Desert FM 95.3

Former ambassador Pius Dunaiski says Namibia responded too slowly to growing xenophobic tensions in South Africa, arguing authorities should have acted weeks earlier to protect citizens abroad. He warned the unrest could undermine African regional integration while urging Namibians in South Africa to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Namibian High Commission

Corporate governance expert Professor Johan Coetzee says Namibia's review of state-owned enterprise salaries should be accompanied by broader governance reforms, including transparent board appointments and performance-based remuneration. He argues that accountability, institutional trust and measurable performance—not executive pay alone—are the real challenges facing public enterprises.

University of Namibia SRC Secretary General Iris Shimanda says the Pan-African Student Summit offers an opportunity for student leaders to collaborate on solutions to funding, accommodation, mental health and graduate employability challenges. She also encouraged Namibian students to continue pursuing study opportunities in South Africa while complying with immigration laws and staying informed amid ongoing tensions.

Former ambassador Elia Kayamo has urged Namibians in South Africa to remain calm and stay in close contact with the Namibian High Commission as xenophobic tensions continue. His remarks come after more than 100 Namibians reportedly sought voluntary repatriation, with Kayamo stressing that the Namibian government has a duty to protect its citizens regardless of their immigration status.

More than a year after six-year-old Roswaan Sfabianu was raped and murdered in Okahandja, her family is once again demanding justice after her gravesite was damaged by fire. Okahandja Concerned Group representative Seth Gariseb says the incident has deepened the family's grief and renewed calls for increased police resources, improved cemetery security, and progress in the unresolved murder investigation.

Namibian social justice activist and Conscious Millennials Foundation founder Leena Amalwa has been named among the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust's 100 Young Leaders Awardees for 2026, in recognition of her work in youth empowerment, cervical cancer awareness, disability inclusion, and gender-based violence advocacy. Speaking to Desert FM, Amalwa said the honour affirms that "the little acts of kindness... have a way of impacting the world at a global stage," while urging young Namibians to start creating change with whatever they have.

After more than 30 years as one of Swakopmund's best-known conservation and educational attractions, the Living Desert Snake Park has secured a new location following the threat of closure due to redevelopment at its former site.

In this interview, owners Strange Combrinck and Angela Curtis share the challenges of relocating nearly 70 snakes and other reptiles, explain how community support helped save the park, and outline their vision for a new facility built from recycled shipping containers.

Listen now to hear how conservation, education and community spirit have come together to give the Living Desert Snake Park a new beginning.

Confusion over Namibia's Red Line has led the Agriculture Ministry to clarify its stance.

Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says the policy remains a gradual removal while protecting disease-free status and export markets, highlighting progress in infrastructure, trade, and planned support measures.

Listen now for what this means for farmers and the sector.

Several Namibian transport companies have temporarily suspended trips to South Africa ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests, citing growing safety concerns for drivers.

In this interview, Fatima from SAMCO Imports and Exports explains why the company chose to halt operations, the potential impact on Namibia's supply chains, and what conditions must be met before trucks resume cross-border deliveries.

Listen now for insights into the evolving situation and what it could mean for businesses, consumers, and regional trade.

NCA farmer Winfried Metzger says the planned N$100 million price equalisation fund could transform cattle farming in northern Namibia by improving prices, encouraging formal marketing, and helping communal farmers invest in more productive livestock operations.