Desert FM 95.3

Opinions remain sharply divided after 20 years at the helm, with Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo praising Paulus Noa’s efforts under difficult conditions, while opposition leaders argue his long tenure has weakened public trust and stalled meaningful reform.

Speaking on Desert FM, Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula weighs in on the ruling party’s position in parliament, leadership renewal, and the credibility of Namibia’s anti-corruption fight.

Landless People’s Movement national spokesperson Lifalaza Simata says the Justice Ministry’s directive to withhold payments to Bertha Security Services over alleged minimum wage violations sends a strong message, but warns it may lack legal force and long-term deterrence if not properly enforced.

Namibia trended globally over the past 24 hours as YouTube star IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr, toured the country, engaging with Himba and San communities, exploring local culture, and sampling kapana in Katutura’s Single Quarters.

Speaking on Desert FM, Zulu Boy, real name Pinehas Shikulo, who introduced Speed to what he called “the best beef in the world,” reflects on what the visit means for Namibia’s tourism, global branding, and youth-driven exposure.

As President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration approaches its first full year in office, attention is increasingly turning to how key government institutions are functioning under her leadership. Desert FM’s John-Colin Namene sat down with Minister Elijah Ngurare.

United Democratic Front national spokesperson Mabasen Narib says effective service delivery at the local authority level depends more on experience, decentralisation and functional systems than formal academic qualifications. He argues that excessive ministerial control and procurement bottlenecks, rather than councillors’ education levels, remain the biggest obstacles to local development.

Political parties and analysts are calling for mandatory minimum qualifications for councillors, arguing that weak technical capacity is undermining governance and development at local authority level, following remarks by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa.

Speaking on Desert FM, political analyst Fanuel Kaapama weighs in on whether qualification requirements would strengthen governance or risk limiting democratic access to public office.

A police officer attached to the Serious Crime Unit took his life after shooting and injuring his girlfriend in Khomasdal, amid reports of repeated threats that were not acted upon.

Speaking on Desert FM, Namibian Police former inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga reflects on the incident, raising concerns about stress, trauma exposure, access to firearms, and institutional responsibility within the security forces.

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has officially launched its online application system as the government rolls out a new subsidised tertiary education funding model to improve efficiency, transparency, and access.

Speaking on Desert FM, NSFAF chief executive Kennedy Kandume explains how the system works, stresses the importance of meeting eligibility requirements, and outlines plans to ensure funding sustainability going forward.

Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa is under fire following alleged xenophobic remarks directed at The Namibian journalist Tracy Tafirenyika after she reported on his unpaid NamWater bill.

Speaking on Desert FM, NMT Foundation executive director Zoe Titus weighs in on the implications for media freedom, accountability, and democratic norms in Namibia.

The Katima Mulilo Town Council has started relocating residents from the Dairy Location to the Ngweze Community Hall following heavy rains and warnings of possible flash floods.

Speaking on Desert FM, mayor Kabende Kabende outlines the council’s response, the challenges faced on the ground, and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of residents.