanga Mills workers claim they haven’t been paid for three months

Workers at Omhalanga Mills at Ongwediva linked to businessman Vaino Nghipondoka claim they have not been paid their salaries for September, October and November, raising concerns about their financial well-being. Nghipondoka has dismissed the allegations and criticised media coverage, saying he is responding directly to the workers to clarify his position.

Namibia’s National Council Swears in Only 7 Women: LPM Highlights Persistent Gender Imbalance

Out of 42 newly sworn-in National Council members, only seven are women. LPM spokesperson Lifa Laza Simata discusses the challenges of women’s representation, cultural barriers, and the party’s efforts to promote female leadership at local and national levels.

Namibians spend nearly N$1 billion on mobile data in three months

Namibians spent close to N$1 billion on mobile data in just three months, according to figures from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. Speaking to Desert FM, business reporter Shania Lazarus unpacks this trend and what the numbers reveal about how Namibians are communicating and consuming content.

UNHCR official charged over alleged fraud at Osire refugee camp

A United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees official has appeared in court on fraud charges linked to food and cash allowances meant for refugees at Osire camp. Speaking to Desert FM, refugee spokesperson Victor Afande says families discovered the missing funds when allowances failed to reach them, intensifying their daily survival challenges.

Zambezi Residents Hand Petition to Halt Planned UDP Demonstration

Dobson Kwala, a community activist from Zambezi, speaks to Desert FM about local leaders handing a petition to authorities to stop a planned UDP demonstration, citing concerns over public safety and potential unrest.

Minister warns taxi operators over unauthorised fare increases

Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has warned taxi operators against increasing fares without approval from the Road Transportation Board, saying the practice undermines the rule of law and unfairly burdens already strained commuters. Nekundi spoke to Desert FM on enforcement, fare regulation, and what both operators and passengers should expect going forward.

Free tertiary education sparks debate over access and standards

The roll-out of free tertiary education is raising new questions about access, quality and readiness across Namibia’s education system. While the government and the National Council for Higher Education say stricter minimum standards will protect resources and improve quality, critics warn the changes could exclude thousands of pupils from disadvantaged schooling backgrounds. Former prime minister and Namibia’s first education minister after independence Nahas Angula speaks to Desert FM on whether the country is ready to raise the bar.

President appoints task forces to fast-track NDP6 delivery

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed 54 Namibians to three national task forces to accelerate delivery under the sixth National Development Plan, saying business as usual is no longer an option. Fenny Shidhika, a member of the presidential task force on health, speaks to Desert FM on what this means for the health sector and whether the plans can deliver real change.

Gobabis municipality awaits guidance on deputy mayor recall request

The Gobabis municipality has received a formal request from the Right to Shelter Foundation of Namibia to recall newly sworn-in deputy mayor Dina Fillemon following internal disputes and objections raised during her swearing-in. Municipal spokesperson Frederick Uietele speaks to Desert FM as the municipality awaits guidance from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development on the matter.

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