Desert FM 95.3

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Calle Schlettwein on whether Namibia’s new Task Forces can deliver

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially launched three national task forces on economic recovery, health, and housing & land signalling what could be a bold shift toward a more results-driven style of governance in the 8th Administration. Her message was clear: Namibia cannot afford business as usual. The cost-of-living crisis, stagnant job creation, a strained health system, and the deepening housing shortage demand new thinking and real coordination. But as many Namibians have pointed out, this is not our first attempt. We have seen commissions, committees and task forces before some produced strong reports, but few delivered long-lasting implementation. Today, we ask the hard but necessary question: ‘Will these new task forces be different?’ And what lessons can we learn from previous national efforts that fell short or never fully got off the ground?” Joining us now is former Minister of Trade and Industry, and former Minister of Finance, Calle Schlettwein.

Nandi-Ndaitwah unveils task forces as questions grow over real delivery

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has launched three national task forces on economic recovery, health and housing and land, signalling a shift towards a more result-driven approach under the eighth administration. She stresses the need to move beyond 'business-as-usual' to address rising living costs, service-delivery failures and Namibia’s deepening housing crisis. But the big question remains: will these task forces deliver real change, or repeat past cycles of reports without action? Desert FM speaks to Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani for an opposition perspective on what this means for the country.

Chaos at Gochas as hundreds compete for just eight school jobs

Tensions flared at Gochas on Tuesday morning as nearly 500 job seekers descended on a local school in hopes of securing only three matron posts and five cleaner positions. With the school gate locked and hundreds left waiting outside, the scene highlighted the depth of unemployment and desperation facing rural communities. Desert FM speaks to outgoing Hardap Regional Council chairperson Gersohn Dausab about what’s unfolding on the ground and what this reveals about service delivery and governance in the region.

IPC´s Panduleni Itula on Namibia entering a new era of power sharing

Namibia’s latest local and regional elections have ushered in major political shifts, with more than 20 local authorities now headed for coalition councils after no party achieved outright majorities. Swapo has regained ground taking full control of Windhoek while the IPC remains the country’s second-strongest party despite losing some support. Desert FM speaks to IPC President Dr Panduleni Itula on the party’s performance, the numbers behind the vote and the coalition prospects ahead.

Skills gap deepens as Namibia falls short on critical modern skills

Namibia is facing a growing skills gap, with new data showing an oversupply of office administration graduates and a shortage in green energy, digital tech and other emerging fields. With youth unemployment still among the highest in the region, experts are calling for urgent reforms to training systems, internships and labour data. Desert FM speaks to Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian George Kambala on what must change to align skills with the country’s economic needs.

Presidency launches task forces to drive economic recovery, health and housing reform

The Presidency has launched three national task forces focused on economic recovery, health and housing and land, a move officials describe as a “business unusual” strategy to tackle Namibia’s most urgent challenges. Among those appointed is housing advocate and community organiser Heinrich Amushila, who will serve on the housing and land task force, a key driver of the sixth National Development Plan’s push to expand serviced land and provide dignified housing. Desert FM speaks to Amushila about his new role, the expectations placed on the task force and how it aims to deliver meaningful, measurable results for Namibians.

Namibian Editor Tangeni Ampadi to Step Down; Industry Colleagues Praise Legacy

Toivo Ndjebela, editor of the Namibian Sun and chairperson of the Editors Forum of Namibia, praises Tangeni Ampadi for his bravery, knowledge, and leadership as he steps down on 31 January 2026. Colleagues celebrate his legacy in shaping fearless, quality journalism and guiding the paper through digital and print evolution.

Raising Awareness: Supporting Children on the Autism Spectrum in Namibia

Anna Isack speaks on the realities faced by children on the autism spectrum in Namibia and the work needed to better support them.

Emma Tuahepa’s courage marks World AIDS Day part 1

As the world observes World AIDS Day, Namibia reflects on the remarkable journey of Emma Tuahepa, the first woman in the country to openly disclose her HIV-AIDS status in 1996, at just 22 years old. Now 50 and living at Rietfontein, she looks back on more than three decades of survival and resilience at a time when stigma was fierce and treatment limited. Her story continues to highlight how far the country has come and why the fight against HIV-AIDS remains as important as ever.

Tsotsi Taxi app launched to curb crime

Recent months have brought growing alarm over crimes involving taxis in Namibia. In Windhoek alone, a wave of taxi-related robberies and assaults reignited public fears, especially among women. In response, a group of local digital technologists, including Abraham Mabuta, developed a new app, Tsotsi Taxi, designed to let passengers instantly verify a taxi's identity and flag suspicious taxis in real time. Desert FM speaks to Mabuta about why this tool is needed now and how it works.

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