Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Nipam initiates prime minister’s gala dinner

The Prime Minister Charity Foundation Gala Dinner is a new national initiative hosted by the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (Nipam). The fundraising platform is designed to mobilise resources in support of under-resourced public institutions, particularly local authorities. Desert FM speaks to Nipam marketing and business development manager Johannes Hatutale.

Herbert Jauch on employers rate drop over five years

Namibia has lost nearly 30 000 employers in just five years, dropping from about 45 000 in 2018 to only 15 000 in 2023. Economists warn that this collapse is shrinking the country’s tax base and worsening unemployment. To unpack this crisis Desert FM speaks to labour research expert Herbert Jauch.

Magistrates’ go-slow impacts services

A nationwide go-slow by magistrates is now spilling over into essential policing and public services across several regions. In the Oshana region, delays in court operations have left families unable to collect the bodies of loved ones for burial. At the same time, police holding cells are becoming dangerously overcrowded as trials, bail hearings and case progressions stall. To get more insight, Desert FM speaks to Oshana regional police commander Naftal Sakaria.

Dangote’s $2.4 Billion Fuel Storage at Walvis Bay Raises Concerns for Local Businesses

Knowledge Ipinge, founder of the Namibian Association of Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers, warns that Dangote’s planned massive fuel storage facility could disrupt local downstream petroleum businesses if local infrastructure and workforce participation are not prioritized.

Parliament’s delivery under scrutiny in Namibia’s eight-month performance review

We take a closer look at the performance of Namibia’s parliament over the past eight months, examining how effectively it has served the nation and highlighting both its key achievements and areas that require improvement. In conversation with Desert FM, Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula provides insight into parliament’s priorities, its overall performance, and what Namibians can expect moving forward.

UK visa threat puts Namibia in diplomatic spotlight

Namibia has been drawn into a diplomatic storm after United Kingdom (UK) home secretary Shabana Mahmood threatened Trump style visa bans on Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, if they refuse to take back people the UK labels as “illegal migrants and criminals.” The warning has sparked global debate over sovereignty, migration policy, and the balance of power between African nations and Western governments. To unpack the implications on diplomacy, human rights, and Namibia’s foreign policy stance, Desert FM speaks to international relations expert Tuliameni Kalomoh.

NIPDB chief executive to step down in December

The announcement that Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) chief executive Nangula Uaandja will step down at the end of December has sparked debate about the future of Namibia’s investment architecture. Uaandja exists during a turbulent period marked by structural shifts and warnings from analysts about the potential downgrading of the NIPDB into an underpowered function within a ministry. To unpack the economic implications of this transition, Desert FM speaks to economist Salomo Hei.

NMT Media Foundation focuses on civic engagement

Recent reports suggest that Namibia continues to face low civic awareness and limited democratic participation among young people, particularly those from marginalised groups. The NMT Media Foundation has launched a civic engagement initiative aimed at closing these gaps by equipping young people with practical tools and accessible resources. Desert FM speaks to NMT Media Foundation associate programmes manager Linda Baumann.

Sam Nujoma on 5 000 houses promise

Recent public debate has been sparked by comments attributed to Khomas governor Sam Nujoma about building 5 000 houses in one year, a target he now says was part of the Swapo manifesto and not his personal pledge. The situation raises broader questions about populist rhetoric and holding leaders accountable for public statements. Political analyst Rui Tyitende joins Desert FM to speak about this.

What does the law really says about presidential immunity in Namibia?

Concerns raised around centralising executive power of the oil portfolio under the Presidency has led to questions of accountability and the immunity of the president. Namibia’s Constitution grants the president sweeping immunity from civil and criminal proceedings. Desert FM speaks with legal expert John Nakuta to explain exactly what the law says and how it works in practice.

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