Desert FM 95.3

Namibia continues to face a worrying suicide crisis, with men accounting for the majority of recorded suicide cases.

Police figures show that 124 suicides were recorded between January and March 2025, 108 of them being men.

Mental health advocate Lesley Shetukana says masculinity norms, stigma around mental health and a tendency among men to suffer in silence are contributing to the high numbers.

More than 15 000 pensioners affected by the government’s verification exercise are expected to have their outstanding payments finalised by October.

Gender equality and child welfare minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas told the National Assembly on Wednesday that 15 785 pensioners were affected after concerns were raised over outdated beneficiary information.

The minister said 10 660 pensioners have since been reinstated and are receiving their grants, while the remaining cases are still being processed.

Activist Julius Natangwe says the delays have affected entire families who rely on pension grants for basic needs such as food and school necessities.

PDM president McHenry Venaani says the approval of Gerson Sindano as the next ECN chairperson is eroding public confidence in Namibia’s electoral system, citing concerns over the appointment’s constitutionality and Sindano’s impartiality. Venaani says the opposition is considering legal options and will closely monitor the ECN’s conduct ahead of future elections.

Windhoek City Police spokesperson superintendent Marceline Murapo says driver behaviour, including speeding, unsafe lane changes and trying to beat traffic lights, is contributing to crashes at the capital’s major accident hotspots. Murapo is urging motorists to slow down at intersections, avoid distractions and wait for the traffic light to turn green before proceeding.

South African comedian Dillan Oliphant says audiences attending the Hook Comedy All Stars this Saturday can expect plenty of jokes, laughter and a live experience that cannot be replicated online. Oliphant, making his first comedy appearance in Namibia, says he is excited to meet Namibian audiences and share the stage with comedians from across the region.

Community activist Rencia Kooper is calling for greater institutional accountability following the death of four-month-old Senorita Bok, who died while her family was living in a makeshift shelter after their home was destroyed by fire. Speaking to Desert FM, Kooper raised concerns about the lack of timely assistance from local and regional authorities and questioned whether enough is being done to protect vulnerable children. She is appealing for assistance for Susana Bock and her children, including shelter materials, furniture, clothing and other basic household necessities.

IPC member of parliament Ferdinand Engombe has criticised the display of Swapo political material inside the National Assembly, arguing that MPs have a constitutional duty to represent all Namibians. In an interview, Engombe questioned the speaker’s handling of the matter and raised concerns about possible bias in parliament. He also explained the IPC’s opposition to the appointment of Gerson Sindano as ECN chairperson, citing concerns over his CV and the opposition’s decision not to participate in the vote.

Extreme Eagles founder and owner Wilhelm Hango says the club is targeting the MTC Netball Premier League title after rising from eighth place in its debut season to third runners-up in 2026. Hango is calling for increased sponsorship and investment to support player development and unlock the Oshana region’s growing netball talent.

In this interview, Landless People’s Movement (LPM) national spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa discussed concerns raised by party leader Bernadus Swartbooi regarding Namibia’s proposed petroleum bill, which seeks to place the oil and gas sector under the Office of the President. Simataa highlighted that centralizing control within the presidency weakens decentralization, reduces public oversight, and risks exposing the country to the "oil curse" through limited executive accountability. He emphasized the importance of debating these institutional flaws in Parliament before the bill is enacted to ensure robust checks and balances are put in place.

Extreme Eagles founder and owner Wilhelm Hango says the club is targeting the MTC Netball Premier League title after rising from eighth place in its debut season to third runners-up in 2026. Hango is calling for increased sponsorship and investment to support player development and unlock the Oshana region’s growing netball talent.

Social justice activist Rosa Namises says the basic income grant could help tackle poverty and child malnutrition, citing lessons from the Omitara-Oshivelo pilot project. Namises is urging the government to take action and combine income support with nutrition programmes and vocational training.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says Namibia would be making a mistake by withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, given the country’s commitment to human rights and democracy. Kamwanyah says Namibia should instead use strategic international engagement to advance its national interests.

Kalimbo Iipumbu says parliament’s dysfunction is a collective responsibility, but accuses speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila of failing to act impartially. He also calls for better preparation and consultation before government bills are brought before the National Assembly.

International relations expert Marius Kudumo emphasises that smaller nations must base foreign policy on constitutional values – such as democracy, the rule of law and justice – rather than yielding to leverage or "carrot and stick" tactics from major global powers like the United States.

The newly launched Customs Clearing and Brokers Association of Namibia says the industry needs a stronger voice in decisions affecting customs and trade. Speaking to Desert FM, Secretary-General Paul Nekom discussed challenges following NamRA’s customs system upgrade, industry representation and costly delays caused by customs bottlenecks. Nekom says the association will engage NamRA and other trade authorities to push for smoother procedures and reduce unnecessary costs for businesses and importers.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution sponsored by Togo and backed by the African Union to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with the Equal Earth map projection. This aims to correct visual distortions that make Africa appear the same size as Greenland, despite being roughly 14 times larger.Desert FM spoke to Foreign policy analyst Dr. Connie Hasselman

HIV-AIDS advocacy representative Victoria Kamule has warned that donor-funding cuts are putting essential community-based HIV-AIDS support programmes at risk. She says the reduced funding could leave a major gap in services and place an additional burden on the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

Institute for Public Policy Research executive director Graham Hopwood is calling for greater transparency in Namibia’s fishing sector, including the publication of fishing rights, quotas and beneficial ownership information. Hopwood says the government must move beyond discussions and take concrete action to improve accountability in the industry.

The Namibia Meteorological Services confirms that a strong El Niño pattern has been established over the Pacific Ocean and is expected to remain active through early 2027, bringing sea surface temperatures up to 2°C to 3°C above normal. Given the heightened risk of dry conditions and potential water scarcity, agricultural producers – particularly livestock farmers – are advised to prepare proactive risk management strategies.

Addressing the potential $700 million funding gap left by the transition, Vetaruhe Kandorozu expresses confidence in Namibia’s internal capacity, provided the state addresses tax collection and resource management inefficiencies.

Rundu-based activist Frans Moyo says the Rundu Town Council depends heavily on basic water tariffs and service fees rather than capitalising on alternative, higher-yielding revenue streams such as land administration, housing development and tourism.

Economist Almandro Jansen says Namibia’s housing market is increasingly pushing ordinary Namibians out, with a person now needing about N$44,000 a month to afford the national average house. Jansen says government needs to increase the supply of serviced land, improve access to housing finance and introduce a clear multi-year plan to tackle the housing shortage.

As Namibia commemorates Heroes’ Day, social justice activist Herbert Jauch says the country’s liberation remains incomplete without economic and social justice. He is calling for fundamental changes to economic ownership structures to address inequality, unemployment and poverty.

Ovaherero leader Hoze Riruako says Namibia must do more to teach young people about the country’s liberation history and the sacrifices of people who fought for independence. Speaking to Desert FM ahead of Heroes Day on 26 August, Riruako says the history of Namibia’s heroes and heroines must be given greater prominence in the education system and be preserved for future generations.

Namibia is preparing to give liberation struggle veterans a final resting place at Heroes’ Acre as their remains return home from South Africa. Melinda Linda Aipinge-Nakale says the repatriation, which also includes 84 ancestral remains, restores dignity and brings an important part of Namibia’s history back home.

Modestus Amutse on the Oil and Gas Conference, local content, as well as the delay of the Petroleum Amendment Bill.

Following the controversial granting of an environmental clearance certificate to Namibian Marine Phosphate for its Sandpiper project, the Swapo Party Youth League is calling for Cabinet to hold greater oversight over major environmental decisions. However, political analyst Sakaria Johannes warns that shifting authority from technical experts to Cabinet risks heavily politicising environmental governance.

Namibia's informal economy could be set for greater recognition as a new national technical committee prepares to drive its institutionalisation. The Dynamic Informal Traders Association says formalisation must go beyond taxation and focus on inclusion, protection, infrastructure and opportunities for millions who depend on the sector.

The government is reviewing its approach to managing state-owned housing as calls grow for vacant properties to be made available to young people and low-income earners. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi says affordability must be balanced against the cost of maintaining government assets.

Herbert Jauch speaking on unregistered micro lenders harassing public servants amid claims public servants clock in at 03h00

The government is reviewing its approach to managing state-owned housing as calls grow for vacant properties to be made available to young people and low-income earners. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi says affordability must be balanced against the cost of maintaining government assets.

Martha Kautanevali and Dr Andreas Elombo discuss the Namibia Engineering Excellence Awards, which they launched on Desert FM, highlighting the initiative’s purpose of recognising and celebrating excellence within Namibia’s engineering sector.

Driving is an intensely visual activity, requiring clear vision to identify road hazards, pedestrians and changing traffic conditions. Inspired by clinical observations at the Windhoek Central Hospital eye clinic, the non-profit organisation Beyond the Crash is launching the Jivemen initiative to explore how unaddressed visual impairment affects public transport safety. By offering quick, non-punitive eye screenings directly at local taxi ranks on 19 September, the campaign aims to identify visual difficulties early, establish direct referral pathways for corrective care, and support the health of drivers who safely transport thousands of Namibians every day.

AfroCat Sports Club coach Aloisis Isthile is calling for broader investment in volleyball development in Namibia. He says equipment, facilities, transportation and exchange programmes are just as important as financial support.

Member of parliament Utaara Moootu says Namibia's National Youth Development Fund needs faster approvals and stronger support for young entrepreneurs. She says applicants should receive feedback on rejected proposals and be given opportunities to improve their business plans and apply again.

National Unity Democratic Organisation member of parliament Kandorozu Vetaruhe is calling for Namibia to increase its support for Cuba, saying the N$700 000 raised so far is not enough. He believes the government, businesses, state-owned enterprises and individuals should contribute more in recognition of Cuba's historical support for Namibia.

Duminga Ndala, Parliamentary Researcher and LPM youth leader, discusses Parliament’s oversight visits, their impact on communities, and how the findings from these engagements can inform Parliament’s legislative work and decision-making.

Joshua Mario, a Project Management Lecturer at the Namibia Business School, discusses Namibia’s growing household debt, highlighting rising living costs, inadequate incomes and the increasing reliance on informal lending

Albertus Kulobone discusses ZamCo’s abattoir, which has reportedly remained non-operational since the facility was handed over by Meatco, and the implications of the prolonged inactivity.

Ndeshipanda Akwenye discusses the Lüderitz Town Council’s lack of a substantive CEO, the continued use of acting officials in key positions, and concerns over finances not being submitted.