Desert FM 95.3

di Desert FM 95.3

Is Namibia’s defence sector being underfunded ?

The recently tabled mid-term budget for 2025 has reignited debate around Namibia’s fiscal priorities. Internal reallocations have seen the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs' budget cut by N$11 million. Shadow defence minister Alosius Kangulu has warned that such cuts could compromise the ministry’s mandate. Desert FM speaks to Kangulu.

MPs criticise GIPF investment losses

Reports suggest that the GIPF has lost nearly N$815 million through underperforming offshore investments. This revelation has sparked outrage from opposition parties in parliament. Among the most vocal critics is National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who says the losses expose deep systemic failures. He speaks to Desert FM.

Dobson Kawala: Namibia’s next mine’s minister

As the hunt for the next minister of industries, mines and energy continues, the call has been made for a competent professional who understands the needs of the industry. The president appointed defence minister Frans Kapofi to oversee the portfolio in interim. Analyst Dobson Kawala speaks to Desert FM on this to explain what the ideal candidate's skills and qualifications would be.

LPM's Lifalaza Simataa on Free Tertiary Education

The Landless People’s Movement, through its leader Bernadus Swartbooi, has expressed serious doubts over what he called “a laundry list of promises”, saying government’s current structure and budget priorities make it unlikely that free education will become a reality — at least not sustainably. Swartbooi raised concerns that N$663 million, allocated for the first quarter of 2026 to kickstart free tertiary education, may not be enough to sustain the programme — especially without proper consultation with institutions like UNAM and NUST. LPM spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, joins Desert FM to unpack the LPM’s position and what this means for Namibia’s education system.

Post-election tension in Tanzania

Protests have erupted across Tanzania following Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which opposition supporters are calling a sham. The main opposition leader remains behind bars and another was disqualified, leaving president Samia Hassan facing virtually no competition. Desert FM speaks to human rights activist Treasure Basopo, who has been monitoring developments closely from the region.

MPs tell Govt to pay Unam’s N$850 million

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah recently announced that N$663 million will go towards free tertiary education, covering registration and tuition fees. This pushes the state’s subsidy to the University of Namibia (Unam) up to N$2.2 billion, excluding what’s already allocated to the Namibia University of Science and Technology and student funding schemes. However, Unam says it still needs an additional N$850 million to operate sustainably if tuition fees are fully scrapped. All People’s Party member of parliament Ambrosius Kumbwa argues that this moment tests the ruling party’s true commitment to Namibia’s long-term development goals. Desert FM speaks to him on this.

Julia Ndango on progress made at Mix Settlement

Progress is taking shape at Mix Settlement — with 80% of the formalisation process now complete! residents are hopeful as long-awaited land rights, service delivery, and infrastructure upgrades move forward. Desert FM spoke to community leader Julia Ndango She highlights that community voices remain central to ensuring the development brings lasting dignity, security, and better living conditions for families in Mix.

Rian Siyama on using economic empowerment to fight GBV

Across Namibia, communities are rising against Gender-Based Violence, and today, the San community in Zambezi showed what real progress looks like. Instead of focusing only on awareness, they’re building solutions rooted in economic empowerment - because when families earn, when communities manage their own resources, and when livelihoods are secure, dignity grows and safety strengthens.Desert FM spoke to Executive Director of Building Every Opportunity for Change Rian Siyama about the progress of this initiative.

Henk Botha warns delays could derail athlete development

The Independence Stadium is still waiting for its much-needed upgrade, as the Ministry of Education, Innovation Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has yet to approve the project’s feasibility study. The N$3-billion revamp was intended to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and bring the stadium up to international standards. Athletics coach Henk Botha, who has trained some of Namibia’s top talent, joins Desert FM to discuss how these setbacks are affecting athletes and the future of Namibian sport.

Local banks step in as Namibia fills eurobond gap

Namibia’s financial world is abuzz after local banks stepped in to help the government bridge a shortfall in its US$750 million eurobond funding (roughly N$14.3 billion).The bond, issued in 2015 at 5.25%, fell short of its target, prompting domestic banks to close the gap.The move has sparked debate about Namibia’s broader economic strategy, investor confidence and the growing role of local institutions in supporting government borrowing.Economist Almandro Jansen joins Desert FM to unpack what this means for the country’s financial outlook.

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