Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Lydia Amutenya says 880 people sharing one tap a wake-up call

According to the 2023 Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Atlas, there are stark regional differences in how clean water is accessed across constituencies. The data shows that infrastructure includes about 7,150 boreholes, 2,003 public taps, and a variety of other water sources but the distribution tells another story. Take, for example, Samora Machel constituency home to over 92,000 people which in 2023 had just 105 water taps. That means about 880 people were sharing a single tap. A striking imbalance that paints a broader picture about water equity and infrastructure challenges. Joining us today to shed more light on what has been done since 2023 to redress this and what’s still needed is Lydia Amutenya, the spokesperson for the City of Windhoek.

Michael Humavindu says youth fund must balance access with accountability

Youth empowerment is once again at the centre of national debate. The government recently approved a N$257 million National Youth Development Fund aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs with interest-free and low-interest loans — and crucially, no collateral requirements. But the rollout has not been without controversy. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has raised concerns about tight deadlines, confusing requirements, and possible loopholes that could disadvantage genuine youth applicants. Meanwhile, youth leaders like Duminga Ndala are calling for stronger accountability and financial literacy support to make sure the fund delivers long-term impact. To unpack all of this Michael Humavindu, Executive Director For Ministry Of Finance joined us.

Zelensky at the White House

President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to the White House for a high-stakes summit with President Donald Trump, accompanied by European leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting aimed to chart a path towards ending the nearly four-year war in Ukraine. While Trump proposed a trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hinted at U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, European leaders emphasised the necessity of a ceasefire and warned against territorial concessions. Zelensky expressed readiness for direct negotiations with Putin and optimism that security agreements would be finalised within 10 days. To explore the implications of this summit and the broader geopolitical landscape, Desert FM speaks to Peter Zalmayev, a Ukranian-American commentator and director of the New York–Kyiv-based Eurasia Democracy Initiative.

Germany Faces Court Over Genocide Case

Germany has been officially notified to appear before Namibia’s High Court in October a historic moment in the long fight for justice over the 1904–08 Ovaherero and Nama genocide. The case challenges the controversial 2021 joint declaration between Namibia and Germany, which critics say fell short of reparations and excluded affected communities.Joining Desert FM is Joyce Muzengua, Deputy Chairperson of the Ovaherero Genocide Foundation, to discuss what this means for justice, accountability, and international law.

The Namibian at 40: A Voice for Democracy

The Namibian newspaper turns 40 after four decades of shaping the nation’s democratic discourse. From its early days as a fierce voice against apartheid to its role today in a fast-changing media landscape, The Namibian has left an indelible mark.Desert FM is Zoé Titus, Executive Director of the Namibia Media Trust, who began her career as a journalist at The Namibian in 1995. We look back on the paper’s journey and reflect on its place in Namibia’s democracy today.

We spoke to NANSO spokesperson Jessie Abrahams on the rollout of the National Youth Development Fund — from opportunities for young innovators to concerns around timing, outreach, and mentorship.

We spoke to NANSO spokesperson Jessie Abrahams on the rollout of the National Youth Development Fund — from opportunities for young innovators to concerns around timing, outreach, and mentorship.

Prof. Johan Coetzee calls for transparency in state funeral policy

Our next conversation looks at a debate that has been gaining traction in Namibia: the credibility of the state funeral moratorium. Initially introduced as a measure of financial prudence and fairness, it has increasingly been questioned as exceptions continue to be made for prominent figures. Analysts argue that without transparency and clear guidelines, the moratorium risks losing its purpose and eroding public trust. To help us unpack what this means for governance, fairness, and accountability, I’m joined by political analyst Professor Johan Coetzee.

Ben Mulongeni hails The Namibian as a watchdog for democracy

We take a step back in time to reflect on one of Namibia’s most influential institutions The Namibian newspaper. Celebrating 40 years of existence this year, The Namibian has been more than just a publication; it has been a voice for the voiceless, a watchdog for democracy, and a critical part of our country’s journey from struggle to statehood. Joining me now is Ben Mulongeni, who remembers those formative years, to share his reflections on The Namibian’s role in shaping the media landscape, its influence during the independence struggle, and how it has managed to adapt and remain relevant four decades later.

Mitch Muatuli warns against rushed rollout of youth fund

We turn our attention to a hot topic making headlines and stirring up plenty of debate the newly introduced National Youth Development Fund. Government says it’s a bold step to empower young Namibians with business loans, apprenticeships, and internships, but the rollout has not been without controversy. From concerns about short deadlines, questions of feasibility, and whether those over 35 should also benefit the conversation is wide open. Joining me now is the spokesperson of the National African Students’ Association (NASA), Mitch Muatuli, to share his thoughts on what this fund could mean for the youth, and how organisations like NASA can play a role in supporting its success.

The Namibian at 40: A Voice Through the Years

This month, The Namibian newspaper turns 40, four decades since it began publishing and became a critical voice in Namibia’s journey to independence. From reporting under difficult circumstances during the liberation struggle to shaping the modern media landscape, The Namibian has played an influential role in Namibian society. Desert FM speaks to Bob Kandetu, veteran media and communications practitioner, to explore the newspaper’s historical significance, its contribution to the media industry, and its continuing role in shaping public discourse.

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