Desert FM 95.3

Ovambanderu Traditional Authority spokesperson Bishop Uazenga Othniel Ngahahe says the 130th anniversary commemoration of Chief Kahimemua Hiyakungari Nguvauva will honour one of Namibia's earliest anti-colonial resistance leaders and educate younger generations about Namibia's history. Ngahahe says the event is an opportunity for all Namibians to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who resisted colonial oppression and contributed to the country's struggle for freedom.

Sports on the Move Foundation representative Sandy Rudd says the newly launched book No Obstacle Is Too Great To Overcome aims to tell the stories behind Namibia's Paralympic champions and the challenges they have overcome to achieve success. Rudd says the publication also highlights the crucial role played by guides, coaches and support systems in helping athletes such as Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala and Lahja Ishitile reach the world stage.

Energy commentator and industry analyst Mutindi Jacob says Namibia's local content policy is essential to ensuring that ordinary citizens benefit from the country's oil and gas discoveries through jobs, business opportunities and skills development. Jacob says successful implementation could create a generation of skilled Namibian professionals and help build a diversified economy that benefits future generations.

Political analyst Dr. Marius Khudumo says Namibians must take greater ownership of social and economic challenges by strengthening collective action, accountability and public participation. Speaking after the launch of Herbert Jauch's book Workers, Trade Unions and Politics in Namibia, Khudumo said trade unions and citizens alike have a responsibility to influence policies that improve the lives of ordinary workers.

PRESS FREEDOM WARNING... Namibia Media Trust Foundation Executive Director Zoe Titus says Namibia's declining score in the African Media Barometer should serve as a warning that key press freedom challenges remain unresolved. Titus says stronger political will is needed to operationalise existing laws and address structural issues affecting media freedom in the country.

Disability rights advocate Orben Muluti says employers should view persons with disabilities as a valuable and largely untapped workforce rather than a liability.

Speaking on Desert FM, Muluti said persons with disabilities have much to contribute to Namibia's economy and called for greater workplace inclusion and equal employment opportunities.

New National Arts Council chairperson Lot Ndamanomhata says funding remains the biggest challenge facing Namibia's creative industry, with many artists forced to finance their own projects. He also called on government, businesses and the public to work together to grow the sector and help increase its contribution to the national economy.

Labour activist and author Herbert Jauch says Namibia's workers have a rich history of organising and fighting for justice despite difficult circumstances.

Speaking ahead of the launch of his new book, Workers, Trade Unions and Politics in Namibia: A Long Journey of Resistance, Jauch encouraged young workers to shape the future of labour movements while learning from past struggles.

Namibia Energy Institute director Dr Andreas Elombo says FPSO technology is expected to play a crucial role in the development of Namibia's offshore oil resources as the country moves closer to first oil production.

Elombo says opportunities in the sector extend beyond engineering and include fields such as logistics, ICT, environmental management, health and safety, and marine services.

JP Schmit says blind football is part of a broader effort to expand Paralympic sport in Namibia and build a national team. He explains that the sport relies on teamwork and communication, with only the goalkeeper able to see during matches.