Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Swapo deployment order sparks resistance in Kavango East

Swapo’s politburo has ordered the deployment of newly elected regional and local councillors, warning that non-compliance amounts to misconduct. The directive has triggered sharp resistance in the Kavango East region, where the Rundu Urban Community Association says it undermines democratic choice and the independence of elected leaders. Spokesperson Haivera Marcellus speaks to Desert FM to unpack the concerns.

RCC board member’s tender win raises governance questions

Questions over conflict of interest at state-owned enterprises have resurfaced after it emerged that an Roads Contractor Company (RCC) board member’s private engineering firm won a consultancy tender for a gravel road upgrade. The project was later awarded to the RCC itself, raising red flags about oversight and governance. Corporate governance expert Ntelamo Ntelamo speaks to Desert FM to unpack what proper disclosure and ethical standards should look like.

Economist Unpacks Namibia’s N$13.8 Billion Export Boost

Economist Almandro Jansen says strong global demand for uranium, gold, copper and diamonds , along with Walvis Bay’s key trade corridors, helped Namibia generate N$13.8 billion in exports. He says the revenue eases pressure on foreign reserves and government finances, but warns that long-term growth depends on upgrading infrastructure, boosting skills, and adding value locally instead of exporting raw minerals.

Activist Slams Demolition of Makeshift Church in Windhoek

Activist Shaun Gariseb says Windhoek residents in Brendan Simbwaye were left shocked after city police demolished a makeshift church that had stood for three years. He says no documentation or explanation was given, and one resident was arrested during the operation. Gariseb is calling for clarity, accountability, and proper planning for informal settlements.

Skills Mismatch Deepens Teacher Unemployment – Liswaniso

National chairperson of the Unemployed Qualified Teachers in Namibia, Joyce Liswaniso, says the oversupply of education graduates, skills mismatches, and limited vacancies are leaving thousands of qualified teachers without work. She calls for urgent government intervention, better deployment, and support for graduates as the NIPDB report reignites debate on teacher unemployment.

Green Screen hub launches to boost transparency

The NMT Media Foundation and partners have launched The Green Screen, a new hub promoting transparency and public engagement in Namibia’s green transition, extractive industries, energy and environmental governance. Supported by the European Union through the Eco Dialogue Collective, the hub opens in January 2026 to support investigative journalism and civil-society dialogue, and to provide research space and training. Desert FM gets insight from project lead Dickson Kasote on why the platform matters and how it aims to strengthen accountability in these fast-changing sectors.

RDP proposes new approach to Namibia’s housing crisis

Namibia’s housing backlog has exceeded 300 000 units, with over 72 000 households in Windhoek alone lacking proper shelter as informal settlements rapidly expand. Despite long-running government programmes, housing delivery remains far below demand, leaving many low-income earners unable to access formal homes. Desert FM engages Rally for Democracy and Progress president Mike Kavekotora on why past efforts have fallen short and the party’s proposed solutions.

Report warns of deepening graduate unemployment crisis

A new Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board report shows Namibia is producing far more graduates than the labour market can absorb, with education, health, business and social sciences hit hardest. Teacher unemployment could exceed 15 000, while nursing graduates struggle due to poorly regulated training institutions. Desert FM speaks to Namibia National Teachers' Union secretary general Loide Shaanika on the skills mismatch debate and what solutions are urgently needed.

Family claims police failed Rachel Simasiku before her killing

Rachel Simasiku (33) was hacked to death at Katima Mulilo, in a case her family says could have been prevented. According to relatives, Simasiku repeatedly sought protection from the police, but her pleas were allegedly dismissed. The police, however, deny refusing her assistance. As Namibia marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the tragedy has reignited public concern over the system’s failure to protect women at risk. Desert FM speaks to the family’s spokesperson, Uys Manyando, about what happened, the claims of police inaction and what justice means for them.

IPC Returns Wrongfully Allocated Seat, Signaling Commitment to Transparency – Political Scientist Omega Tjirimuje Weighs In

Following Namibia’s local council elections, the IPC voluntarily returned a seat incorrectly assigned to them by the ECN. Political scientist Omega Tjirimuje says this move demonstrates political maturity, prioritizing legitimacy over short-term advantage, and sets a new standard for transparency in Namibian politics

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