Desert FM 95.3

Advocate for boys Riaan Siyama is calling for stronger family, school and community support systems to ensure children receive guidance and emotional support before problems escalate. He says the government and community-based organisations must work together to protect vulnerable children and encourage boys to speak openly about their struggles.

The Khomas Suicide Prevention Task Force says 370 people took their own lives in the region between 2021 and 2026, highlighting the need for stronger mental health support and prevention efforts. Chairperson Tuhafeni Talia is urging families and friends to recognise warning signs, start conversations and help those struggling with accessing professional support.

Lawyer Norman Tjombe of Tjombe-Elago Incorporated addresses the N$2.2 million civil suit filed against the state by the family of Ingrid Marsdorp (5). The suit alleges severe negligence by school authorities after the child disappeared from KW von Mareées Combined School at Okahandja and was subsequently murdered.

Tjombe outlines multiple violations of 2023 school safety regulations, noting that the security guard arrived late at 08h00, despite the school opening at 07h00 , while pupils were left locked outside unattended and without supervision.

The interview highlights how major regional music festivals like Balcony Mix Africa drive economic growth and position Namibia as a premier destination for global entertainment. Events of this scale draw visitors from across Africa and internationally – including Angola, Botswana, Malawi and Canada – expanding Namibia's brand beyond traditional landscape tourism into a vibrant hub for world-class production.

Beyond the stage, the event hosts a collaborative masterclass with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, where industry leaders educate local creators on music business strategy and brand building. Creative strategist Lucas Nangolo speaks to Desert Radio.

Namibian football analyst Isack Hamata is urging local football clubs to improve their governance and adopt commercial business models to attract more sponsors.

His comments follow the Namibian Sports Authority’s N$90 million, three-year sponsorship commitment to the Namibia Football Association, with N$30 million allocated per season.

Hamata says clubs must register formally, maintain transparent financial records and demonstrate accountability to sponsors. He also believes clubs should explore opportunities such as streaming matches and developing commercial partnerships to generate additional income.

He warns that poor financial reporting could undermine confidence in football and discourage other companies from investing in the sport.

An Okahandja social activist is calling for stronger security at schools and improved policing following the murder of Ingrid Maasdorp (5).

Sethy Gariseb says the community remains traumatised as Ingrid’s family seeks N$2.2 million in damages from the Namibian government, citing alleged state negligence and security failures at the school where she disappeared in March 2025.

Gariseb is urging authorities to install CCTV cameras at schools, improve street lighting in informal settlements and deploy additional security personnel to protect children.

She says the community wants urgent action to prevent further tragedies and ensure justice for victims of unsolved murders.

The European Union Film Festival returns to Windhoek from 20 October to 19 November, featuring 10 Namibian films and eight European productions.

European Union spokesperson Twakulilwa Kayofa says this year’s festival will also include a children’s film screening, community screenings and a skills development workshop for local filmmakers focusing on sound design and co-production.

Kayofa says the festival aims to promote cultural exchange and support Namibia’s creative industry. All main festival screenings are free, with audiences encouraged to follow the EU delegation and festival social media pages for the programme and attendance details.

IPC shadow minister for agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Michael Mulunga addresses the auditor general's report, revealing that the Directorate of Veterinary Services left N$13.13 million unspent during the 2024–2025 financial year.

He discusses the critical consequences of budget underutilisation on disease preparedness, veterinary staffing shortages, export inspection delays, and the urgent need for a state of emergency and an emergency fund to tackle foot-and-mouth disease.

The Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) is urging individuals and businesses to take advantage of the tax amnesty programme before it ends on 31 October.

Namra manager for projects Petra Haingura says taxpayers can qualify for a 100% write-off of outstanding penalties and interest if they register for the programme, settle their outstanding principal tax debt and submit all outstanding tax returns accurately.

Haingura says taxpayers who need assistance can visit any Namra office across the country or contact the agency’s call centre for guidance. She warns that penalties and interest will remain payable for those who fail to meet the amnesty conditions before the deadline.

The Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired is calling for improved road safety and better accessibility for people living with visual impairments.

Executive director Moses Nghipandulwa says many Namibian towns remain inaccessible, with limited pedestrian facilities and a lack of audible traffic signals to help people that have visual impairments cross roads safely.

Nghipandulwa says Namibia has several disability policies, but implementation remains a major challenge. He is urging government, municipalities and the public to work with people with disabilities to create a more inclusive society as the country commemorates International White Cane Day on 15 October.