Desert FM 95.3

Cybersecurity expert Andrew Brown is warning the public about increasingly sophisticated AI-powered scams, including real-time face-swapping and highly personalised phishing. He urges users to limit the personal information they share and independently verify identities before acting on sensitive requests.

While some stakeholders argue for tighter biosecurity, clearer institutional responsibility and structured disease monitoring, local beekeeper Johan Coetzee offers a contrasting perspective rooted in practical field experience.

Landless People's Movement spokesperson Lifalaza Simata highlights the multi-faceted nature of the crisis – spanning cross-border migration, child protection, potential trafficking and local governance. While residents and motorists voice safety and property concerns, local authorities find themselves constrained by a leadership vacuum and a lack of clear national protocols from the central government and diplomatic ministries on how to handle minors from across the border without compromising their rights or international relations.

Desert FM spoke to Mine Workers Union of Namibia secretary general George Ampweya. He highlights how primary operations increasingly replace permanent staff with subcontractors – often leading to drastically reduced wages, weaker safety and social protections, and suppressed union representation.

While companies and investors point to operational efficiency and competitiveness, the union and parliamentary bodies are raising alarms over a dual labour market that risks sacrificing workers' livelihoods for corporate cost-cutting.

On the Midday Report, Desert FM’s Jane Kandetu explores the intersection of cultural identity, representation and unity with Patrick Kashera, chairperson of the Kavango People's Forum.

Following extensive consultations with traditional leaders, traditional houses and the governor's office, the forum has introduced a new unified traditional attire for the Kavango people.

Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Nelson Kalangula is raising concerns over transparency and accountability surrounding the planned launch of Namibia Air. He says the government must disclose the costs and feasibility study before proceeding with the new national airline.

Following the mines and energy ministry's latest fuel adjustment announcement, Desert FM’s Jane Kandetu checks in with petroleum economist Stella Maris-Amadeira to break down what's driving up prices at the pump.

With unleaded petrol 95 (ULP) increasing by N$1.50 per litre – bringing Walvis Bay pump prices to N$26.58 per litre – on Wednesday, listeners are feeling the squeeze on household budgets. However, diesel prices are being held unchanged for October to protect key economic sectors like transport, agriculture and mining, despite significant under-recoveries.

As Namibia's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak puts mounting pressure on the ||Kharas region, Desert FM’s Jane Kandetu sat down with the mayor of Keetmanshoop, Emrico Blaauw, on 'Midday Report'. While the disease has spread to 11 farms within the Karasburg veterinary area, the ripple effects are already being felt 200 to 300 kilometres away at Keetmanshoop. Blaauw discusses the severe financial strains facing local butcheries, meat suppliers, transporters and workers, highlighting rising food prices, dwindling stock and the looming threat of reduced working hours or job losses.

By framing widespread poverty not just as a humanitarian issue, but as a destabilising force that ultimately threatens the entire society, economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu cuts through abstract economic metrics to deliver a stark, urgent call for genuine leadership and systemic reform.

The Affirmative Repositioning student command is demanding urgent action over what it calls a leadership crisis at the National Youth Council. Interim chairperson Iyambo Onesmus says the leadership vacuum is affecting youth organisations and programmes across the country.