Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Results Are a Chapter, Not the Whole Story” – Omega Tjirimuje on NSSCO Outcomes

As learners receive their results, Omega Tjirimuje reminds young Namibians that one exam does not define their future. He highlights study upgrades, bridging courses and vocational pathways for those seeking a second chance.

Lifeline Urges Learners to Seek Counselling After Grade 12 Results.

Lifeline Childline Namibia is urging learners and parents to prioritise mental wellbeing during results season. Counselling and Wellness Coordinator Sharmyn Scott highlights the importance of emotional support and encourages anyone struggling to seek professional help.

Poor 2025 exam results spark accountability push across regions

Education officials and regional governors are demanding greater accountability after the 2025 national examination results showed poor overall performance and sharp regional disparities, with only 36% of Grade 11 pupils qualifying for Grade 12 and the Oshana region recording the weakest results. Speaking to Desert FM, Teachers’ Union of Namibia secretary general Mahongora Kavihua weighed in on the new 'National Improvement Strategy' and raised concerns about discipline, overcrowding, parental involvement, and whether teachers are being unfairly blamed.

Namibia debates AI music

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes creative industries worldwide, Namibia’s music sector is being forced to confront an uncomfortable but necessary question: can AI technology ever… Desert FM’s Jane Kandetu sat down with industry experts Lize Ehlers, Joseph ‘Jossy Joss’ Ailonga, Robert Shipanga, and Big Ben

Cancer association offers free cervical screening in Windhoek

The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) is hosting a free Pap smear cervical cancer screening outreach in Windhoek this month as part of its national cancer outreach programme, aimed at improving early detection and saving lives. Speaking to Desert FM, CAN representative Rolf Hansen explained why cervical screening is critical and how women can access and benefit from the outreach.

Transport minister engages seven-seater operators on fines and permits

Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi has met with the Seven-Seaters Association amid growing complaints over fines, permit conditions and enforcement practices affecting operators nationwide, following recent policy reforms in the sector. Speaking to Desert FM, Nekundi outlined the issues raised, the government’s position and the way forward on balancing regulation, road safety and the sustainability of seven-seater transport.

NSFAF scraps Grade 11 pathway, sparking access concerns

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has introduced new minimum entry requirements for government-funded university degrees, effectively ending the long-standing Grade 11 pathway and limiting eligibility to learners with Grade 12 qualifications and higher points. Speaking to Desert FM, Namibia University of Science and Technology lecturer Theresia Mushaandja weighed in on what the policy shift means for access, equity and the future of higher education amid concerns it could exclude many disadvantaged students.

Gobabis child crime case raises tough legal questions

The killing of a 26-year-old woman and her three-year-old daughter at Gobabis, allegedly by a 13-year-old relative, has reignited national debate on how Namibia’s justice system deals with serious crimes committed by children. Speaking to Desert FM, human rights law expert John Nakuta unpacked what the law says about criminal responsibility, prosecution and accountability when a child is accused of such grave offences.

NSFAF funding criteria spark fears of exclusion

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has announced that only pupils with 26 points and an Advanced Subsidiary (Grade 12) qualification will qualify for government-subsidised degree funding, a move critics say will exclude thousands of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Speaking to Desert FM, Landless People's Movement youth leader Duminga Ndala has warned that the policy could deepen inequality, despite the government insisting the criteria have already been approved.

NamWater debt crisis raises fresh questions over SOE governance

NamWater’s decision to freeze recruitment after accumulating N$2.8 billion in unpaid debt has once again highlighted deep financial and governance challenges within Namibia’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Speaking to Desert FM, economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu said the crisis reflects longstanding issues of weak debt collection, poor accountability and political interference across several SOEs.

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