Desert FM 95.3

di Desert FM 95.3

Windhoek Mob Justice Raises Legal Concerns

Windhoek Community members in windhoek assaulted a taxi driver accused of attempting to rape a 14-year-old girl, sparking debate over mob justice and trust in Namibia’s legal system. Legal expert Wesele Chikwililwa weighs in on the implications and potential consequences.

Lisbeth Kaumbi runs independent to represent Opuwo Urban constituency

As Namibia approaches the regional council and local authority elections, communities are meeting candidates hoping to represent them and drive change. In the Opuwo Urban constituency of the Kunene region, independent candidate Lisbeth Kaumbi is stepping forward with fresh ideas and a commitment to her community. In an interview with Desert FM, Kaumbi shares her vision, priorities and what inspired her to run as an independent voice for Opuwo Urban.

Namibia considers mandatory training for teachers

The newly proposed teachers professionalisation bill may soon require all teachers to take regular training and refresher courses to keep their teaching licences.The bill also proposes a Professional Teaching Council, a body that would monitor teaching standards, regulate who becomes a teacher and handle disciplinary cases. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture says this is about raising education quality and accountability across the country. In an interview with Desert FM, Namibia National Teachers Union secretary general Loide Shaanika shares how teachers are reacting, including concerns about costs, fairness, and whether schools are ready for this change.

Activist Shaun Gariseb claims charges are meant to shut him up

Social justice activist Shaun Gariseb made headlines after being charged with inciting public violence and public indecency after a tense standoff between residents and the police in Katutura. Gariseb insists that the charges are politically motivated, describing them as abuse of power by certain law enforcement officers. He maintains that he and fellow residents were simply demanding accountability and improved service delivery. In an interview with Desert FM, Gariseb speaks about what really happened, the circumstances behind the charges and his ongoing fight for civic justice in Windhoek.

Study finds 90% of GBV survivors know their perpetrators

Problematic Mindsets Volume II, a new study by the One Economy Foundation, reveals that rigid gender beliefs and emotional suppression among men are driving violence in homes and communities.The study was launched at the Spark RX Youth Health Innovation Summit in Windhoek. Interviews with survivors, perpetrators and professionals showed that 90% of survivors knew their perpetrators, with most cases occurring in intimate relationships. Desert FM spoke to gender rights activist and former parliamentarian Rosa Namises about the cultural roots of this violence, and what must change to address it.

Zambezi schools struggle with infrastructure, some pupils taught under trees

A parliamentary oversight mission has found that many schools in the Zambezi region remain in poor condition, with some pupils still being taught under trees or in overcrowded classrooms raising concerns about safety and education quality. The visit, led by deputy chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on education, youth, civic relations and community development Austin Samupwa, also noted some progress including a N$106 million upgrade at Schuckmansburg Combined School. In an interview with Desert FM, Zambezi education director Alex Sikume spoke on the findings and efforts to fix the situation.

Omaheke shows encouraging progress in reducing child malnutrition

The Omaheke region is making meaningful progress in its long fight against child malnutrition, after years of being among Namibia’s hardest hit areas.The Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia reports that strengthened coordination, expanded community outreach and increased civil society participation are contributing to the turnaround. Regional data now indicates a reduction in malnutrition related child deaths. This improvement is attributed to leadership from the governor’s office and the introduction of a multi sectoral malnutrition task force that brings together the health, education, agriculture and social sectors under a unified strategy. In an interview with Desert FM, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate outlines the region’s strategic approach to combating malnutrition and highlights what further measures are required to sustain and deepen the current gains.

Tjaronda Sandi outlines vision for Epukiro ahead of elections

As Namibia moves closer to the 2025 regional council and local authority elections, political activity is intensifying across the country. In the Omaheke region, the Epukiro constituency has drawn particular interest, with multiple candidates entering the race and outlining competing visions for development. Among the hopefuls is Tjaronda Sandi, who argues that Epukiro’s progress depends on empowering residents through better service delivery, targeted youth development and stronger community participation in decision making. In an interview with Desert FM, Sandi shares his plans, priorities and vision for the constituency should he be elected as councillor.

City of Windhoek cleaners’ strike continues

Over 500 fixed-term cleaners at the City of Windhoek recently called for their salaries to increase from N$3 300 to N$8 000, saying current wages are unsustainable. Since then, over 100 have returned back to work. The city confirmed that the strike is lawful and will proceed under agreed rules. Desert FM speaks to city spokesperson Lydia Amutenya to give perspective on the matter.

Independent Candidate McDonald Vihanga Eyes Okahandja Seat Ahead of 2025 Elections

we caught up with McDonald Vihanga, the only independent candidate contesting for the Okahandja Constituency under the Otjozondjupa Regional Council. Vihanga, a spiritual leader and youth activist, says he joined politics to tackle social injustices and bring “light” to Okahandja, focusing on youth empowerment, community education, and transparency in governance.

88 di 142