Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

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.

Lüderitz mayor, Phillipus Balhao on Namibia’s first-ever salmon farming project

A development that could redefine the economy of Lüderitz and turn Namibia into a global aquaculture player - Namibia’s first-ever salmon farming project has received N$41 million in new funding and is officially moving ahead near Lüderitz. Spearheaded by the African Aquaculture Company, this project aims to produce thousands of tonnes of salmon annually, with the first harvest expected by late 2026. If successful, it could grow into a billion-dollar export industry, creating hundreds of jobs and reducing our reliance on costly salmon imports. International investors have taken note - and it’s all thanks to Namibia’s cold Benguela Current, which offers perfect conditions for salmon farming. Joining Desert FM to talk about what this means for Namibia, is Lüderitz mayor, Phillipus Balhao.

Rosy Schaneck on the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Council Dialogue

From 4 to 8 August, Namibia will host one of the most significant youth platforms on the continent - the Commonwealth Youth Council Dialogue, right here in Windhoek. With youth unemployment, climate anxiety, digital inequality, and policy exclusion dominating conversations across Africa, this dialogue promises to move beyond rhetoric and into action. Joining us now is Rosy Schaneck, Africa Regional Representative on the Commonwealth Youth Council.

Simon Namesho on UNAM's drive to establish Department of Applied Nuclear Science

Namibia is making bold moves. The University of Namibia has announced it is finalising plans to establish a Department of Applied Nuclear Science - a first-of-its-kind for the country. This school will focus on nuclear energy, medicine, agriculture, and water technologies, and forms part of the country’s long-term development strategy under NDP6. But how will this school work? Who will fund it? How safe is it? And most importantly, how will it benefit ordinary Namibians? To help us understand the scope and implications of this ambitious plan, we are joined by Simon Namesho, spokesperson of the University of Namibia.

Ndumba Kamwanyah: The fall and fall of African liberation movements

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has just returned from the Liberation Movements Summit held in South Africa over the weekend, where several former revolutionary parties gathered. The summit comes at a time when support for many of these liberation movements has declined significantly. But can such a gathering help these parties regain voter confidence, adapt to the rising wave of post-war pro-democracy movements, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape? To help us unpack these questions, we’re joined by political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah.

Drug rehabilitation specialist Lindsay Ackerman on Namibia's drug problem

A total of 24 people from six towns across Namibia were arrested for drug possession over the weekend. The growing number of drug users and continued arrests suggest that the country is fighting a war it may not be winning. This raises the question: are the police targeting the right people? With arrests largely focused on users and low-level dealers, concerns are mounting that major drug networks and cartels are being overlooked. To help us explore and understand this complex issue, we’re joined by drug rehabilitation specialist, Lindsay Ackerman.

UNAM students Florence Indongo and Tasha-Miswa Marwizi on their initiative to promote constitutional awareness in the Khomas region

Namibia has witnessed a steady decline in its reading culture over the years, particularly among young people, a trend often attributed to the rise of social media. Despite the increased accessibility to books through the internet, many youths show little interest in reading, especially when it comes to the Constitution. The foundational document is rarely approached as everyday literature or used as a practical guide to understanding economic and political systems. In response to this gap in legal awareness, a group of final-year students from the University of Namibia has launched an initiative aimed at promoting legal literacy across the Khomas region. Florence Indongo and Tasha-Miswa Marwizi spoke to Desert FM about their drive to promote constitutional awareness in the Khomas region.

136 of 144