Desert FM 95.3

The government’s 2025 income tax amendment bill includes a clause that would allow banks to freeze the accounts of taxpayers who can afford to pay but refuse to comply.

At the same time, the bill promises to ease pressure on honest taxpayers and cut corporate tax rates for small and medium businesses, aiming to stimulate investment and job creation.

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah says the goal is to balance fairness with fiscal responsibility, tightening tax enforcement while supporting economic growth.
But how practical is this dual approach?

To unpack the details and implications of the proposed reforms, Desert FM is joined by tax expert Annerri Luck.

The University of Namibia says it will need an additional N$850 million in government funding if tuition fees are abolished under the proposed free tertiary education policy.

Critics warn that the cost could strain an already stretched budget.

We are joined by education expert Mahongora Kavihua to discuss the implications of this.

The government has allocated N$663 million to cover registration and tuition fees for the first quarter of 2026, marking the first step in the phased rollout of subsidised free tertiary education.

Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced the allocation as part of a broader N$814 million package for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, adding that this funding will be implemented “while maintaining fiscal discipline”.

Concerns have been raised on how information around the initiative is trickling in and how practical these steps are.
To unpack that, we’re joined by Landless People’s Movement Youth Command Element leader Duminga Ndala.

Save the Rhino Trust CEO Simson Uri-Khob says the killing of Dorsland, a key breeding female black rhino found dead in the Soros-Soros Conservancy, is a devastating blow to Namibia’s conservation efforts. He told Desert FM that stronger protection, partnerships, and surveillance are needed to safeguard the country’s remaining rhinos.

As Namibia heads toward the local authority elections on 26 November 2025, People Unite for Change (PUC) candidate Clarence Geingob  says his movement aims to restore trust, improve housing, create jobs, and strengthen community participation in Karibib. Speaking to Desert FM, Kinkop emphasized the need for practical leadership, unity, and inclusive development, urging residents to “choose leaders who truly represent the people.”

Management specialist and operational researcher Junius Erasmus shares key insights on the top job search mistakes fresh graduates make — from sending generic CVs to poor networking and unrealistic expectations. He encourages graduates to be strategic, stay prepared, and persevere through rejections, reminding them that their degree is only the beginning.

With regional council and local authority elections approaching, the Aminuis constituency in the Omaheke region is becoming a key battleground.

Swapo candidate Rothney Ngeenguno is contesting for constituency councillor on a platform of inclusive governance, transparency and sustainable development, pledging to put people before politics.

However, Aminuis faces tough realities: chronic water shortages, high unemployment, and growing concern over proposed uranium mining.

In an interview with Desert FM, Ngeenguno shares his plans to address these challenges and earn the community’s trust.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has released a detailed post-election analysis titled Fraying Dominance, Fragmented Opposition: Inside the Numbers of the 2024 Election.

The presentation, held at the House of Democracy in Windhoek on Wednesday, examined voter behaviour, shifts in political support, and what the data suggests about the future of Namibia’s democracy.

Max Weylandt chats with Desert FM to explain what motivated IPPR to conduct this analysis and to highlight the key findings presented.

The proposed teachers professionalisation bill would make continuous professional development compulsory, ending the era of “one qualification for life”.

The bill also seeks to establish a Professional Teaching Council to set standards and regulate teacher conduct.

Supporters say it will boost accountability and quality; critics fear funding, workload and rollout challenges.

John Nyambe from the University of Namibia’s School of Education speaks to Desert FM on what this could mean for the future of teaching in Namibia.

The proposed mental health bill explicitly aims to ban employment discrimination based on mental health and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for affected workers.

However, this new protection raises complex questions about implementation and employer liability.

To help analyse the possible implications, Desert FM speaks to labour specialist Sydwill Scholtz.