Desert FM 95.3

Recent reports suggest that Namibia continues to face low civic awareness and limited democratic participation among young people, particularly those from marginalised groups. 

The NMT Media Foundation has launched a civic engagement initiative aimed at closing these gaps by equipping young people with practical tools and accessible resources. 

Desert FM speaks to NMT Media Foundation associate programmes manager Linda Baumann.

Recent public debate has been sparked by comments attributed to Khomas governor Sam Nujoma about building 5 000 houses in one year, a target he now says was part of the Swapo manifesto and not his personal pledge. 

The situation raises broader questions about populist rhetoric and holding leaders accountable for public statements. 

Political analyst Rui Tyitende joins Desert FM to speak about this.

Concerns raised around centralising executive power of the oil portfolio under the Presidency has led to questions of accountability and the immunity of the president.

Namibia’s Constitution grants the president sweeping immunity from civil and criminal proceedings.

Desert FM speaks with legal expert John Nakuta to explain exactly what the law says and how it works in practice.

The race to lead the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has attracted close to ten candidates from media leaders to corporate executives, spokespersons, statisticians and former journalists.

The position will be left vacant after Stanley Similo’s term ends.

Former NBC director general Ben Mulongeni speaks to Desert FM about what type of candidate is needed to lead the organisation.

Namibian SMEs have huge potential, but funding remains a challenge. Businessman and author Jose Kahuna explains the barriers to venture capital and how businesses can become investor-ready to drive growth and job creation.

Namibia is preparing to take to the skies again with plans to launch a new national airline, although it won’t carry the Air Namibia name.

Speaking to Desert FM, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi outlined the progress made so far, when the airline is expected to launch, whether former Air Namibia employees could be reinstated, and if the government plans to purchase or lease aircraft.

He confirmed that the government is moving forward with establishing a sustainable national carrier aimed at strengthening regional and international connectivity.

Growing concern has emerged over a call merging feature referred to by some users as the “silent call merge” function. It reportedly allows a third party to join an ongoing phone call without notifying the original participants.

Digital technology expert Nupresh Soni warns that such a function could expose users to serious privacy risks and potential violations of their constitutional right to privacy. However, MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi has clarified that the feature is not part of MTC’s network services, but rather a built-in function on certain mobile devices.

Nekundi stresses that the company remains committed to protecting customers’ privacy and encourages users to review their device settings for enhanced security.

Acting mines minister Frans Kapofi motivated the petroleum (exploration and production) amendment bill 2025 yesterday, saying it will strengthen oversight and ensure transparency in the oil sector.

Some observers have raised concerns about centralisation and accountability.

Executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research Graham Hopwood shares his thoughts with Desert FM.

Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel has approached the High Court seeking an urgent interdict to declare the magistrates’ strike illegal.

Critics say this blurs the line between the Executive and the Judiciary.

Among those raising concern is Landless People’s Movement parliamentarian Eneas Emvula who speaks to Desert FM to discuss the matter further.

A recent parliamentary oversight report reveals that minors awaiting trial are still being detained alongside adult inmates in some of Namibia’s correctional facilities and police holding cells.

This is despite the country’s legal framework strictly prohibiting the detention of children with adults.

To unpack the human rights and legal implications of this, Desert FM speaks to chief advocate at the Office of the Ombudsman, Ingrid Husselman.