Desert FM 95.3

by Desert FM 95.3

Opposition call Nandi-Ndaitwah's ministerial role unconstitutional

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent decision to fire mines minister Natangwe Ithete and subsequently assign herself as the interim minister has ignited a constitutional debate. Independent Patriots for Change leader Panduleni Itula argues that the president’s move violates both the Constitution and the Assignment of Powers Act of 1990, saying the head of state cannot legally serve as a minister accountable to herself. To discuss the legal and constitutional implications of this, Desert FM is joined by legal expert Werner Boesak.

AR’s George Kambala Questions ECN’s Credibility After “Administrative Error”

Affirmative Repositioning spokesperson George Kambala says the Electoral Commission’s recent blunder exposes “serious institutional weaknesses” and erodes public trust, urging Namibians not to lose faith but to turn out and vote on 26 November.

SWANU’s Ripuree Mbakurupa Eyes Youth-Centred Change for Windhoek

SWANU candidate Ripuree Mbakurupa says she’s running for the Windhoek local authority to put young people “at the centre of decision-making,” pledging to tackle unemployment, improve housing, and ensure better services for informal settlements.

Analyst Johannes Sakaria: Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Move Signals “No More Business as Usual”

Political analyst Johannes Sakaria says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister and Mines Minister Natangwe Ithete marks a historic political shift, signalling stricter accountability and a bold new tone in her administration.

New Windhoek hospital project reaches 40%

The Ministry of Health says Phase 1 of the new 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital in Havana is 40% complete and remains on track for completion in December 2025.The facility is expected to ease pressure on Katutura and Windhoek Central hospitals and improve access to healthcare for residents in the city’s northern suburbs.To unpack the progress and expected impact, Desert Radio spoke to Walter Kamaya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Teen pregnancy crisis revives policy debate

A bold public call to make teenage pregnancy illegal has shaken the national conversation, with warnings that the crisis is out of control and current efforts are failing young girls. Despite years of interventions, Namibia continues to record high teenage pregnancy rates, forcing girls out of school and into long term emotional and financial hardship. To unpack the issue from a mental health and social welfare perspective, Desert FM speaks to crisis counsellor Cathy Kambanda, founder of National Mental Health Care Namibia.

IPC's Panduleni Itula on Natangwe Ithete's dismissal

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines, Industries and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, following a series of controversies and allegations about his conduct in office.The Presidency says the decision was made “in accordance with the Constitution” but it comes amid reports linking Ithete to questionable land deals, interference in parastatal recruitment processes, and comments seen by critics as undermining democracy. The President has now placed the Mines and Energy portfolio under the Presidency, making her the interim minister a move that has sparked both praise and concern about transparency and accountability. Desert FM speaks to Panduleni Itula, president of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), to unpack the implications of this decision and what it means for Namibia’s democracy, governance, and checks on executive power.

City of Windhoek’s solid waste workers still on strike

Striking City of Windhoek employees camped along Independence Avenue on Friday night. While the municipality insists it has progressively improved workers’ conditions, introducing pension and medical benefits, workers argue that promises have gone unfulfilled. Desert FM speaks to the spokesperson of the City of Windhoek's solid waste management division's striking employees, John Patoro

Ithete dismissed from cabinet

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy Natangue Ithete after a string of alleged controversies surrounding his conduct in office. To unpack the implications of this decision, Desert FM speaks to public policy analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah.

Veterans want their voices heard

Some liberation struggle veterans are demanding the release of long-promised funds, land and benefits which they say have been withheld for over three decades. Lusia Hangula, one of the veterans camping at the Swapo headquarters, speaks to Desert FM to share their side of the story.

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