Desert FM 95.3

State House is reviewing the Former Presidents’ Pension and Other Benefits Act following public debate over the reported N$152 million spent on retirement homes for former heads of state, amid speculation that president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah may seek to end state-funded mansions.

Speaking to Desert FM, political scientist Rui Tyitende says the review could also consider extending benefits to former vice presidents, currently covered under the Presidential Remuneration and Other Benefits Act.

A 35-year-old habitual offender has been rearrested in Windhoek for allegedly targeting copper cables linked to critical infrastructure, including NamPower, despite multiple pending cases and being granted N$2,500 bail. Speaking on Desert FM, Superintendent Marceline Murapo of the Windhoek City Police Service outlined the risks these crimes pose to public safety and efforts to safeguard essential services.

Musician and member of parliament Frederick Shitana has strongly criticised what he calls the shocking underpayment of royalties to local artists reportedly as little as N$2 per play warning that it threatens the sustainability of Namibia’s creative industry. Speaking on Desert FM, he called for urgent reforms to ensure greater transparency, fairness and proper compensation for artists.

Namibia’s 2026/27 national budget will be tabled on Thursday, marking a key moment for economic direction under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose administration has advanced reforms such as fully subsidised tertiary education from 2026 and changes to the Psemas-linked public healthcare system.

Speaking to Desert FM, economist Robert McGregor says the upcoming budget must balance expanded public services with fiscal sustainability and urgent job creation.

After 16 years in the National Assembly, Elifas Dingara has resigned from parliament and announced his transition into agriculture.

​He reflected on his political journey during an interview on Desert FM, revisiting his controversial 2023 proposal to allocate N$1 million to every Namibian.

​He argued that the country should convert natural resource wealth into citizen-held assets, which, although later withdrawn, ignited national debate on economic justice and wealth distribution.

Namibia’s 2026/27 national budget, the first full fiscal cycle under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will be tabled this Thursday.

This comes amid high expectations as the government pushes economic revival, youth empowerment and public-private partnerships while grappling with unemployment, inequality, rising living costs and a growing wage bill.

Speaking to Desert FM, social justice activist and labour expert Herbert Jauch shares what Namibians can expect from the upcoming budget.

Namibia’s diamond industry is facing renewed uncertainty after parent company Anglo American cut the valuation of De Beers to US$2.3 billion amid weakening global demand, competition from lab-grown diamonds and broader economic pressures, raising concerns for joint ventures Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia under Namdeb Holdings.

Speaking to Desert FM, former finance minister Calle Schlettwein says speculation that Namibia could increase its stake as Anglo moves to divest has significant implications for the national fiscus.

Government has reportedly approved a 5% salary increase for civil servants for 2026/27 and a further 5% for 2027/28, according to a leaked document circulating among union structures. The public wage bill standing at N$35.4 billion in 2024/25, covering about 107 000 employees.

Speaking to Desert FM, policy analyst Johan Coetzee says conflicting statements from conflicting statements from the Namibia National Teachers' Union and government have created uncertainty over the status of the agreement.

Namibian entrepreneur, economic diplomat and youth advocate Ndahafa Hapulile has been named an African youth ambassador and received the Patrice Lumumba Leadership Excellence and Integrity Award at the Africa Summit and Honours 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Speaking to Desert FM, Ndahafa Hapulile reflects on the milestone and what it means not only for her, but for Namibia’s presence on the continental stage.

Senior government officials will begin using public healthcare facilities from 1 April.

This follows a directive by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah under the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas), as part of Swapo’s N$85.7 billion plan to upgrade hospitals and clinics.

Speaking to Desert FM, unionist Mahongora Kavihuha raises concerns over overcrowding, medicine shortages and whether the public health system is prepared for the transition.