Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Ben Schernick on Nestlé Baby Food: High Sugar Levels in Africa Raise Health Concerns

Ben Schernick, Director of the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia, discusses alarming findings by Public Eye and IBFAN showing Nestlé’s baby food products sold in Africa contain high added sugar, unlike the same products in Europe. He highlights the risks for Namibian children and the urgent need for stronger regulations and nutrition education.

Clemens Karuaihe on Payroll Deduction Dispute: Protecting Civil Servants Amid Legal Uncertainty

Clemens Karuaihe says civil servants are anxious about the ongoing payroll deduction dispute, stressing the need for a reformed system that ensures financial stability and protects employees during the transition. He highlights concerns over loan repayments, debt dependency, and the importance of proper consultation before changes are implemented.

Namibia’s entrepreneurial decline sparks concern as youth unemployment soars

Namibia is experiencing a sharp drop in entrepreneurial activity, with the number of people identifying as employers falling from about 45 000 in 2018 to just 15 000 in 2023. The loss of 30 000 small and medium businesses threatens the stability of an economy already struggling with high joblessness. Youth unemployment stands at 44.4% and rises to over 61% when discouraged jobseekers are counted. Yet only 19% of young Namibians say they would consider starting a business, raising concerns about the country’s future economic resilience. Economist Rodney Hoaeb shares insight on what’s driving this decline and what it means for Namibia’s growth prospects.

Meatco launches first AfCFTA leather export to Kenya

The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is set to make its first-ever leather export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), sending two containers of wet-blue hides from the Okapuka Tannery to Mombasa, Kenya. The shipment marks a key milestone for both Meatco and Namibia’s push to strengthen its presence in Africa’s US$3.4-trillion (N$58.4 trillion) market. Trading under AfCFTA’s non-tariff provisions, the move is expected to boost intra-African trade and open more competitive regional opportunities. Meatco’s interim chief executive, ambassador Albertus Aochamub, weighs in on the significance of this step, the opportunities it creates, and the challenges ahead for Namibia’s leather industry.

29 babies have lived behind bars

A new report shows that the 29 babies have lived behind bars at the Windhoek Correctional Facility with their mothers between 2019 and October 2025. Ten of these babies were born inside the facility, while 19 arrived with their mothers. To understand the legality, and limits of this practice, Desert FM speaks to lawyer Wesele Chikwililwa.

High Court rules Germany cannot be joined as a respondent in genocide case

A full bench of the High Court ruled that Germany cannot be joined as a respondent in the genocide case brought by the Ovaherero and Nama traditional authorities and the Landless People’s Movement. To dissect the political meaning, historical weight and future trajectory of this litigation, Desert FM speaks to political analyst Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro.

Rosa Namises Calls for GBV Crisis Declaration Amid Rising Femicide in Namibia

Gender equality and human rights activist Rosa Namises urges the president to declare gender-based violence a national crisis, citing the recent surge in femicide and violence against women and children.

Johanes Sakaria: Parliamentary Delays Ensure Accountability, Not Opposition Obstruction

Political analyst Johanes Sakaria says opposition scrutiny of bills is part of a healthy democratic process, aimed at ensuring laws benefit the public and not just a few individuals.

Namibians claim councillor Rodman Katjaimo misled them over fake UK trip

Several Namibians say they paid tens of thousands of dollars to Katutura Central councillor Rodman Katjaimo, who promised to arrange their travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for the Commonwealth Games. Families now allege the trip was never about sports but a scheme to get them to the UK to claim asylum. The trip never happened, leaving many, including the late Godhard Metirapi, financially and emotionally affected. Immo Kauandenge, who was helping her younger brother, speaks to Desert FM about what she was told, the real plan behind the trip, whether she has recovered any money, and how the ordeal has changed her life.

ECN rocked by ballot irregularities ahead of elections

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is facing mounting questions after errors were detected in the printing and allocation of ballot papers ahead of next week’s elections. Cases of under allocation, overallocations and duplicate ballot books have raised concerns over the integrity of the vote. With election teams deploying on 23 November and special voting set for the following day, the ECN is racing to resolve the discrepancies. Desert FM speaks to ECN director of operations Zenia Klasen on what went wrong and how the commission plans to fix it in time.

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