Desert FM 95.3

With property prices climbing faster than incomes, Malcolm Ndjiharine explains how increased demand, limited land, urbanization, and investor interest are driving up housing costs. He also offers practical solutions for first-time buyers and government interventions to make homes more accessible.

As Namibia heads into the festive season, road safety remains a pressing concern. Felix Tjozongoro highlights the role of speeding, fatigue, and non-use of seatbelts in fatal crashes, calls for targeted police enforcement, reserve traffic wardens, and stronger public education to curb road fatalities.”

Namibia has entered what president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calls a “business unusual” era, marked by the creation of three major national task forces across the economy, health and housing sectors.

While the initiative aims to break siloed policymaking and unite stakeholders from government, business, labour and civil society, concerns remain over whether the 51-member structure is too large and capable of real action.

Former health minister Kalumbi Shangula is in conversation with Desert FM to assess the purpose, scale and potential effectiveness of these new task forces.

Namibia's ongoing school furniture shortages continue to strain classrooms across the country. Now, vocational centres are stepping in, giving trainees hands-on experience while helping schools cut costs. Cosdef representative Peneyambeko Nakale and Student Union of Namibia chairperson Bernard Kavau told Desert FM  that basic school needs and youth employment can both be addressed through skills training.

A new Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board report shows Namibia is producing too many graduates in health sciences, education, business and social sciences, leaving over 15 000 teachers and thousands of nurses unemployed.

The Namibia Nurses Union (Nanu) blames unregulated training institutions and limited hospital placements for worsening the situation.

Desert FM speaks to Nanu secretary general Junias Shilunga, who urges the government to explore sending unemployed nurses abroad and tightening oversight of training programmes.

A Rundu Town Council seat is under scrutiny after the Electoral Commission of Namibia admitted it mistakenly awarded the seat to the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) instead of the Rundu Urban Community Association (Ruca).

The error, which gave IPC the win despite Ruca having more votes, has now been placed before the Electoral Court, delaying the swearing in of councillors.

Desert FM speaks to IPC regional chairperson Frans Kandjilu, who says the mistake rests with the ECN and supports the correction process to uphold public trust.

Modestus Amutse steps into the industries, mines and energy ministry at a tense moment, facing criticism from opposition leader McHenry Venaani who says he lacks experience for such a high-stakes portfolio.

Former prime minister Nahas Angula has also warned that the role demands strong oversight and technical depth to protect national interests.

Amutse maintains he is ready, committed and focused on an open-door approach as he takes on one of Namibia’s toughest assignments.

Namibia’s school furniture shortage is being eased as vocational centres provide trainees with hands-on experience while helping schools save costs, addressing both basic needs and youth employment, say Cosdef’s Peneyambeko Nakale

Elzabe Gordon discusses underlying causes of suicide in Groot Aub, including unemployment, family pressures, and lack of mental health resources, urging families and authorities to create safe spaces and offer support for vulnerable youth.

GBV activist Shaanika Nashilongo calls for using sports, music, and social media to engage youth and strengthen efforts to prevent gender-based violence in communities.