Desert FM 95.3

The Ministry of Health says Phase 1 of the new 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital in Havana is 40% complete and remains on track for completion in December 2025.
The facility is expected to ease pressure on Katutura and Windhoek Central hospitals and improve access to healthcare for residents in the city’s northern suburbs.
To unpack the progress and expected impact, Desert Radio spoke to Walter Kamaya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

A bold public call to make teenage pregnancy illegal has shaken the national conversation, with warnings that the crisis is out of control and current efforts are failing young girls.

Despite years of interventions, Namibia continues to record high teenage pregnancy rates, forcing girls out of school and into long term emotional and financial hardship.

To unpack the issue from a mental health and social welfare perspective, Desert FM speaks to crisis counsellor Cathy Kambanda, founder of National Mental Health Care Namibia.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines, Industries and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, following a series of controversies and allegations about his conduct in office.
The Presidency says the decision was made “in accordance with the Constitution” but it comes amid reports linking Ithete to questionable land deals, interference in parastatal recruitment processes, and comments seen by critics as undermining democracy.

The President has now placed the Mines and Energy portfolio under the Presidency, making her the interim minister a move that has sparked both praise and concern about transparency and accountability.

Desert FM speaks to Panduleni Itula, president of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), to unpack the implications of this decision and what it means for Namibia’s democracy, governance, and checks on executive power.

Striking City of Windhoek employees camped along Independence Avenue on Friday night.

While the municipality insists it has progressively improved workers’ conditions, introducing pension and medical benefits, workers argue that promises have gone unfulfilled.

Desert FM speaks to the spokesperson of the City of Windhoek's solid waste management division's striking employees, John Patoro

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy Natangue Ithete after a string of alleged controversies surrounding his conduct in office.

To unpack the implications of this decision, Desert FM speaks to public policy analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah.

Some liberation struggle veterans are demanding the release of long-promised funds, land and benefits which they say have been withheld for over three decades.

Lusia Hangula, one of the veterans camping at the Swapo headquarters, speaks to Desert FM to share their side of the story.

The Anti-Corruption Commission has uncovered mismanagement and alleged corruption within the Ministry of Health, raising concerns over missing funds and failing hospitals. Social activist Nghipudilo Ya Shindi says the revelations confirm long-held fears, urging government to “restore accountability and rebuild public trust” in Namibia’s health system.

As Namibia heads to the polls on 26 November, ASOLI’s Swakopmund leader  Uahimisa Kaapehi outlines plans to tackle housing, clean water access, youth empowerment, and land allocation for churches — calling on residents to “vote for people who understand the community’s struggles.”

Renowned pianist and producer Hans Garieseb, known as the Jack of All Sounds, shares the inspiration behind his debut solo album — a fusion of Namibian rhythms and personal growth — featuring tracks like Motherland Namibia, We Love You and We’re Going Higher.

Namibian Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says CCTV footage could be crucial in solving the murder of 33-year-old Johnita Karuales, whose body was found behind People’s Primary School earlier this month. She urges the public to help identify the man seen in the video and warns against circulating AI-generated clips that could hinder the investigation.