Desert FM 95.3

The proposed Namibia investment promotion bill is facing intense scrutiny, with senior advocate Raymond Heathcote saying on Desert FM that parts of the legislation may be unconstitutional and could discourage foreign investment.

Analyst Johan Coetzee, also speaking on Desert FM, echoes concerns about the bill’s current form, citing potential legal, economic and policy risks.

Director of Building Every Opportunity for Change, Riaan Siyama, speaks to Desert FM following consultations with Zambezi Regional Governor Dorothy Kabula on new roadmaps aimed at strengthening social development, youth inclusion, and community-government collaboration in the region.

Every Friday on page 11 of The Namibian, the paper makes its stance clear on national issues and dissects them. The editorial has served as the paper’s position on issues since its inception. It’s divided public opinion, it’s been thought-provoking, it’s been scrutinised, and sometimes celebrated. We speak to Acting Editor of The Namibian, Shinovene Immanuel, to unpack Friday 06 of February’s edition of the Editor’s Desk.

As the academic year begins, students and parents are closely monitoring registration under the new free higher education directorate amid questions about capacity, access and whether institutions are already reaching full intake.

In conversation with Desert FM, University of Namibia spokesperson Simon Namesho provides clarity on available spaces and how the registration process is unfolding.

Public transport safety remains a growing concern in Windhoek as commuters increasingly report robberies linked to taxis using fake or cloned registration numbers, turning everyday travel into a calculated risk.

In conversation with Desert FM, Windhoek City Police spokesperson superintendent Marcelline Murapo explains how the City of Windhoek’s new mobile app feature aims to help passengers verify legitimate taxis and whether it can realistically improve safety.

The opposition has raised concern over proposed changes to Namibia’s petroleum governance framework, warning that placing oil and gas oversight under the Presidency could repeat governance failures seen both locally and internationally.

In conversation with Desert FM, Independent Patriots for Change official opposition leader Imms Nashinge says parliament should slow down and reconsider the bill before moving forward.

The government has tabled the petroleum (exploration and production) amendment bill of 2025, proposing the creation of an upstream petroleum unit under the Office of the President, a move opposition parties warn could centralise power and pose governance risks.

In conversation with Desert FM, energy minister Modestus Amutse says the bill is intended to strengthen regulation and improve efficiency in Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry.

Landless People’s Movement youth command element leader Nduminga Ndala reflects on the party’s seven-year journey, highlighting its roots as a social movement, electoral gains and losses, governance challenges, and the continued fight for land rights in Namibia.

Founder of the Young Feminist Movement of Namibia, Florence Khaxas, speaks to Desert FM on the slow or absent commitment from government to declare gender-based violence a national crisis, warning that rising killings, weak survivor support systems and outdated national action plans continue to leave women and girls at risk.

Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani cautions against situations where children of politicians appear to benefit from their parents’ positions.

He says while they have a legal right to do business, political influence must not blur the line between opportunity and unfair privilege.

Speaking to Desert FM, Venaani says the debate raises important questions about governance, accountability and equal access to economic opportunities in Namibia.