Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Sharon Roodt on Walvis Bay Service Delivery Dispute Turning Political

This past weekend, the Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association met with SWAPO Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa and the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development to receive a petition and witness the conditions first-hand.However, the meeting has since stirred controversy. The Independent Patriots for Change, which runs the municipality, has accused Shaningwa of politicising the gathering after she posted on social media that SWAPO is ready to “restore Walvis Bay to its former glory” ahead of the 2025 elections. Sharon Roodt speaks to Desert FM as she says the event was never intended to be political.

Law Students and NARETU Unite to Strengthen Worker Representation

The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU) recently partnered with fourth-year law students from the University of Namibia to empower shop stewards with the tools they need to represent workers better. The 2025 Central Region Workshop, hosted under the students’ Corinth UNAM Legal Aid initiative, covered topics ranging from labour rights and workplace representation to financial literacy, pensions, and medical benefits. Commander-in-chief of NARETU, Petersen Kambinda, joins Desert FM to discuss the significance of this training, the challenges unions face in Namibia, and why this partnership could be a game-changer for worker representation.

Michael Snowden on 2025 snake season

As Namibia’s winter slowly loosens its grip and the days begin to warm, it’s not just people enjoying the change in weather — snakes are stirring too. Across the country, from farms to suburban gardens, reports of snake sightings are expected to increase as these cold-blooded creatures come out to bask, hunt, and find mates. Namibia is home to some of Africa’s most notorious snakes — from the lightning-fast black mamba to the stealthy puff adder and the zebra spitting cobra — and knowing how to react when you meet one can mean the difference between a safe encounter and a dangerous one. Joining us this morning is Michael Snowden, a seasoned snake catcher and expert who has spent years relocating these animals and educating the public about their behaviour. He’s here to share which snakes we might see as the season changes, how to avoid dangerous encounters, and what to do if you come face-to-face with one. (Photo credit: Francois Theart - Facebook)

NANSO's Jessy Abraham on on public smoking ban

The City of Windhoek has taken a bold step in the name of public health, enforcing a strict no-smoking policy in all public areas, which explicitly includes electronic cigarettes and vapes, effective as of late July. According to the city’s spokesperson, Nevia Kwenani, the ban extends to indoor workplaces, public transport, healthcare and educational facilities, restaurants, bars, and more, all with real penalties for non-compliance. This development comes at a time when the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) is already leading the charge against vaping among youth with its bold #LosDieChoef campaign — urging students to resist the growing ‘vape culture’ infiltrating schools and campuses. Joining us today is Jessy Abraham, NANSO’s Secretary for Communication, Information & Technology, to share how the student body is reacting to the City’s ban, and what it means for young Namibians moving forward.

Analyst Johan Coetzee on 2025 Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems study

Based on the 2025 Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS), there are deep-rooted structural weaknesses in the way public funds are being spent, monitored, and accounted for. The report highlight vague legal frameworks and poor digital infrastructure to critical staff shortages in the key Procurement Policy Unit, all of which raise serious questions about transparency and efficiency in government spending. speaks to Desert FM about the findings.

Former cabinet minister Mac-Albert Hengari granted bail of N$15,000

The state’s case has faced early stumbling blocks. Magistrate Monica Andjaba noted there was no direct evidence that Hengari or his co-accused personally handed over money to the complainant. While prosecutors maintain they have a strong case, the magistrate questioned the strength of the evidence and ruled that any potential risks could be managed through strict bail conditions. To help us understand the legal journey and what lies ahead, Advocate Werner Boesak speaks to Desert FM in that regard.

The City of Windhoek has officially banned vaping in public spaces

Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people in Namibia, and this new regulation has already sparked lively debate, raising questions around personal choice, health risks, and how the ban will actually be enforced. Joining Desert FM to share the student perspective is Bernard Kavau, chairperson of the Students’ Union of Namibia.

IPPR Launches New Procurement Tracker Highlighting Red Flags and Reforms

Frederiko Links of the Institute for Public Policy Research unpacks the latest Procurement Tracker Namibia, titled ‘Red Flags, Recommendations, Reforms’.

First Division Playoffs Set for Kickoff Amid Resolved Referee Payment Concerns

The stage is set for the First Division Playoffs this weekend, with teams and officials already travelling to their respective venues. Namibia Football Association communications and marketing manager Isaack Hamata says all systems are go, with the goal being promotion to the nationwide First Division. Hamata confirmed that previous concerns over unpaid referees have been resolved. Funds have been disbursed to regional affiliates, and most referees have either been paid or are in the process of being paid. While full details on the number of promoted teams per stream will be clarified, Hamata indicated that one stream will promote three teams, and the others two each.

Namibian Golden Oldies Head to Botswana for Veterans’ Football Showdown

Golden Oldies chairperson John Ramakhutla says the trip is part of efforts to revive veteran football in the region, with hopes of hosting a four-nations cup featuring Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. Ramakhutla and teammate Theo Kambanda spoke to Desert FM about the trip, shared memories from their playing days, and reflected on aspects of the modern game.

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