Desert FM 95.3

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Debate over N$10 banknote sparks questions on national symbols

A quiet debate has surfaced online over Namibia’s new N$10 banknote. Activist Fredrick Shitana questions why the young springbok was removed from the design leaving only two adults. To many, it may seem like a small change but Shitana argues that national symbols matter, they shape identity and should not be altered without clear meaning. The discussion raises a bigger question, do changes in currency design simply reflect look or do they carry deeper cultural and political messages?.

Observer missions ready for Cameroon

As Cameroonians prepare for national elections this week, the African Union Election Observation Mission has been set up to engage with the election process. Landless People’s Movement Youth Command Element leader Duminga Ndala is part of the mission and speaks to Desert FM on the exercise.

Local authority and regional elections fast approaching

With the regional council and local authority elections approaching, political parties are rounding up their primaries to finalise their candidate lists. Gabriella Stadhauer is listed as number three on the Popular Democratic Movement’s candidate list for the City of Windhoek local authority. She speaks to Desert FM about her priorities.

Resident Associations Redefining Local Politics in Namibia

As Namibia heads toward the 2025 Regional Council and Local Authority Elections, resident associations are taking centre stage in shaping local democracy. Political analyst Johannes Sakaria unpacks what’s driving this rise, its impact on voter engagement, and what it could mean for the future of grassroots political participation in Namibia.

Okahandja Residents Take Charge: Inside the Work of the Okahandja Rates Payers Association

As more resident associations enter Namibia’s political landscape, the Okahandja Rates Payers Association (ORPA) is leading by example. Chairperson Charl Albertus Coetzee discusses the association’s decision to contest in the 2025 elections, its efforts to amplify community voices, and how it plans to drive development and accountability in Okahandja.

Mother vs Unborn Child: Inside Namibia’s Abortion Debate

As Namibia’s abortion debate intensifies, pro-life activist Nadia Chikwililwa shares why she believes stronger laws are needed to protect unborn children. In this episode, we explore her views on current legislation, women’s rights, and how communities can support both mothers and their babies.

Land, Law, and Legacy: What Namibia’s New Land Bill Means for Women

Coordinator of the Gender Research and Advocacy Project at the Legal Assistance Centre, Dianne Hubbard, breaks down how the proposed Land Bill could reshape women’s rights to own, inherit, and manage land from communal plots to commercial farms. She highlights the promise of group land rights, the risks facing widows under new inheritance rules, and why gender balance on land boards is key to real equality.

Namibia tightens rules on used car imports

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has announced new restrictions on the importation of used vehicles into Namibia, a move expected to impact motorists, car dealers and importers.Under the revised regulations cars older than 12 years will no longer be permitted into the country, particularly those imported from outside the Common Customs Area. According to the ministry, the decision aims to align Namibia with regional trade standards improve road safety and curb the influx of outdated high-emission vehicles on local roads. To unpack the implications for trade and transport, Desert FM spoke to Sakaus Kapenda deputy director for Trade Promotion in the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.

Governance controversy at Erongo Regional Council

The Erongo Regional Council is facing renewed scrutiny as Walvis Bay Rural councillor Florian Donatus comes under fire over allegations of misusing council funds. His arrest and withdrawal from the upcoming elections have drawn sharp criticism with Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa calling for swift action. At the same time, former chairperson Benitha Imbamba has been reinstated by the High Court which also ordered repayment of her benefits. Desert FM spoke to Donatus for his response to the allegations and his views on the minister’s directive and the council’s leadership crisis.

Wedding bookings full at Gobabis

Couples hoping to wed at the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court this year may be disappointed as the court has announced that all wedding slots for 2025 are fully booked. Desert FM speaks to Dolly Nangushe, a member of the Alliance of Christian Churches in Namibia, to share her thoughts on what this means for couples, the church and the broader Namibia.

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