Desert FM 95.3

Protests have erupted across Tanzania following Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which opposition supporters are calling a sham.

The main opposition leader remains behind bars and another was disqualified, leaving president Samia Hassan facing virtually no competition.

Desert FM speaks to human rights activist Treasure Basopo, who has been monitoring developments closely from the region.

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah recently announced that N$663 million will go towards free tertiary education, covering registration and tuition fees.

This pushes the state’s subsidy to the University of Namibia (Unam) up to N$2.2 billion, excluding what’s already allocated to the Namibia University of Science and Technology and student funding schemes.

However, Unam says it still needs an additional N$850 million to operate sustainably if tuition fees are fully scrapped.

All People’s Party member of parliament Ambrosius Kumbwa argues that this moment tests the ruling party’s true commitment to Namibia’s long-term development goals.

Desert FM speaks to him on this.

Progress is taking shape at Mix Settlement — with 80% of the formalisation process now complete! residents are hopeful as long-awaited land rights, service delivery, and infrastructure upgrades move forward.

Desert FM spoke to community leader Julia Ndango She highlights that community voices remain central to ensuring the development brings lasting dignity, security, and better living conditions for families in Mix.

Across Namibia, communities are rising against Gender-Based Violence, and today, the San community in Zambezi showed what real progress looks like. Instead of focusing only on awareness, they’re building solutions rooted in economic empowerment - because when families earn, when communities manage their own resources, and when livelihoods are secure, dignity grows and safety strengthens.Desert FM spoke to Executive Director of Building Every Opportunity for Change Rian Siyama about the progress of this initiative.

The Independence Stadium is still waiting for its much-needed upgrade, as the Ministry of Education, Innovation Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has yet to approve the project’s feasibility study.

The N$3-billion revamp was intended to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and bring the stadium up to international standards.

Athletics coach Henk Botha, who has trained some of Namibia’s top talent, joins Desert FM to discuss how these setbacks are affecting athletes and the future of Namibian sport.

Namibia’s financial world is abuzz after local banks stepped in to help the government bridge a shortfall in its US$750 million eurobond funding (roughly N$14.3 billion).
The bond, issued in 2015 at 5.25%, fell short of its target, prompting domestic banks to close the gap.
The move has sparked debate about Namibia’s broader economic strategy, investor confidence and the growing role of local institutions in supporting government borrowing.
Economist Almandro Jansen joins Desert FM to unpack what this means for the country’s financial outlook.

A little-known provision in Namibia’s Maintenance Act of 2003 states that working adults can be taken to court if they neglect to support their elderly parents who cannot care for themselves.
While the law is clear, its enforcement is rare and many Namibians don’t even know it exists. Legal practitioners have called for more awareness, especially as more elderly citizens face poverty and neglect.
Former ombudsman John Walters says the issue goes beyond legality and speaks to the country’s moral decay. He joins Desert FM to discuss this.

Namibia has paid off its US$750 million (about N$14.3 billion) eurobond, the largest single debt maturity in the country’s history. The Ministry of Finance says this achievement reaffirms Namibia’s fiscal credibility, made possible through a combination of savings from a sinking fund and support from local commercial banks Standard Bank, FNB and Bank Windhoek in partnership with Absa.
However, some economists have questioned whether the repayment truly reduces government debt or simply replaces one obligation with another.
Ministry of Finance executive director Michael Humavindu tells Desert FM more.

Namibians are preparing to cast their ballots in the local council and regional authority elections, set to determine who will lead community development for the next five years.

With the Electoral Commission of Namibia finalising preparations, political parties and independent candidates are making their final push to win voter support.

Desert FM speaks to United Democratic Front candidate for the Khomasdal constituency, Ricardo Garoeb, about his priorities and plans if elected.

Gift Nguvauva (17) says he has been repeatedly turned away from state hospitals despite suffering from chronic epididymitis, a painful condition causing severe inflammation and discomfort.

His family is now pleading for urgent medical help and compassion from health authorities.

Desert FM speaks to his mother, Kakarandua Uhatjike, who shares how the family is coping with Gift’s ongoing struggle for treatment.

If you want to assist, contact Uhatjike on 081 802 7537.