Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Ombu Heritage Festival to celebrate Ovaherero and Ovahimba culture

The third edition of the Ombu Heritage Festival will take place from 18 to 20 September at the Ombu Cultural Village. This is as Namibia marks Heritage Week under the theme of preserving heritage for future generations. The festival will showcase Ovaherero and Ovahimba traditions through traditional music, storytelling, cultural games, traditional food, crafts, horse parades and historical artefacts. Organiser and Ombu Heritage Village founder Vetumbwavi Mungunda says the festival is intended to preserve cultural knowledge while creating opportunities for communities to share and sustain their heritage.

Political analyst calls for greater accountability from young MPs

Political analyst Johanna Hipangelwa says young members of parliament must demonstrate that their presence in parliament translates into meaningful outcomes for young Namibians. She says representation should be measured through legislative impact, policy influence, community engagement and accountability.

Economist warns of growing household debt pressure

Economist Omu Matundu says rising household debt is being driven partly by low incomes and the high cost of basic necessities. He warns that repeated borrowing can trap households in a cycle of debt and urges people to reduce consumption where possible.

Mineworkers union calls for stronger safety measures after mine death

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia is calling for stronger safety measures and consistent oversight across the mining sector following the death of employee Phillemon Mwashindange. Union secretary general George Ampweya says existing occupational health and safety measures must be properly implemented to prevent workplace fatalities.

Nutrition exhibition calls for action beyond awareness

Namibia is being urged to turn its nutrition commitments into stronger action as concerns over malnutrition, food insecurity and unhealthy diets persist. Elizabeth Homateni says the government must strengthen implementation and accountability while other sectors play their part in improving the country’s food environment.

SPYL calls for designated spaces for street vendors

Swapo Party Youth League secretary Efraim Nekongo is calling on municipalities to stop confiscating and destroying street vendors’ goods and to instead create designated trading spaces where vendors can operate legally. Nekongo says enforcement must be balanced with humanity, arguing that vendors need spaces where there are customers, as well as basic facilities such as water and ablution services. He says municipalities should engage vendors regularly and involve them in decisions on where and how they trade.

AR leader says formalisation must lead to land ownership

Affirmative Repositioning regional chairperson Sam David says Namibia’s informal settlement crisis is not primarily about housing affordability, but about exclusion and a system that does not provide residents with a clear path to land ownership. David argues that lease agreements and prolonged formalisation processes leave residents as perpetual tenants, despite the Constitution recognising the right to own property. He is calling for time-bound ownership and for housing subsidies, particularly for public servants, to be linked directly to serviced land and titles.

KALANGULA CALLS FOR ACTION ON FORENSIC REPORTS

IPC MP and Shadow Minister of Works and Transport Nelson Kalangula has called on government to act on forensic investigation reports and account for the millions of taxpayers’ dollars spent on them. Kalangula says reports should not be shelved or ignored, arguing that investigations must result in meaningful action and accountability.

Heritage Week chairperson urges Namibians to preserve indigenous knowledge

Namibian Heritage Week chairperson Loide Nantinda is calling on Namibians to take an active role in preserving the country’s heritage and indigenous knowledge. Nantinda says important traditional knowledge, including knowledge passed down by elders, is at risk of disappearing and should be documented and shared with younger generations. She says heritage should also be made relevant to young people through social media, schools and virtual museums. Nantinda was speaking as Namibia marks Heritage Week, which runs from Monday until the 20 September under the theme 'Preserving Heritage for the Future Generation'.

Youth urged to protect Namibia’s cultural heritage

Namibia is celebrating Heritage Week under the theme 'Preserving Heritage for the Future Generation'. Naomi Shakungu says young Namibians must do more than only appreciating the appearance of culture and should actively preserve their languages, traditions and identity.

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