Desert FM 95.3

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Swapo’s Rothney Ngeenguno pitches reform ahead of Aminuis vote

With regional council and local authority elections approaching, the Aminuis constituency in the Omaheke region is becoming a key battleground. Swapo candidate Rothney Ngeenguno is contesting for constituency councillor on a platform of inclusive governance, transparency and sustainable development, pledging to put people before politics. However, Aminuis faces tough realities: chronic water shortages, high unemployment, and growing concern over proposed uranium mining. In an interview with Desert FM, Ngeenguno shares his plans to address these challenges and earn the community’s trust.

IPPR releases post-election analysis on Namibia’s 2024 vote

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has released a detailed post-election analysis titled Fraying Dominance, Fragmented Opposition: Inside the Numbers of the 2024 Election. The presentation, held at the House of Democracy in Windhoek on Wednesday, examined voter behaviour, shifts in political support, and what the data suggests about the future of Namibia’s democracy. Max Weylandt chats with Desert FM to explain what motivated IPPR to conduct this analysis and to highlight the key findings presented.

New bill could force teachers into mandatory training to keep licences

The proposed teachers professionalisation bill would make continuous professional development compulsory, ending the era of “one qualification for life”. The bill also seeks to establish a Professional Teaching Council to set standards and regulate teacher conduct. Supporters say it will boost accountability and quality; critics fear funding, workload and rollout challenges. John Nyambe from the University of Namibia’s School of Education speaks to Desert FM on what this could mean for the future of teaching in Namibia.

Proposed law to shield workers’ mental health

The proposed mental health bill explicitly aims to ban employment discrimination based on mental health and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for affected workers. However, this new protection raises complex questions about implementation and employer liability. To help analyse the possible implications, Desert FM speaks to labour specialist Sydwill Scholtz.

PDM expels members ahead of elections

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) expelled seven members for contesting as independent candidates or supporting rival parties in the upcoming regional council and local authority elections. PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe announced that the move was made in line with the party’s constitution, which prohibits members from running against or supporting opponents of officially endorsed PDM candidates. Ngaringombe chats with Desert FM on how this affects the party.

A look into the mid-term budget review

Namibia’s mid-term budget review has sparked both relief and concern across economic circles. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah on Tuesday announced that public debt now stands at N$167.2 billion, compared to N$153.7 billion the previous year. She also revealed tougher tax compliance measures, including a controversial proposal that would allow banks to freeze accounts of tax defaulters under the upcoming income tax amendment bill. Economist Almandro Jansen joins Desert FM to unpack the numbers and policy direction.

Discipline camps push back against spanking culture

According to a 2022 Afrobarometer study, more than half of Namibians believe parents are justified in using physical force to discipline their children, while four in ten say the practice is never justified. In response to the need for better discipline among young people, discipline camps have been on the rise in Namibia. Former firefighter Juanita Gouws founded Change Discipline Camps, which she says were designed to reshape how Namibians view discipline. She recently spoke to Desert FM (DFM) to share the current status of the programme and its importance in the country.

NANSO Launches One Learner, One Tablet Advocacy.

We spoke to NANSO President Dorothea Nangolo, who says the initiative is “not just about gadgets, it’s about empowering learners with tools, skills, and opportunities to succeed.” The campaign calls on government and private sector support while emphasizing that digital inclusion must go hand in hand with improving school infrastructure.

Understanding Namibia’s Intergenerational Trauma: Healing from Colonial Legacies

Namibia continues to grapple with the lasting impact of colonial rule and systemic inequalities. Expert Stephen Harageib, appointed to the African Youth Transitional Justice Reference Group, explains how intergenerational trauma affects mental health, education, and social cohesion today. He highlights the need for truth-telling, reparative justice, and community engagement to heal the psychological and structural wounds that span generations.

Uakuna Rukero Aims to Empower Youth and Improve Services in John Pandeni

We spoke to PDM candidate Uakuna Rukero, who says she wants to “deliver versatile and practical change that restores hope and trust in leadership,” focusing on clean water, waste management, road maintenance, and youth empowerment. Rukero emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the importance of voter participation in the upcoming 26 November elections.

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