Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Widespread protests in Nepal

Nepal has been caught in turmoil over the past week. Widespread protests led largely by young people erupted after accusations of corruption. In the wake of this, Sushila Karki has become Nepal’s first female interim prime minister. To help us figure out what this means on the ground, Desert FM speaks to Romi Ghimire, activist, humanitarian worker and lecturer in Nepal.

Taking your wife's surname regarded as less masculine

Namibia’s Civil Registration and Identification Act of 2024 allows either spouse to assume the other’s surname after marriage. The law is now stirring heated debates after South Africa’s Constitutional Court recently ruled that men can take their wives’ surnames, calling the previous law a “colonial import” that discriminated against men. Some Namibians celebrate this as a step towards equality, while others see it as a cultural taboo. Joining Desert FM to unpack this issue is community and gender activist Rosa Namises.

Concerns around free education grow

Earlier this year, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that from the 2026 academic year, tuition and registration fees at public universities and vocational training centres would be fully subsidised under Namibia’s free tertiary education policy. The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) recently expressed their frustration over delays and lack of “logical clarification” from the government. To discuss these concerns and what students need, Desert FM speaks to SUN board chairperson Bernard Kavau.

Irene Garoes on police brutality

Defined as the excessive and unwarranted use of force by law enforcement against an individual or a group. It is an extreme form of police misconduct and is a civil rights violation. Namibia's constitution guarantees fundamental civil rights including liberty, human dignity, freedom from slavery and forced labor, and equality regardless of sex, race, color, or religion. In the spotlight is the Namibian police force and three of its members accused of assaulting 44 year old Melvin Areseb. Various Human rights defenders have come out guns blazing in defence and support of Areseb. Desert FM spoke to Irene Garoes to give us an understanding of the recent development.

LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa on vows to shake up the Namibian Legislative House

Young parliamentarians have vowed to shake up the Namibian Legislative House. Lawmakers suggest that recent events in the house have led to a more chaotic presence with parliamentarians spending more time arguing than doing actual work . Leader of the Popular Democratic Movement McHenry Venaani cautioned the current speaker that she could be degenerating the parliament into something that has never been seen by invoking some of her powers in a non judicial manner. This was after Speaker Saara Kugogelwa Amadhila asked security personnel to escort certain members members of the opposition out of Parliament. For an analysis on the recent developments we are joined by Landless Peoples Movement Spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa.

Gabi Lubowski on the 2025 Anton Lubowski Memorial Lecture at UNAM

This week marked a significant moment in Namibia’s history of justice and remembrance. On Wednesday, 10 September, the University of Namibia together with Stellenbosch University hosted the Anton Lubowski Memorial Lecture at UNAM’s PK1 campus and online. The lecture, themed “From Exposure to Action: Strengthening Systems in the Fight Against Corruption,” reflected on the life and legacy of Anton Lubowski a man who stood fearlessly for justice, democracy, and accountability. To reflect on this historic lecture, Desert FM spoke to Gabi Lubowski.

LPM's Duminga Ndala on the National Youth Development Fund

Local reports say the first round of the National Youth Development Fund received a total of 13,756 applications, with the Khomas Region leading the way at over 3,400 applications, followed by Erongo, Kavango East, Ohangwena, and Oshana. While these numbers show the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive among Namibia’s youth, concerns are already surfacing about whether the fund is fair, transparent, and truly accessible. To explore these issues, we’re joined by youth leader from the Landless People’s Movement, Duminga Ndala.

Ras Sheehama: The Reggae Voice of Namibia

From the dusty streets of Ombalantu to the international reggae stages of Europe, his voice carried the rhythms of freedom, of love, and of struggle. Ras Sheehama born on 29 July 1966 became the heartbeat of Namibian reggae. On 5 September 2025, Namibia lost this voice forever. Join Desert FM in this special documentary as we celebrate Sheehama's life, music, and legacy.

National Assembly was thrown into turmoil

The National Assembly was thrown into turmoil this week when three Affirmative Repositioning (AR) MPs, including AR leader Job Amupanda, Tuhafeni Kalola, and chief whip Vaino Hangula were forcibly removed from the chamber after clashing with speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. To discuss the AR's perspective, Desert FM speaks to party chief whip Vaino Hangula.

The National Assembly descended into chaos

The National Assembly descended into chaos on Thursday when three Affirmative Repositioning MPs were physically removed from the chamber after clashing with speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The incident sparked criticism from the opposition. For the ruling party’s perspective, Desert FM chats to Swapo chief whip and deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga.

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