Desert FM 95.3

Human rights defender Jarii Tjeja-UaTjatindi is calling for better training, accountability and transparency in the administration of communal land. His comments follow the reported killing of two men in a dispute over grazing land in the Okakarara constituency.

Economist Ida Williams says high construction costs and a shortage of serviced land are making home ownership increasingly difficult in Namibia. She also explains how rising interest rates and Namibia’s dependence on South Africa affect household finances and the wider economy.

Economist Abraham Heita warns that the Bank of Namibia’s repo rate increase could place additional pressure on households already facing rising living costs. He also questions Namibia’s reliance on South Africa’s monetary policy and calls for decisions that better reflect the local economy.

Veteran Namibian journalist Max Hamata tells Desert FM that poor salaries, limited benefits and commercial pressures are threatening the future of journalism in Namibia. He calls for improved salaries, medical aid and better working conditions to retain experienced journalists and protect editorial independence.

Oriege Fest representative Zeylida Tjombonde tells Desert FM that the festival aims to bring young people together through music and entertainment. The 30 to 31 October event will feature South African amapiano performer Jesse Keel alongside local artists and DJs, with entry set at N$80.

Economist Lewis Komu tells Desert FM that the Bank of Namibia’s decision to raise the repo rate to 7% could increase repayments for borrowers with interest rates linked to the repo rate. He says the increase is intended to help contain inflationary pressures, particularly those driven by rising fuel prices and global uncertainty

The Green Moms Agro Initiative has launched the Mother's Climate Shield Initiative to protect pregnant women in informal settlements from extreme heat. The project aims to support at least 50 women over three months and is seeking sponsors and donors to help provide heat-relief shelters and safe drinking water.

Community activist Samuel Kapepo says period poverty continues to force schoolgirls to miss classes despite the removal of VAT on sanitary pads. He is calling for greater access to free sanitary products and urging Namibians to support his sanitary pad collection drive.

National Council member and Oranjemund constituency regional councillor Nestor Sheimi says partnerships with Chinese institutions could create opportunities for the Namibian youth through scholarships, entrepreneurship and technology transfers. Following his visit to China, Sheimi says the focus is on helping young entrepreneurs access machinery to package and brand local products, improve market access and create jobs in the ||Kharas Region.

Member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu is calling on the government to support businesses affected by Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak to prevent further job losses.

Kandorozu says the government should consider financial assistance and other relief measures for companies facing difficulties because of livestock movement restrictions and disruptions to the meat industry.

He suggests that government institutions could help businesses cover up to six months of salaries to protect workers from unemployment.

Kandorozu also urges farmers with suitable quarantine facilities to engage the Directorate of Veterinary Services about quarantining their cattle before sending them to abattoirs for slaughter.

His comments come amid reports that at least 600 jobs are at risk, with the outbreak’s economic impact estimated at around N$2.4 billion.