Desert FM 95.3

Affirmative Repositioning chief whip and member of parliament Vaino Angula has warned of the economic impact of Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, saying affected businesses and workers face an uncertain future.

Angula’s 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.

He questions the government’s preparedness and response, saying the agriculture ministry appeared to be addressing the outbreak as it unfolded. Angula also calls for greater cooperation in parliament and says the crisis should receive urgent attention.

He warns that businesses could face prolonged financial difficulties and urges affected people to consider alternative sources of income while hoping for the outbreak to end sooner.

Namra is urging taxpayers with outstanding tax debts to register for the National Tax Amnesty Scheme before the 31 October deadline. Eligible taxpayers can benefit from waived interest and penalties by settling their principal debt or entering into and honouring an approved 12-month payment plan.

Zambezi community activist Dobson Kwala is calling for wider FMD vaccination and targeted movement restrictions to protect farmers and beef supplies. He warns that the approaching rainy season could increase the risk of the disease spreading further.

IPC shadow minister of agriculture Michael Mulunga is urging the government to introduce financial relief and temporary salary subsidies to protect jobs threatened by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. He also advocates for regional livestock zones to limit future outbreaks and protect Namibia’s meat industry.

Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo says allegations of possible fraud and irregularities involving Psemas raise serious questions about government oversight and the management of public funds. Speaking to Desert FM, Kudumo calls for stronger financial controls and accountability, stressing that taxpayers’ money must be spent wisely to address Namibia’s pressing public needs.

Former finance minister Calle Schlettwein warns that rising public debt and slowing economic growth are putting pressure on Namibia’s public finances, with interest payments limiting funds available for development. Speaking to Desert FM, Schlettwein calls for cuts to ineffective spending and greater investment in productive sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

NUNW secretary general Job Munyaro is calling for the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme to be restarted amid concerns over alleged financial irregularities and depleted benefits. He is urging the government to strengthen accountability and ensure workers receive the medical aid benefits they contribute towards.

Affirmative Repositioning Movement leader Job Ampanda is calling for a forensic audit of Namibia’s defence industries amid concerns over public spending and alleged corruption. He says stronger oversight is needed to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Landless People’s Movement member of parliament Eneas Emvula has raised concerns about inadequate government oversight and alleged financial irregularities within the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme. He is calling for stronger accountability, tariff adjustments and governance reforms to protect beneficiaries.

Following the tabling of the mid-year budget review by minister of finance Ericah Shafudah – presented under the theme 'People, Productivity, and Prudence' – Desert FM speaks to political analyst Sakaria Johannes to critically assess the government's fiscal roadmap and revenue outlook.

With revised economic growth slowing to 2.3% and significant drops in diamond export revenues, Johannes addresses the growing gap between budget promises and the daily realities of ordinary Namibians struggling with youth unemployment, housing shortages and rising living costs. Challenging the state's reliance on raw material exports, he urges policymakers to move beyond political rhetoric, face structural inequalities head-on, and aggressively invest in domestic value addition, industrial diversification and local agriculture to build a resilient, competitive economy for a population of over three million people.