Oshana man launches ‘national’ podcast – The Namibian

PAUL SHIWEDA (26) from Oshakati has started a podcast called ‘National Podcast’, which is available on Facebook and YouTube on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The podcast, which was started in September last year, is aimed at motivating young people and giving them a platform to express themselves freely.

Shiweda says the podcast covers a variety of topics – from politics to business start-ups and education.

“We come up with topics and post them on our social media pages for contributions from our followers. We ask the intended people questions and share their responses during the podcast,” he says.

He says new podcasts are launched every Monday.

Shiweda says since the podcast was launched, they have released three episodes.

More episodes are currently being shot, edited and mastered.

“I have five members, but we are recruiting more young people – especially those who have influence and talent. We are doing the podcasts for free, because we are a non-profit organisation,” he says.

Shiweda, who is the founder of ‘National Podcast’ says the podcasts are recorded at Destiny Hotel at Ongwediva.

“We have covered a variety of topics, such as why one has to start a business as a youth, the importance of self-motivation and the type of businesses young people can venture into in this era,” he says.

He says business people from different sectors have participated in the podcasts to help motivate young people and share their experiences in the business industry.

Shiweda says the ‘National Podcast’ crew comprises a finance secretary, videographer, sound technicians and editors.

“My fear is that the business is growing as we speak, because we keep getting more people wanting to share their experiences. This is a costly production, because it takes time to edit and release the content,” he says.

He says Specsavers and Namzinc are his sponsors thus far.

“We are looking for more sponsors to help us boost our podcast to ensure that this becomes a platform for the youth and every Namibian to be able to express themselves freely,” Shiweda says.

He says he fears that since his venture is expanding rapidly, he may not be able to manage and pay the crew.

“Videographers and everyone in the crew do this job for a living, and if you don’t pay them, they will leave. We want to keep it alive, and recruit more young people,” he says.