Desert FM 95.3

The City of Windhoek has announced a powerful 2025 jazz festival lineup, featuring Moreira Chonguiça, Kelly Khumalo, Zama Jobe, Sereetsi & The Natives and Henry Philemon alongside Namibia’s own Bongani Soul, Ugly Creatures and Esme Songbird.

Desert FM speaks to city spokesperson Lydia Amutenya for details.

Marine experts have reported a rare sighting of more than 40 whales and dolphins off Walvis Bay – a sign that marine life is thriving in Namibian waters.

Scientists at the Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Research Centre say such gatherings are uncommon and reflect healthier ocean conditions along the coast.

Desert FM speaks to marine ecologist Hilkka Ndjaula for insight.

Africa is moving toward health sovereignty investing in local science, innovation, and vaccine manufacturing to cut dependence on imports and improve healthcare for women, children and young people.

In an interview with Desert FM, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, breaks down how South Africa’s approach is driving progress across the continent.

While 73% of Namibian adults now have a financial account, nearly one-third still rely on friends or family for help in financial emergencies.

This is according to a report presented by World Bank lead economist Leora Klapper.

Desert FM speaks to economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu to put things into perspective.

With nearly one in five girls aged 15 to 19 falling pregnant, recent figures show over 9 000 cases recorded in the Ohangwena region between 2020 and 2024, and 147 teenage pregnancies recorded in just one school term in the Zambezi region.

High school counsellor and United Nations Population Fund youth adviser Andreas Robert speaks to Desert FM, saying Namibia should consider making pupil pregnancy unlawful to deter exploitation and promote accountability.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the Namibia Public-Private Forum on Thursday, describing it as a “partnership of purpose” between the government and private sector. The president said this initiative is meant to accelerate job creation and investment.

To help us unpack the possible outlooks, Desert FM speaks to economist Salomo Hei.

Shadow minister Nelson Kalangula says the delayed Public Passenger Road Transport Bill is key to curbing Namibia’s rising road accidents and improving accountability across the country’s transport sector.

Deputy Minister Jenely Matundu outlines the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation’s new five-year plan to strengthen Namibia’s diplomatic presence, boost economic partnerships, and enhance service delivery abroad.

The Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) has raised concerns over the proposal to scrap the Payroll Deduction Management System, warning that the move could leave thousands of civil servants facing financial distress and excessive debt.

The system currently allows regulated salary deductions for loans, insurance and other obligations, a structure PSUN says protects workers from defaulting and falling into unmanageable credit traps.

PSUN secretary general Matheus Haakuria unpacks the union’s stance and the risks of the proposed change in an interview with Desert FM.

The University of Namibia (Unam) has sounded the alarm over the proposed free tertiary education plan, saying government would need an extra N$850 million to scrap tuition fees.

This would push the university’s annual subsidy from N$1.3 billion to around N$2.2 billion, excluding what is already allocated to the Namibia University of Science and Technology, and other education expenses.

Speaking with Desert FM, Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho says the institution is now assessing how it would absorb such a shift and what it could mean for students.