Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Mafuta School Parents Protest: Pupils Stay Home Amid Abuse Claims

We head to the Zambezi region, where over 800 pupils at Mafuta Combined School have been kept at home by their parents. The reason? A long-standing dispute involving a teacher accused of verbal abuse, neglecting classroom duties, and poor conduct. Parents say they’ve had enough — and after submitting a petition to the regional education director earlier this month, they claim they’ve yet to see action. Now, in protest, children are staying home indefinitely. Joining Desert FM is Mr. Richards Kangumu, one of the parents at the forefront of this protest, to share the community’s concerns and what they want from the authorities.

Rodger Beukes on the future of Reho Spa

The government has reportedly spent over N$7 million on renovations at the Reho Spa facility in Rehoboth, which has been undergoing upgrades for the past two years under the management of the Rehoboth Town Council. But with whispers circulating that the site may be repurposed into a rehabilitation centre, parts of the community feel blindsided and excluded, and are now demanding transparency. To unpack the facts, community expectations, and unanswered questions, Desert FM is joined by Rodger Beukes, a prominent community leader in Rehoboth.

Meteorologist Vilho Ndeunyema: Winter rains and climate signals

While rain in July isn’t completely unheard of, the persistence and spread of these winter rains have raised eyebrows not only for their daily disruptions but also for what they might be signalling about broader climate patterns. Joining Desert FM is Vilho Ndeunyema, a senior meteorologist at the Windhoek Met Office, to help us understand what’s happening in the atmosphere, why we’re getting rain in the middle of the dry season, and whether this is simply weather.

The Sports Chat: Nestor Tobias updates us on the outcome of the Heita vs Carrington fight

Desert FM's John Tuerijama speaks to boxing promoter Nestor Tobias on the outcome of Heita vs Carrington fight.

The Sports Chat: Albert Khevare speaks to Desert FM about the 2025 corporate volleyball social league

Desert FM's John Tuerijama talks to corporate volleyball social league coordinator Albert Khevare.

The Sports Chat: Matheus Negumbo's vision for the growth of football and women's football in Namibia

Desert FM's John Tuerijama speaks to the Oshana Regional Football Association interim chairman Matheus Negumbo on his vision for the growth of football and women's football in Namibia.

Gobabis councillor Isak De Beer on Minister Sankwasa's visit to the town

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has received widespread praise following his visit to the Gobabis Municipality, where he's been hailed for his strong anti-corruption stance. His recent threat to suspend or dissolve the Katima Mulilo Town Council over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement has sparked both support and criticism. With persistent reports of administrative corruption and misgovernance plaguing Gobabis, many see Sankwasa as a potential game-changer - one who may finally tackle these issues more decisively than his predecessor, Erastus Uutoni. As we reflect on the minister's meeting with municipal officials today and consider what might lie ahead, we’re joined by Gogabis councillor, Isak De Beer.

Sophia D. Ferdrieck on End Learning Poverty national priority programme

The Ministry of Education this morning launched the End Learning Poverty national priority programme in partnership with the African Union and UNICEF at Outjo. The campaign brings together educators, researchers, and policymakers to tackle critical challenges in foundational literacy and numeracy across the country. The event is being held at the Outjo Municipal Stadium this week and a march was held through the town to raise awareness around the campaign. Joining us now to unpack the significance of this initiative is the Director of Education for the Kunene Region, Sophia D. Ferdrieck.

Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi on victims falling prey to deadly rental scam

We shift our attention to a deeply troubling and ongoing criminal scheme that has now turned deadly: Over 30 people have reportedly fallen victim to a rental scam syndicate that’s been operating across Windhoek suburbs such as Wanaheda, Goreangab, and Otjomuise - with the most recent case ending in the tragic murder of 39-year-old Fiina Nghifikwa, who was lured under the guise of viewing a rental room and fatally shot during a robbery. This chilling trend has been going on for years, using the same manipulative tactics and the same streets - yet victims say there’s been little to no follow-up from authorities despite repeated reports. Joining us now to discuss the situation, and discuss both the investigation and much-needed preventative measures, is the National Police Spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi.

ECN gearing up for voter registration for November Regional Council and Local Authority Elections

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is gearing up for supplementary voter registration, ahead of the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority Elections, scheduled for the 26th of November. Registration will take place from 4 to 19 August across the country. Whether you’ve lost your voter card, moved to a new constituency, or are registering for the very first time - this is your opportunity to make your voice count at the polls. But how ready is the ECN to deliver a smooth registration process? And what lessons have been learned from previous challenges, especially on election day? To help us unpack all of this, we’re joined by ECN spokesperson, De Wet Siluka.

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