Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

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.

City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya reacts to the /Khomas Rate Payers and Residents petition

The /Khomas Rate Payers and Residents handed over a detailed petition to the City of Windhoek today. Their grievances cover several key areas - from unfulfilled debt write-offs for pensioners, to persistent challenges within the Built-Together housing scheme, lack of coordination between municipal departments, and critical service delivery failures in relocated areas like Okapale. Joining us for this discussion is City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya, to shed light on how the municipality is responding to these demands.

Shaun Gariseb on pensioners being targeted by scammers

Next, we focus on a developing and deeply troubling situation involving pensioners’ transactional accounts at Nampost. A recent post by the Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners has alleged that a syndicate may be infiltrating pensioners’ accounts, making unauthorized deductions and adding unknown beneficiaries. One such case involves Ouma Petrina Sikela, who, like many others, only discovered the discrepancies after her money had already been deducted. Joining us to shed more light on this disturbing issue is Shaun Gariseb, a well-known Katutura community activist, who has been advocating for and assisting affected pensioners.

NABTA's Pendapala Nakathingo on the growing tensions within Namibia's public transport sector

We turn to growing tensions within Namibia’s public transport sector: A group of taxi drivers recently staged a protest at the Ministry of Works and Transport, raising concerns about the growing presence of e-hailing services such as Yango, LEFA, and InDrive. Their message? These app-based services are eating into their livelihoods, allegedly operating with lower prices, unfair advantages, and without permits - all while formal taxi drivers must comply with strict and sometimes delayed licensing procedures. To unpack these concerns and understand the road ahead for the industry, we’re joined by Pendapala Nakathingo, Secretary General of the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA).

IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge on 16 local authorities that are currently without CEOs

16 local authorities are currently without CEO's. Politicians have said that this is affecting service delivery. Some have gone without one for over two years. While the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development blames poor political leadership at the council level, questions are being raised about whether the minister himself has followed the correct legal and legislative procedures in trying to fix the problem. Joining Desert FM is IPC spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge to delve into the matter.

BCP President, Festus Tomas: Leadership Vacuum in Namibian Towns Raises Governance Concerns

From Lüderitz to Grootfontein, Henties Bay to Stampriet, dozens of Namibian towns are operating without full-time municipal CEOs. Some have gone without one for over two years. While the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development blames poor political leadership at council level, questions are being raised about whether the Minister himself has followed the correct legal and legislative procedures in trying to fix the problem. Joining Desert FM is Festus Thomas, President of the Body of Christ Party, he shares his thoughts on what this leadership vacuum means for service delivery, for towns. Leadership Vacuum in Namibian Towns Raises Governance Concerns says President of the Body of Christ Party Festus Tomas.

Edda Bohn on concerns raised over school discipline practices in Kavango West

Discipline in schools has always been a delicate issue especially when it borders on physical punishment. Concern was raised at Tondoro Combined School in Kavango West, where learners were allegedly forced to carry logs as punishment for arriving late. One parent reported that their child suffered chest pains as a result and required medical attention. In light of this, we ask: What disciplinary measures are actually permitted in Namibian schools? And how do we draw the line between discipline and harm? Joining Desert FM is Edda Bohn, the Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Education.

Kavango East governor Hambyuka Hamunyera on his maiden SORA

Kavango East governor, Hambyuka Hamunyera, speaks to Desert FM about his maiden SORA - delivered this past week.

Swakopmund Mayor Blasius Goraseb speaks to Desert FM about the 2025 SOE Games

Swakopmund Mayor Blasius Goraseb speaks to Desert FM about the 2025 SOE Games.

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