Desert FM 95.3

di Desert FM 95.3

New chapter begins as Tangeni Amupadhi bids farewell to The Namibian

Namibia’s media industry is entering a significant moment as Tangeni Amupadhi, editor and managing director of The Namibian, announces he will step down at the end of January 2026. After nearly 20 years at the publication and close to 15 years leading it, Amupadhi’s tenure has shaped journalism through economic pressures, the Covid-19 era, the rise of digital media and major investigations, including the landmark Fishrot exposé. Under his leadership, The Namibian achieved record circulation, built a powerful digital presence and expanded into radio, broadcasting and cross-border investigative reporting. As this chapter closes, the industry reflects on his legacy and the path ahead.

Govt payroll deduction management system conversation continues

The debate over the government payroll deduction management system continues after the High Court ordered that the system must continue operating while a broader review is still pending. At the centre of the issue are deduction codes used for loan repayments, insurance premiums and other third-party deductions from government salaries. The finance ministry planned to discontinue parts of this system at the end of November but this move was challenged by microlenders like Entrépo Finance, and now paused by the court. Major institutions have already announced they will stop receiving premium deductions from the government soon. To help dissect this and what this means for public servants, Desert FM is joined by economist Salomo Hei.

Road ahead after regional and local elections

This year’s regional council and local authority elections delivered shifts across the country. Independent candidates broke long-standing party control in parts of the Kavango regions, and women secured more leadership positions than in any previous election cycle. Some councillors, despite controversy, were re-elected, while Swapo regained key southern regions and strengthened its grip in the Erongo and Khomas regions. The question now is what these results mean for service delivery and coalition-building at the local level. To help understand these outcomes, Desert FM speaks to political analyst Rakkel Andreas.

From stigma to strength: Bernard Kamatoto highlights HIV progress in Namibia

As the world marks World AIDS Day, Namibia reflects on two decades of major progress from high infection rates to some of the best viral suppression outcomes globally. HIV-AIDS activist Bernard Kamatoto, diagnosed in 1999, shares his journey of resilience and advocacy, reminding the nation of how far it has come and the work that still lies ahead.

AU-EU Summit Strengthens 25-Year Partnership, Paves Way for Inclusive Growth and Climate Action

EU Ambassador to the African Union, Javier Niño Pérez, and EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, share insights on the outcomes of the 24–25 November AU-EU Summit in Luanda, highlighting enhanced trade, investment, climate action, peace, and social justice initiatives that promise tangible benefits for citizens across Africa and Europe.

Low Voter Turnout Highlights Political Fatigue Amid Party Performance Debate

Political analyst Johannes Sakaria examines Namibia’s recent local and regional elections, noting that poor voter turnout—exemplified by just 20.8% in Katutura East—reflects political fatigue, trust issues with the Electoral Commission, and voter dissatisfaction with party performance, while also exploring how recent administrative reforms may be influencing public confidence.

Youth Disillusionment Drives Voter Apathy Despite N$26 Million Civic Education

Social commentator Armando Pieters highlights how high unemployment, persistent poverty, and unfulfilled political promises contributed to low youth turnout in Namibia’s recent regional and local authority elections, calling for a more honest and impactful voter education approach by the Electoral Commission and community leaders.

What Namibia’s low voter turnout signals for democracy

Namibia’s regional council and local authority elections have concluded, leaving the nation reflecting on one of the lowest voter turnouts seen since independence. The results have sparked renewed debate about public trust, political engagement, and what this means for the country’s democratic future. To discuss the wider implications and explore what low turnout could signal for Namibia’s political landscape, Desert FM speaks to McDonald Vihanga, an independent candidate for the Okahandja constituency.

Manuel Ngaringombe assesses yesterday's elections

Preliminary observations from across the country indicate that Namibia may have recorded one of its lowest voter turnouts for regional council and local authority elections since independence. Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe joins Desert FM as he assesses what this low turnout signals for political parties.

Outgoing Windhoek councillor on yesterday's voting

Preliminary observations from across the country and especially in Windhoek suggest that voter turnout in yesterday’s regional council and local authority elections may have been significantly lower than expected. Many residents are expressing growing frustration with local governance service delivery. Outgoing Windhoek councillor Fransina Kahungu speaks to Desert FM on why voters stayed away.

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