Desert FM 95.3

As 2025 comes to a close, many young Namibians continue to face persistent challenges despite elections, policy shifts and renewed talk of youth empowerment. Youth leader Duminga Ndala speaks to Desert FM, reflecting on what the year has meant for young people and what still needs to change.

Starlink’s application to operate in Namibia has renewed debate around school connectivity, rural access and whether satellite internet can bridge the digital divide. Schoolnet Namibia founding director Joris Komen speaks to Desert FM, urging policymakers to look beyond the hype and closely examine affordability, sustainability and long-term costs.

Namibia’s first year under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has brought symbolic milestones, a smaller Cabinet and stronger woman representation, but also criticism over inequality, unemployment and economic inclusion. Speaking to Desert FM, social justice activist and labour analyst Herbert Jauch weighs in on the administration’s gains, gaps and what 2025 means for accountability.

Every Friday on page 11, The Namibian sets out its position on key national issues in the Editor’s Desk. We speak to Acting Editor Shinovene Immanuel to unpack tomorrow’s final Editor’s Desk edition for 2025.

Otjiwarongo teacher Gelda Waterboer has become a global voice for child protection after a consent song she collaborated on went viral and earned recognition from the Legal Assistance Centre. Speaking to Desert FM, Waterboer reflects on the message behind the song, the power of social media, and why protecting children starts with everyday conversations.

The Ministry of Education expects continued placement pressure nationally due to rising enrolments and infrastructure shortages, but Oshikoto says it has managed to accommodate all Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners. Speaking to Desert FM, Oshikoto education director Hilma Nyunganyo-George says the main challenge now lies with Grade 10 placements, as demand for boarding schools exceeds available hostel space.

School placement pressure continues in the Otjozondjupa region, with about 200 pupils at Okahandja still awaiting placement due to spillover from Windhoek. Speaking to Desert FM, education director Gerhard Ndafenongo says a new primary school costing nearly N$26 million is under construction, with a temporary platoon system to accommodate pupils until completion.

As road accidents and deaths remain a major concern in Namibia, the Ministry of Works and Transport wants to introduce new measures, including live-streaming cameras, drone surveillance, and mandatory defensive driving training. Speaking to Desert FM, road safety expert Felix Tjozongoro unpacks whether these interventions can save lives and what more is needed to improve road safety.

Otjiwarongo teacher Gelda Waterboer has received national recognition from the Legal Assistance Centre after a child-friendly consent video she collaborated on went viral globally. Speaking on Desert FM, LAC director Toni Hancox reflects on the impact of the campaign, the power of digital advocacy, and the challenges facing civil society organisations.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been ranked third among Africa’s most powerful women by Forbes magazine, just months after being sworn in as Namibia’s first woman president. Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo speaks to Desert FM about what the recognition means for the president and Namibia’s growing international profile.