Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Seven-seater operators raise transport policy concerns

The Seven-Seaters Association has met with minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi to raise concerns about enforcement, penalties, and the future of their operations amid recent transport policy changes. Speaking to Desert FM, the association said while allowing seven-seaters on long-distance routes and converting permits to renewable two-year licences is welcomed, issues around safety, sustainability, and livelihoods remain.

Student leaders take stand against rising vaping trend

The rapid rise of vaping among young people is becoming a growing concern at schools and campuses across Namibia, with health and social risks increasingly coming into focus. Speaking to Desert FM, Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) spokesperson Jessy Abrahams discussed the #LosDieChoef awareness campaign and its call for pupils and students to reject vaping and reclaim their health and future.

Rural ambulance shortages put emergency care under strain

Emergency healthcare in Namibia’s rural communities is under pressure, with long distances and limited ambulance services causing delays in access to life-saving care. Speaking to Desert FM, Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya addressed concerns about response times, current capacity, and government efforts to improve emergency services in remote areas.

GIPF home loan scheme welcomed, but exclusion concerns raised

The Government Institutions Pension Fund’s pension-backed home loan scheme is set to launch this week, enabling qualifying government employees to use part of their pension savings as collateral for housing loans. Speaking to Desert FM, the Affirmative Repositioning welcomed the initiative but argued that the bigger concern is the exclusion of millions of Namibians, particularly those living in informal settlements.

Gobabis double murder sparks calls for stronger child protection

A brutal double murder at Gobabis, in which a 26-year-old woman and her three-year-old daughter were killed while a six-year-old boy escaped to seek help, has left the community in shock, with a 13-year-old relative named as the suspect. Speaking to Desert FM, chief inspector Fina Sakajengenga, the head of community policing in the Omaheke region, explained the police response and reflected on the broader implications for community safety and child protection.

Silence on horse mackerel TAC raises transparency concerns

The 2026 horse mackerel fishing season began on 1 January without a public announcement of the total allowable catch (TAC). Rights holders instead received letters detailing individual allocations and a 5% quota reduction. Speaking to Desert FM, Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations chairperson Matti Amukwa raised concerns about transparency, planning certainty, and governance in a sector still recovering from the Fishrot scandal.

Educators sound alarm on bullying in schools

Bullying in schools continues to threaten children's safety, confidence, and academic progress from the playground to the classroom. Speaking to Desert FM, Namibia National Teacher's Union secretary and teacher Clemence Karuaihe outlined what is being done and is calling for stronger collaboration between schools and communities to ensure a safe environment for every child.

TVET to PhD pathway marks major education reform in Namibia

Namibia’s education landscape is undergoing a major shift following a new policy that allows pupils to progress from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) up to doctorate level. Speaking to Desert FM on the topic, Augustino Ngombe says the reform recognises practical skills and expands lifelong learning opportunities, though concerns remain about readiness and implementation.

NamPower debt crisis raises concerns over governance and power security

NamPower is facing a growing debt crisis, with nearly N$912 million owed by customers – mostly local authorities, regional councils and other public sector institutions – raising concerns about accountability and electricity supply security. Speaking to Desert FM, Namibian politician and analyst Mike Kavekotora says the Cabinet’s reluctance to allow disconnections could undermine future investment and place additional cost pressure on paying consumers.

Health ministry steps up polio response after virus detection

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has intensified its response after poliovirus type 2 was detected in environmental surveillance samples in the Kavango East region, prompting a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting all children under 10, despite no confirmed cases in Namibia. Speaking to Desert FM, ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya says the campaign is a precautionary measure and urges parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated, as immunisation remains the most effective defence against polio.

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