Desert FM 95.3

Unionist Mahongora Kavihua says Namibia must urgently address rising psychosocial risks in workplaces, including stress, harassment, and toxic work cultures. He says stronger enforcement of Convention 190 is key to protecting workers and preventing long-term mental and physical harm.

Student Union of Namibia Board Chairperson Bernard Kavau told Desert FM that poor implementation, lack of resources, and limited consultation are driving declining performance under the AS curriculum. He says there is a major gap between education policy and what is actually happening in classrooms, calling for urgent and inclusive reforms.

IPC shadow fisheries minister Michael Mulunga says Namibia’s fishing sector is under severe strain, with declining stocks, job losses and governance concerns at the centre of the crisis. He is calling for urgent policy reforms, including changes to the Marine Resources Act and a fairer quota allocation system.

SONU president Evilastus Kaaronda has criticised the growing debate around leave of absence in Parliament, saying the current system remains effective and should not be politicised. He also warned that requiring the President to approve the Speaker’s leave risks undermining the separation of powers.

Transport minister Veikko Nekundi is at the centre of a controversy following reports that he allegedly instructed the Namibian Ports Authority not to divert business from a company linked to the president’s son, raising concerns about governance, conflict of interest and transparency, allegations he strongly denies.

Speaking to Desert FM, Nekundi addresses the claims directly, clarifying his position and responding to growing public scrutiny.

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled a N$104 billion 2026/27 national budget, projecting N$89.8 billion in revenue and about N$15 billion in borrowing, while raising sin taxes and managing N$16.2 billion in interest payments amid expanded commitments such as subsidised tertiary education and public wage adjustments.

Speaking to Desert FM, Chantell Husselmann the PwC Namibia country senior partner and head of tax provides a technical tax-focused analysis, highlighting N$9.8 billion in processed refunds by the Namibia Revenue Agency and improved turnaround times.

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled a N$104 billion 2026/27 national budget, projecting N$89.8 billion in revenue and about N$15 billion in borrowing. This includes higher excise duties such as an increase in tobacco tax from N$22.81 to N$23.58 per pack of 20 cigarettes and a 3.39% rise on alcoholic beverages, while the old age grant rises modestly to N$1 700 per month amid a constrained N$6.5 billion development allocation.

Speaking to Desert FM, Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia director Ben Schernick unpacks how sin taxes and excise adjustments intersect with food insecurity, poverty and household vulnerability.

All eyes are on finance minister Ericah Shafudah as she tables Namibia’s 2026/27 national budget amid rising public debt, cost-of-living pressures and mounting expectations for economic growth with fiscal discipline.

Speaking to Desert FM, economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu unpacks what the budget could mean for ordinary Namibians, businesses and the country’s long-term economic stability.

Youth unemployment remains one of Namibia’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. A delegation from the Popular Democratic Movement, led by its president, McHenry Venaani, recently paid a courtesy visit to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to discuss critical national concerns.

Speaking to Desert FM, Venaani unpacks the discussions, proposals tabled and what the engagement could mean for young Namibians moving forward.

The Swapo Party Youth League is preparing for its next national congress, a pivotal event expected to shape the youth wing’s leadership, with secretary Ephraim Nekongo widely seen as likely to seek re-election, possibly unopposed.

Speaking to Desert FM, Nekongo addresses his leadership, the upcoming congress and his vision for the league’s future as Namibia grapples with rising youth unemployment and shifting political dynamics.