Desert FM 95.3

Award-winning Namibian artist Lize Ehlers has launched her seventh studio album, 'Call On Me'. The project blends purpose, culture, collaboration and celebration, she says.

Speaking to Desert FM, Ehlers shared insights into the inspiration for the album, its personal storytelling and what this milestone represents in her artistic journey.

More than 400 Namibian children with intellectual and physical disabilities are not going to school due to a severe shortage of special needs facilities, with only three specialised schools serving the entire country.

Speaking to Desert FM, educators and advocacy groups warned that the system is overstretched, urging the education ministry to expand facilities, invest in teacher training and fully implement inclusive education policies before more pupils are left behind.

The University of Namibia is grappling with a deepening accommodation crisis, with more than 2 300 students competing for just over 1 100 beds at the university's main campus in Windhoek.

Speaking to Desert FM, Students’ Union of Namibia secretary for legal affairs Intelligence Katire said the shortage has become systemic, raising serious concerns about accountability, governance and students’ right to education.

A new Afrobarometer report reveals a stark disconnect between education and employment in Namibia, with nearly a quarter of young people holding post-secondary qualifications, but only 18% in full-time employment. At the same time more than half remain unemployed and actively seeking jobs.

Speaking to Desert FM, Independent Patriots for Change spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge said the findings raise serious questions about education outcomes, economic planning and political leadership.

The University of Namibia (Unam) is under renewed pressure over student accommodation ahead of the 2026 academic year. This comes after 2 389 students applied for just 1 150 available beds at the university's main campus in Windhoek.

Speaking to Desert FM, Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho addressed growing criticism from student bodies saying delayed infrastructure projects have left many students exposed to high rental costs and unsafe living conditions.

Nudo MP Vetaruhe Kandorozhu has called Rural Urban Minister James Sankwasa's request for the Demand for Councillor Debt Records “Baseless”. According to Kandorozhu, there is no law allowing the minister to request private account details of councillors, warning that local authorities could face lawsuits if they release such information. 

Rachel Gawases, Executive Director of the Equal Rights for All Movement, highlights how traffickers exploit unemployment and social media to recruit vulnerable Namibians, urging citizens to verify opportunities and report suspicious offers.

Bernard Kavau, Board Chairperson of the Student Union of Namibia, urges the government to scrap new tertiary entry requirements and return to the previous NSFAF funding criteria, arguing the current system excludes thousands of students.

What began as a promised job opportunity abroad became a months-long ordeal for 25-year-old Namibian Augusta Carlos, who says she was trafficked from Thailand through forests and mountains into Myanmar and forced to work at an online scam operation.

Speaking on Desert FM, Carlos shared how she eventually escaped after more than five months in captivity.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has moved against long-distance bus operator Intercape for allegedly breaching Namibia’s cabotage laws by using South African-registered buses for domestic routes during preparations for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Speaking on Desert FM,  Minister Veikko Nekundi explained the decision, which includes fines, an immediate withdrawal order and the possible vehicle seizure.