Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Erastus Haitengela discussed the on going in WIndhoek and Swakopmund

The 11th African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games kicked off in Windhoek and Swakopmund from 4 July to 13 July 2025, with over 2,500 athletes and officials from 10 SADC countries participating. Namibia stepped in at short notice after Mozambique withdrew, giving us less than six months to prepare instead of the usual two years. The Games feature 13 sporting disciplines, including the COSAFA U‑20 football tournaments, and mark the first Region 5 event to include Special‑Olympics athletes. The government has allocated N$127 million for upgrades and logistical support. To unpack the challenges, readiness and legacy of this event, we spoke with Erastus Haitengela, Executive Director in the Ministry.

Paulus Noa unpacks implications of Imms Mulunga’s arrest

In a dramatic turn of events, former Namcor Managing Director Imms Mulunga has been arrested alongside other executives in connection with alleged corruption in state oil dealings. The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed the arrests, saying they stem from deeper, ongoing investigations. This follows Mulunga’s highly publicized exoneration in July 2023, when ACC cleared him of wrongdoing in a controversial N$100 million transfer related to oil blocks in Angola—a decision that was later upheld by a disciplinary panel. We spoke to Paulus Noa, Director General of the ACC, to gain clarity on this latest move, how it relates to Mulunga’s past clearance, and what it signals about Namibia’s fight against corruption in state enterprises.

Benjamin Paulo addresses the major shift in water access in Grootfontein

We head to Grootfontein, where a major shift in water access is causing growing concern. The local municipality has announced plans to roll out prepaid water meters across all households — including informal settlements — as part of an effort to manage water consumption and cut down on losses. But not everyone is convinced. Community activist Benjamin Paulo joined us to unpack why many residents fear that this move could worsen water insecurity — especially for low-income households, the elderly, and the unemployed — and whether the rollout has been fair or consultative.

Joseph Kauandenge unpacks his plans for the city ahead of the local authorities election

As Namibia gears up for the highly anticipated regional and local authority elections set for November 2025, the capital city Windhoek finds itself at a critical crossroads. Years of political gridlock, fragile coalitions, and failing service delivery have left many residents disillusioned. Amid this uncertainty, a new political formation—the Association for Localised Interests (ASOLI)—has entered the fray, promising fresh energy and a direct approach to grassroots governance. Leading this charge is Joseph Kauandenge, a familiar political figure now focused on transforming Windhoek into a city that delivers. With concerns mounting over urban poverty, housing shortages, youth unemployment, and basic municipal services, we speak to him about his plans for the capital, whether Windhoek can survive another coalition, and what’s at stake in these local authority elections.

Gerub Gaseb unpacks protests planned in relation to the bail hearing for accused of N$52 million drug bust

A major drug case involving a cannabis plantation worth N$52 million has rocked the town of Okahandja, following the arrest of three suspects – including a South African citizen – in connection with what is being described as one of Namibia’s biggest cannabis busts. As the bail hearing for the accused begins on 8 July 2025 at the Okahandja Magistrate’s Court, community members are preparing to hold a peaceful demonstration to call on the court to deny bail to the suspects. Leading the call is Okahandja activist Gerub Gaseb, who says the community is fed up with the proliferation of drugs in their town and is demanding justice and stronger deterrents. But while public protest is a key democratic right, some have questioned whether such actions may risk influencing the independence of judicial decisions. We speak to Gaseb on what’s driving the protest, and how citizens can strike the balance between activism and respect for judicial process.

Richard Iroanya discusses the implications of allegations of Senzo Mchunu belonging to a crime syndicate

A South African police commissioner has dropped the name of the country’s Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of belonging to a crime syndicate operating within the state. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also says that the criminal enterprise has infiltrated the entire South African criminal justice system. Now to look at the implications of this revelation in SA the entire SADC region, we were joined by Richard Iroanya, a security expert from the University of Namibia.

Ruben Aupindi unpacks latest report on pedestrian accidents

More than 30% of pedestrians involved in vehicle crashes in Namibia die instantly at the scene, according to a report by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund’s Senior Manager for Accident and Injury Prevention, Ruben Uupindi. The report highlights the alarming vulnerability of pedestrians, particularly in urban centres and informal settlements where road infrastructure is poorly lit or lacks designated walkways. To break the latest report down, we were joined by Senior Manager Accident and Injury prevention at the MVA Fund, Ruben Uupindi.

John Walenga discusses the Ondonga King potato project

Ondonga King, Omukwanilwa Fillemon Nangolo, is championing potato farming as a strategic move toward household food security, urging citizens to take charge of their own food production and reduce reliance on imports. His potato project at Okashana village in the Oshikoto Region has already sparked interest, including praise from Member of Parliament Job Amupanda, who says this is the first initiative of its kind in the northern communal areas. To give us more insight into this powerful vision — and how traditional leadership is driving agricultural change — we were joined by John Walenga, Chairperson of the Ondonga Traditional Authority.

Pohamba unpacks significance and way forward for student activism amid NANSO birthday celebrations

The Namibia National Students Organisation, better known as NANSO, has just turned 41 years old. The anniversary was marked in Rundu this past Saturday under the theme “Redefining Students’ Radicalism and Consciousness.” Founded on 2 June 1984, NANSO was born out of resistance to the Bantu Education system imposed during apartheid. Today, it stands as one of the most important voices in the ongoing struggle for accessible, fair, and transformative education. To reflect on this legacy, and to talk about the way forward for student activism in Namibia, is Pohamba Shifeta, former minister and student leader who himself walked the path of radical consciousness during Namibia’s liberation struggle.

Reyhana Masters unpacks the arrest of Zimbabwean journalist Faith Zaba

In what has been described as a dangerous assault on press freedom, Zimbabwean journalist Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, was arrested on 1 July and charged with “undermining the authority of the President” after publishing a satirical column. Her detention follows the earlier case of Blessed Mhlanga, a broadcast journalist who spent 72 days behind bars for airing an interview critical of the presidency. Both incidents point to what media observers say is a disturbing trend of state-sanctioned harassment aimed at silencing critical journalism. The Namibia Media Trust (NMT), through a strongly worded statement, condemned the ongoing crackdown, calling it a strategic and deliberate dismantling of independent media structures in Zimbabwe. To unpack this growing media crisis is Reyhana Masters, Programme Associate for Zimbabwe at the Namibia Media Trust.

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