Desert FM 95.3

The death of a 23-year-old man, allegedly at the hands of his 17-year-old girlfriend at Okahandja, has once again brought Namibia’s domestic violence crisis under scrutiny. Human rights activist Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe speaks to Desert FM on the topic, arguing that this tragedy reflects the deeper failures of a society that should have protected both the victim and the alleged perpetrator from reaching this point.

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, through Commissar for Communications Teresia Hamurenge, officially unveiled their candidates for eight local authorities, pledging to prioritize land delivery, housing, jobs, and community-focused solutions ahead of the November 26 polls.

Namibia’s Beef Exports Plunge 50% in First Half of 2025 Amid Market-Ready Cattle Shortage Caption: Namibia’s beef industry faces a sharp decline in exports, dropping by half compared to 2024, as farmers rebuild herds after drought and movement restrictions. Farmer Dylan Mukorole says the setback is temporary, with government support and improving conditions expected to help the sector recover and meet growing global demand.

Social commentator Olsen Kahiriri warns that the loss of N$816 million from the Government Institutions Pension Fund offshore investments raises serious questions about oversight and accountability. He urges a forensic investigation and says government employees should demand answers or consider alternative pension fund options.

Namibia’s pension giant, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), is facing backlash after reports of a possible N$815-million loss from offshore investments managed by South Africa’s TriAlpha investment management.

Opposition leader Mike Kavekotora is calling for a forensic probe, citing weak governance and possible collusion between local and foreign players.

Former Ghanaian member of parliament and pan-Africanist Ras Mubarak has hit the road on a 163-day, 40 000 km journey across 39 African countries to campaign for a visa-free Africa.Titled the 'Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign', the trip aims to push governments to scrap visa barriers and fast-track free movement under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Mubarak says the goal is achievable within five years if leaders show real political will.

Desert FM speaks to him about the mission, challenges, and vision for a truly united Africa.

The recently tabled mid-term budget for 2025 has reignited debate around Namibia’s fiscal priorities.

Internal reallocations have seen the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs' budget cut by N$11 million.

Shadow defence minister Alosius Kangulu has warned that such cuts could compromise the ministry’s mandate. 

Desert FM speaks to Kangulu.

Reports suggest that the GIPF has lost nearly N$815 million through underperforming offshore investments. This revelation has sparked outrage from opposition parties in parliament.

Among the most vocal critics is National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who says the losses expose deep systemic failures. He speaks to Desert FM.

As the hunt for the next minister of industries, mines and energy continues, the call has been made for a competent professional who understands the needs of the industry.

The president appointed defence minister Frans Kapofi to oversee the portfolio in interim.

Analyst Dobson Kawala speaks to Desert FM on this to explain what the ideal candidate's skills and qualifications would be.

The Landless People’s Movement, through its leader Bernadus Swartbooi, has expressed serious doubts over what he called “a laundry list of promises”, saying government’s current structure and budget priorities make it unlikely that free education will become a reality — at least not sustainably.

Swartbooi raised concerns that N$663 million, allocated for the first quarter of 2026 to kickstart free tertiary education, may not be enough to sustain the programme — especially without proper consultation with institutions like UNAM and NUST.

LPM spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, joins Desert FM to unpack the LPM’s position and what this means for Namibia’s education system.