Desert FM 95.3

NYC chairperson candidate Simon Tapopi responds to allegations surrounding the postponed National Youth Council General Assembly, defending the legitimacy of delegates, rejecting claims of irregularities, and calling for unity as the leadership dispute continue

NUST's Head of Digital Arts and Animation, Jordaania Andima, discusses the department's first graduation ceremony, the growing opportunities in Namibia's creative industry, and plans to expand into degree programmes in animation, film, television, gaming, digital advertising and sound engineering.

Public policy analyst Dr. Marius Kudumo examines the wider implications of the N$40 million case involving Standard Bank Namibia, discussing trust in the banking sector, accountability, and what the legal battle could mean for Namibia's financial reputation.

Road safety takes centre stage as NamPol's Head of Traffic Law Enforcement, Commissioner Petrus Swartz, explains the new nationwide Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Assessment and Enforcement Programme. Running until January 2027, the initiative will see officers conduct sobriety tests, vehicle inspections and licence checks at roadblocks across Namibia, with a strong message to motorists: If you drink, don't drive. Commissioner Swartz discusses how the campaign will operate, the penalties for offenders, and why every road user has a role to play in preventing alcohol-related crashes.

The suspension of the National Youth Council elections has sparked fresh debate about transparency, delegate accreditation and governance within youth structures. Swapo Party Youth League secretary Efraim Nekongo says young people were demanding answers on compliance, accountability and the electoral process before voting could proceed. He has called for a review of the concerns raised before a new General Assembly is convened.

The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has won a legal battle in South Africa, securing the right to decide where he will be buried. The ruling has divided opinion in Zambia, with some supporting the family's wishes while others argue a former head of state should receive a state burial in his homeland. Political analyst Nelson Zulu says the decision has also reignited debate over how former presidents should be treated after leaving office.

Digital forensic specialist Nrupesh Soni says the reported exposure of 13 Namibian organisations to the FortiBleed vulnerability underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity. He urged businesses to improve system updates, staff training, and security monitoring to reduce the risk of data breaches and ransomware attacks.

The chairperson of the Brand Namibia Council, Lazarus Jacobs, says Namibians must take greater pride in supporting homegrown brands if local businesses are to compete regionally and globally. Speaking ahead of the fourth Best Brand Namibia Awards, Jacobs highlighted the importance of consumer trust, local ownership and national pride in building stronger Namibian brands. The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday in Windhoek and will recognise 24 of the country's top-performing brands.

Social activist Michael Amushelelo says motorists are not opposed to road safety but want alternatives to the newly installed speed humps on Windhoek’s Western Bypass. Speaking on Desert FM's Daybreak, he argued that the measures are affecting traffic flow, businesses and emergency response times, while calling for solutions such as pedestrian bridges or tunnels. Amushelelo also criticized the Ministry of Works and Transport for failing to engage protesters and receive a petition on the issue.

LPM national spokesperson Lifa Laza Simata says the violence that disrupted the National Youth Council General Assembly has damaged confidence in youth leadership and raised serious questions about the council's future. Speaking on Desert FM's Daybreak, he argued that political agendas and a failure to address key youth issues have contributed to growing frustration with the institution. Simata called for accountability, transparency and reforms before a new assembly is convened.