Desert FM 95.3

Namibia's Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Philippus Katamelo, discusses key issues dominating the Pan-African Parliament, including the conflict in Sudan, migration, regional cooperation, and the importance of sustainable peace across the continent

Hundreds of Chinatown vendors remain in limbo after their eviction, despite reaching a temporary agreement with the City of Windhoek. Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo discusses the conditions attached to the deal, why vendors plan to submit a counterproposal, and the need for long-term, sustainable informal trading spaces.

Namibian Marshal Rangers are continuing the search for Erwin Bezuindhout, who drowned near Platz am Meer in Swakopmund earlier this month. Speaking ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, rescuer Sean Naude urged the public to respect the dangers of water, warning that "water is not a playground." He also appealed for prayers as the team seeks permission to access a structure where they believe the teenager may be trapped.

Windhoek is missing the attractions, events and tourism infrastructure needed to encourage visitors to extend their stay, according to Hospitality Association of Namibia CEO Gitta Paetzold. She says stronger collaboration, improved safety and investment in tourism experiences are key to unlocking the capital's full potential.

Power, inequality and economic vulnerability—not sexual orientation—are at the heart of many cases of sexual exploitation, says University of Namibia sociologist Dr Alison Shirera. Speaking on Desert FM's Daybreak Show, he urged greater focus on accountability and the systems that enable abuse.

Dr Mathias Ngwangwama discusses his newly launched book, Mind is Might: The History of Cuca Tops Football Club.

He explains what inspired him to document the club's history, the four-year research process, the origins of the name "Cuca Tops", the club's role in Namibia's liberation-era history, and why preserving the country's sporting heritage is more important than ever.

The conversation also explores lessons in leadership, resilience and financial sustainability that extend far beyond the football pitch

Children’s parliament member Gerson Newombo says inequality continues to deny many Namibian children equal access to education, healthcare and opportunities. He is calling for greater youth participation in decision-making and solutions that address the root causes of challenges affecting children.

The Ganja Users of Namibia is calling for reforms to the country’s cannabis laws, arguing that the current legislation is outdated and should be replaced with a regulated framework. Organisation president Brian Jaftha says regulation could create economic opportunities while treating cannabis similarly to other legal substances for adult use.

The government says its 24% stake in the Hyphen green hydrogen project is funded through international grants and not taxpayers’ money. Green hydrogen programme manager Jonah Musheko says the arrangement has remained unchanged since the project began, while Namibia’s broader green hydrogen sector continues to expand.

Former diplomat Pius Dunaisky says the success of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent visit to China will depend on how cooperation agreements are implemented. He urged the government to establish a public monitoring mechanism to track progress on commitments, saying Namibia must prioritise value addition, job creation and accountability rather than simply signing agreements.