Desert FM 95.3

The National Organization of Parents in Education interim president urges clearer communication, proper consultation, and realistic planning as parents await details on the 2026 free tertiary education rollout.

Omusati Police Commander Ishmael Basson breaks down how the magistrates’ full-scale strike is halting court operations, affecting bail hearings, piling pressure on police cells, and disrupting justice services across the region.

Students Union of Namibia board chair Bernard Kavau warns current funding falls short for tuition and non-tuition costs, urging equitable access for all students.

Namibia joins the global call for justice and accountability as 1 Billion Rising unveils its 2026 theme. National coordinator Irene Garoes explains how the movement is empowering communities, scaling up skills, and confronting the rise in gender-based violence.

The Magistrates and Judges Association of Namibia has announced that magistrates nationwide have begun withholding their services, citing the government’s failure to implement promised housing and vehicle benefits.

Despite an N$8-million budget allocation and recommendations from the Magistrates' Commission, the benefits remain unaddressed, creating what the association calls an unstable and untenable working environment.

Legal representative Florian Beukes explains the legal and constitutional implications of this unprecedented move.

A landmark Supreme Court judgement has shaken Namibia’s financial regulatory system after the court found financial watchdog Namfisa negligent in its oversight of Prowealth Asset Managers.

The company collapsed nearly 20 years ago after misappropriating more than N$75 million in investor funds. The ruling means Namfisa must now reimburse affected investors, many of whom are pensioners who relied on the regulator’s approval of the company.

Labour expert Herbert Jauch speaks to Desert FM to unpack what this decision means for pension security, consumer protection and accountability within Namibia’s regulatory framework.

The Ministry of Health and social services has confirmed an outbreak of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Namibia after a patient in Windhoek died and later tested positive for the virus. The announcement has sparked concern, particularly among farmers, abattoir employees, and communities living in tick-prone areas, as there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available.

Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya provides clarity on what the outbreak means for the country, the symptoms to watch out for, and essential precautions the public should take to stay safe.

It is exactly 48 hours before this year's regional council and local authority elections. Polling officials and selected police officers will, however, vote during a special voting exercise today.   

To discuss protocols in place, Desert FM speaks to ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka.

The Landless People’s Movement has escalated its accusations against the state, claiming that government institutions are being used to persecute non-Oshiwambo communities and LPM leaders in the south.

This follows the Anti-Corruption Commission’s attempted arrests of councillors in the south, an action LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi says is politically timed.

To explain the LPM’s position,Desert FM speaks to party spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa.

Landless People’s Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi has questioned whether the Hardap and //Kharas regions should break away from Namibia.

He is accusing the government of marginalising southern communities and failing to distribute national resources fairly.

To analyse this, Desert FM speaks to political commentator Johan Coetzee.