Desert FM 95.3

Taljaard Uaputauka is promoting period education and reusable pads, helping Namibian girls stay in school and access hygienic, affordable products. A report released in 2021 says nearly one in seven girls skip school during menstruation for various reasons. Since then, non-profit organisations and sponsors have been aiming to fill the gaps created by ‘period poverty' the government earlier this year launched the national sanitary pad initiative aimed at addressing social misconceptions and improving access to sanitary products.

Uaputauka heeded the call by producing a comic book on menstrual struggles,titled ‘My First Period’.Speaking to Desert FM he shared his journey making sustainable menstrual care accessible for all.

Two white teenagers were recently photographed with their faces painted black, stirring debate on the issue of 'blackfacing'. The Deutsche Höhere Privatschule in Windhoek has confirmed that one of the pupils involved is enrolled at the school, while the education ministry says it is investigating the matter and condemns this behaviour. To discuss the broader social meaning of this incident, Desert FM chats to sociologist Ellison Tjirera.

A Halloween party in Windhoek recently caused outrage after two pupils were photographed being 'blackfaced' and wearing name tags with racial slurs. The images, which quickly spread on social media, have reignited a public conversation about racism. Desert FM speaks to education ministry deputy executive director Edda Bohn on the ministry's stance.

Windhoek City Councillor Francina Kahungu says plans are underway to formalize Okahandja Park Section B, giving residents security of land tenure and access to basic services. She adds that the process is guided by the city’s 2019 Development and Upgrading Policy, with progress depending on available funds and residents’ cooperation.

The Khomas Residents and Ratepayers Association says it will take the Electoral Commission of Namibia to the High Court this Thursday, citing an “illegal” electronic nomination system that blocked their registration for the upcoming 26 November local and regional elections. Association chairperson Shaun Gariseb says the system’s technical flaws have denied them fair participation, while also clarifying that activist Michael Amushelelo is no longer part of their candidate list.

Swapo candidate Christopher Likuwa says his priority if re-elected will be to improve land ownership, sanitation, and basic services in the Tobias Hainyeko Constituency. He’s seeking a third term and urges young voters to turn up on 26 November.

The Legal Assistance Centre says Namibia’s laws protect minors from sexual exploitation, but weak enforcement leaves many vulnerable. Head of Gender Yolande Engelbrecht says children under 16 cannot consent to sex, and adults involved should face statutory rape charges. She says the Okahandja case of a 16-year-old accused of killing her 23-year-old boyfriend highlights system failures and calls for stronger parental and community involvement to protect children.

As Namibia gears up for the upcoming Local Authority and Regional Council elections, the national spotlight turns to young voters a majority in the population, but still among the least active at the polls.
Why are so many young Namibians staying away from the ballot box? And what does this mean for the country’s future leadership, accountability, and development?
To unpack this, Desert FM spoke to youth activist and former NYC board member KK Marenga, who shares why youth voices matter and how Namibia can inspire its young generation to take charge of their democratic power.

The return of Angolan children to Namibia’s streets is once again sparking national debate.
What began with compassion has turned to frustration, as young street vendors some as young as six raise tough questions about child protection, migration, and government responsibility.
Desert FM spoke to Gerson Neumbo, Chairperson of the Children’s Parliament’s Education and ICT Committee, on how Namibia can protect the dignity and safety of all children involved.

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) say the government has made a U-turn on its promise of free tertiary education. This comes after president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that ‘free education’ would only cover tuition and registration fees, excluding accommodation or transport. Desert FM speaks to NEFF deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu on the issue.