Desert FM 95.3

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.

Lize Ehlers says Pride month in Namibia is not only about celebration but also about creating safe spaces and addressing stigma faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community.
She urges young people to seek support and remember that “their life is worth living.”

Former ombudsman John Walters says Namibia has no legal process to erase criminal records, meaning offenders carry that burden for life unless pardoned by the president.

He says while there are calls for a “clean slate” system, it would require both legal reform and a shift in societal attitudes.

Namibia is taking a major step towards digital transformation in public service delivery with the launch of a computerised learner licence testing system.

The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Works and Transport in partnership with the Roads Authority, also includes online booking and payment services, starting with a pilot at Okahandja.

Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi says the move is aimed at addressing long-standing complaints around inefficiencies, unfair practices and corruption in the licensing process.

Namibia’s divorce laws have undergone a major transformation following the introduction of the Dissolution of Marriage Act, which replaces the long-standing fault-based system with a no-fault divorce regime.

Road expert Felix Tjozongoro says while the newly installed speed humps on the Western Bypass and A1 highway have frustrated motorists, they may be necessary to reduce fatalities.

Tjozongoro argues that “the number of lives lost outweighs driver frustration”, highlighting poor driver behaviour as a key cause of accidents.

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.

Affirmative Repositioning Chief Whip Vaino Hangula says tougher measures are needed to curb urban land speculation and unlock more land for housing development. Hangula argues that people should no longer be allowed to hold onto serviced land for years purely for profit while thousands of Namibians continue living in informal settlements.