Desert FM 95.3

The Current editor Esther Mbathera says the new community newspaper aims to give residents across the Erongo region a dedicated platform to share local issues, hold leaders accountable and celebrate achievements. The weekly publication will focus on community stories, sport, culture, the environment, service delivery and local businesses.

Leadership speaker Joseph Yeboah says artificial intelligence (AI) is forcing leaders to rethink how society prepares for the future, particularly in education and leadership. He warns that while AI can make information more accessible, relying on intelligent tools without engaging in the learning process could leave people “using intelligent outlets and becoming less intelligent”.

Girls Gone Political founder Ruth Kangwa-Ndhlovu says young Zambian voters are looking beyond political promises, with jobs, the cost of living and access to opportunities shaping their choices at the polls. She says young people are asking whether Zambia’s post-election economy will allow them to build better livelihoods and create opportunities for themselves.

Mariental local authority councillor William Minnie says Namibia’s N$500 million Youth Development Fund needs to go beyond simply giving young people money. He says mentorship, market access, financial skills and accountability are needed to turn youth funding into sustainable businesses and jobs.

Swapo Central Committee member and National Assembly representative Willem Amutenya says Namibia’s N$500 million Youth Development Fund should be measured by its impact on youth unemployment. He says the key question is how many sustainable jobs the fund creates and whether it can lift young people out of poverty.

Legal practitioner and corporate governance expert Lukas Tshuuya says line ministers should provide oversight and policy direction, but should not interfere in the day-to-day running of state-owned enterprises. He says ministers who cross into administrative functions risk having their decisions challenged in court.

IPC Stance on Katti’s clearance reignites phosphate row – Dr Panduleni itula

Male graduates in Namibia are facing growing anxiety as unemployment and pressure to become providers take a toll on their mental health.

Mental health advocate Elago Nantana, who works with men and boys through the Delivery Room Foundation, says many young men are taught from an early age that their identity is closely linked to responsibility and providing for their families.

He says this can become harmful when men begin to believe their worth depends only on having a job or earning money.

Nantana is calling for stronger mentorship and early mental health awareness among young people, while encouraging graduates to build new skills, volunteer and create professional networks as they navigate unemployment.

About 50 households along the Havana four-way are facing eviction proceedings as the City of Windhoek moves to clear land earmarked for a new community market, taxi rank and road expansion. 

Residents are resisting the relocation, saying the alternative land allocated to them lacks adequate water, electricity and sanitation.

Namibia is seeking public input on a draft  investment plan that could unlock up to US$250 million in  climate finance for industrial decarbonisation. The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme says broad participation will help ensure the proposed projects and funding priorities reflect the needs of Namibians