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Namibian IPC member of parliament John Louw, currently in Johannesburg as an election observer, says poor service delivery and corruption are among the major concerns influencing South African voters. He also highlights lessons Namibia can draw from South Africa's electoral processes, particularly voter education, election management and coalition politics.

South Africa's local government elections could mark a major political shift, with the ANC facing declining support and increased competition from opposition parties. Political analyst André Duvenhage says service delivery concerns and coalition politics will play a significant role in shaping the country's political future.

The Commerce Residents and Ratepayers Association has raised concerns over the City of Windhoek's mass water and electricity disconnections, warning that the exercise could further burden struggling households. Sean Gariseb says the municipality must address its billing system and engage residents to find sustainable solutions to the growing debt crisis.

As Namibia hosts the sixth World Autism Organisation Congress from 3 to 5 November, Desert FM is joined by Claudia Hambeka, a special education teacher at Windhoek's Morshead Special School and mother to a son with autism.

Officially opened by vice president Lucia Witbooi, the international congress brings together global researchers, educators, policymakers and self-advocates to advance inclusion, healthcare rights and educational access for neurodivergent individuals.

Following front-page reports in The Namibian regarding allegations of Grade 11 history paper one exam questions matching a regional mock exam in the Erongo region, Desert FM speaks with Bernard Kavau, board chairperson of the Student Union of Namibia (SUN).

Although the education ministry, via national examinations and assessment director Clementine Garisas, announced that an investigation concluded no rewrite is necessary, SUN remains skeptical. Kavau argues that declaring the issue resolved is premature without comparing student historical performance against continuous assessment data.

Addressing severe public health risks and human rights barriers, Desert FM sits down with Deyonce Naris, national coordinator for the Transgender, Intersex, and Androgynous Movement of Namibia, to examine why transgender Namibians are turning to informal, black-market arrangements for hormone replacement therapy.

The Namibia Blood Transfusion Service is urging the public to donate blood ahead of the festive season, with current reserves standing at just five days. O-negative and O-positive donors are particularly encouraged to come forward as the service prepares for increased demand during the holidays.

Economist Rodney Hoaeb warns that rising living costs, expensive borrowing and Namibia's reliance on imports could worsen the country's economic outlook. He is calling for urgent economic interventions, greater investment in alternative energy and stronger local production to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.

IPC president Panduleni Itula has criticised the government's handling of Namibia's rising cost of living and the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. He says economic mismanagement and inadequate preparedness are placing households, farmers and the country's beef industry under further pressure.

A report from Unicef says 12 child sexual assault cases were reported in the Kunene region between January and September alone, with shocking details of incest and abuse perpetrated by biological fathers and close family members.

Joining the show to unpack this crisis is youth advocate and Children's Parliament member Gerson Neumbo, who offers a child rights perspective on the breakdown of community protection. Neumbo highlights the severe gap between Namibia's progressive policies on paper and the real-world implementation in remote rural areas.

With the 2026 MTC Windhoek Fashion Week officially launching from 4 to 7 November in Windhoek, Desert FM’s Jane Kandedu catches up with Alvaro Mukoroli, spokesperson for the event, to preview what lies ahead for Namibia's premier style showpiece.

Mukoroli outlines a dynamic four-day programme, starting with an industry mixer and model contract legalities masterclass, followed by a cultural runway night spotlighting traditional attire from the Zambezi region.

Diplomatic commentator Pius Duinaski is calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to protect Namibia’s beef exports amid the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. He says Namibia must engage international partners and use its diplomatic missions to safeguard trade relationships and the country’s reputation as a trusted beef supplier.

The National Organisation of Parents in Education is urging Tramford to allow students with outstanding tuition fees to sit for their examinations. President Paulus Hawanga says financial challenges should not rob students of valuable academic opportunities, calling for greater engagement between parents and educational institutions.

Vetaruhe Kandorozu has raised concerns that the Bank of Namibia's FMD loan relief measures could leave vulnerable farmers behind due to strict eligibility requirements. He also warns that continued interest accumulation could increase farmers' financial burden despite the repayment breaks.

Inspired by his upbringing in rural, economically challenged households, Kaangundge shares how he and Swanu Youth League secretary general Roger Karamata launched the charity drive to restore confidence, dignity and pride to vulnerable families. Highlighting that social welfare extends beyond just food and shelter, Kaangundge explains how the campaign identifies vulnerable households across Okakarara, Otjiwarongo and Windhoek to ensure children and elders feel dignified within their communities.

Following the tragic weekend car crash that claimed seven lives – as reported on the front page of The Namibian – Desert FM is joined by entertainment journalist June Shimoshili to honour and reflect on the life of Afro-pop and Afrobeat star Joseph Simson (33), also known as Nally.

Dylan Mukoroli details the devastating ripple effects on Namibian livestock farmers and major meat processors, highlighting the return of blocked export containers from the UK and the financial strain of mandatory 30-day quarantine feeding routines.

Goldstone Software Engineering Institute has opened registration for its certificate and diploma programmes in software engineering, IT, human resource management and business administration.

Marketing officer Anaria Mufalali says the courses are subsidised under the free education initiative, with registration closing on 30 November.

Desert FM spoke to sports analyst Marco Ndlovu about the Brave Warriors' 34-man provisional squad and preparations for the 2027 Afcon qualifiers against Cameroon. Ndlovu says Namibia must be wary of Cameroon's physicality and experience, and exploit opportunities through counter-attacks.

Asoli Progressive Party leader Joseph Kauandenge is calling for stronger intervention by traditional authorities to prevent communal land disputes from escalating into violence. He says traditional leaders need proper training, while land boards must be empowered to resolve disputes more effectively.

WWF Namibia, Namibia Breweries Limited and Global Water Challenge have launched a five-year N$13 million project to improve water security in the Swakop River Basin. The initiative aims to make 386 million litres of water available annually by 2030 through invasive plant removal, groundwater replenishment and improved water management.

Lawyer Bianca Boois says the High Court's decision to impose periodic imprisonment for repeat drunk driving sends a strong warning to motorists. She says Namibians must change their attitudes towards drinking and driving as courts move towards tougher consequences for offenders.

Desert FM’s Jane Kandetu spoke to Ben Kandanga from the Okakarara Magistrate’s Court, where five suspects are expected to appear in connection with the alleged killing of two men at Otjaze village. He says the incident has renewed concerns over communal grazing land disputes and argues that stricter measures by the traditional authority could help prevent such conflicts from turning fatal.

Nrupresh Soni of the Namibia Travel and Tourism Forum is urging tourists to verify tour operators before making payments amid growing concerns over booking scams in Namibia. He says outdated tourism records and the impersonation of legitimate businesses make it difficult for travellers to confirm who they are dealing with.

Freddie Koujou, a traditional councillor in the Aminuis constituency, is calling for better education on communal land rights and stronger dispute resolution following the alleged killing of two men at Otjaze village. He says communities must share communal grazing land fairly and resolve disputes through legal channels rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping says China’s zero-tariff initiative for 53 African countries could create opportunities for Namibian exporters and attract investment in local processing and manufacturing. He urges Namibian businesses to strengthen links with Chinese importers to expand exports and benefit from improved access to the Chinese market.

Actor Othello Joseph says Conversations with Michael aims to promote empathy and understanding towards autistic people and those who communicate differently. The original Namibian production premieres at the National Theatre of Namibia on 29 and 30 October, with tickets costing N$150.

Human rights defender Jarii Tjeja-UaTjatindi is calling for better training, accountability and transparency in the administration of communal land. His comments follow the reported killing of two men in a dispute over grazing land in the Okakarara constituency.

Economist Ida Williams says high construction costs and a shortage of serviced land are making home ownership increasingly difficult in Namibia. She also explains how rising interest rates and Namibia’s dependence on South Africa affect household finances and the wider economy.

Economist Abraham Heita warns that the Bank of Namibia’s repo rate increase could place additional pressure on households already facing rising living costs. He also questions Namibia’s reliance on South Africa’s monetary policy and calls for decisions that better reflect the local economy.

Veteran Namibian journalist Max Hamata tells Desert FM that poor salaries, limited benefits and commercial pressures are threatening the future of journalism in Namibia. He calls for improved salaries, medical aid and better working conditions to retain experienced journalists and protect editorial independence.

Oriege Fest representative Zeylida Tjombonde tells Desert FM that the festival aims to bring young people together through music and entertainment. The 30 to 31 October event will feature South African amapiano performer Jesse Keel alongside local artists and DJs, with entry set at N$80.

Economist Lewis Komu tells Desert FM that the Bank of Namibia’s decision to raise the repo rate to 7% could increase repayments for borrowers with interest rates linked to the repo rate. He says the increase is intended to help contain inflationary pressures, particularly those driven by rising fuel prices and global uncertainty

The Green Moms Agro Initiative has launched the Mother's Climate Shield Initiative to protect pregnant women in informal settlements from extreme heat. The project aims to support at least 50 women over three months and is seeking sponsors and donors to help provide heat-relief shelters and safe drinking water.

Community activist Samuel Kapepo says period poverty continues to force schoolgirls to miss classes despite the removal of VAT on sanitary pads. He is calling for greater access to free sanitary products and urging Namibians to support his sanitary pad collection drive.

National Council member and Oranjemund constituency regional councillor Nestor Sheimi says partnerships with Chinese institutions could create opportunities for the Namibian youth through scholarships, entrepreneurship and technology transfers. Following his visit to China, Sheimi says the focus is on helping young entrepreneurs access machinery to package and brand local products, improve market access and create jobs in the ||Kharas Region.

Member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu is calling on the government to support businesses affected by Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak to prevent further job losses.

Kandorozu says the government should consider financial assistance and other relief measures for companies facing difficulties because of livestock movement restrictions and disruptions to the meat industry.

He suggests that government institutions could help businesses cover up to six months of salaries to protect workers from unemployment.

Kandorozu also urges farmers with suitable quarantine facilities to engage the Directorate of Veterinary Services about quarantining their cattle before sending th...

Affirmative Repositioning chief whip and member of parliament Vaino Hangula has warned of the economic impact of Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, saying affected businesses and workers face an uncertain future.

Hangula’s comments come amid reports that at least 600 jobs are at risk, with the outbreak’s economic impact estimated at around N$2.4 billion.

He questions the government’s preparedness and response, saying the agriculture ministry appeared to be addressing the outbreak as it unfolded. Hangula also calls for greater cooperation in parliament and says the crisis should receive urgent attention.

He warns th...

Namra is urging taxpayers with outstanding tax debts to register for the National Tax Amnesty Scheme before the 31 October deadline. Eligible taxpayers can benefit from waived interest and penalties by settling their principal debt or entering into and honouring an approved 12-month payment plan.

Zambezi community activist Dobson Kwala is calling for wider FMD vaccination and targeted movement restrictions to protect farmers and beef supplies. He warns that the approaching rainy season could increase the risk of the disease spreading further.