Africa-Press – Namibia.
Desiree Masheshe, a member of the formerly marginalised San community, made a landmark achievement after she was recently appointed to the Development Bank of Namibia board.
Masheshe, a qualified lawyer, is a development planner for the Omaheke region.
She was added to the board together with Bonifasis Siteketa and Gerson Kamatuka.
The trio joined the existing board members who were appointed in January 2025, comprising chairperson Evangelina Nailenge, deputy chairperson Willy Mertens, Patience Kanalelo, and Marsorry Icua, whose term runs for two years.
New Era caught up with Masheshe, who shared her view on this appointment, educational journey and dreams for the marginalised San community in Namibia.
She said her appointment presents a great opportunity to support Namibia’s economic development and that she will work collaboratively with fellow board members to advance sustainable financial solutions for the country.
“I am honoured to be appointed to the DBN and look forward to contributing to the bank’s growth and development. I am also committed to serving with dedication and integrity,” she said.
Masheshe added that her appointment serves as a powerful motivation for the marginalised or San people.
“It shows that our aspirations are valid and attainable, regardless of our background or where we come from,” said the board member. Dreams are often believed to reflect unconscious desires, wishes, fears and anxieties as well as process daily experiences and emotions.
Masheshe grew up in Tsumkwe at a village called Bupi Pos.
She is a Bachelor of Laws degree graduate from the University of Namibia.
She told this publication that she always had a dream of representing the San community and advocating for their rights, hence her field of study.
The law graduate opined that education remains a vital pathway to empowerment for the San community.
“It is a transformative tool that opens doors to opportunities and empowers us to stand tall in decision-making spaces and represent our community with pride. When we invest in our education, we not only improve our own future but also inspire others in our community to do the same,” she said.
Masheshe’s journey in education was made possible by the Office of the President through the Division of Marginalised Communities.
“They provided me with support from primary school to tertiary level. I was transported to and from school for outweekends and holidays by the division. They funded my full tuition, accommodation and monthly allowance as well,” she shared.
She said this programme exists for the marginalised communities.
She encourages fellow San youth to use this opportunity to further their education.
“It is the only way we can ‘graduate’ from marginalisation,” she added.
Masheshe emphasised that education is and will always remain the greatest equaliser.
She encourages every San youth to see education not just as a personal achievement, but to bring positive change to their community.
“Our success can inspire others. Together, we can break the cycle of marginalisation. Our dedication today can shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow for us all,” she said.
On her educational journey, the Bupi Pos ripened Masheshe shared with this publication that, naturally, San people are known for being on their own and afraid to interact with other groups.
It is against this background that her parents, who lived in Tsumkwe at that time, sent her to a school in Grootfontein, approximately +-280 kilometres from Tsumkwe, so that she could interact with learners from other communities and adopt the culture of ‘I am just the same as any other child’.
“My parents were very strict when it came to my education. I think that is what motivated me to stay in school. This demonstrates the importance of parental involvement in the education of a child,” she said.
The outspoken Masheshe completed her secondary education at Otjiwarongo Secondary School.
Her studies were fully funded by the Division of Marginalised Communities, which at the time was housed under the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Throughout my journey, I had always said to myself: I am not just a San girl, I am Desiree Masheshe. That quote motivated me to stay committed to my studies,” she frankly said.
She recalled that it was not a smooth journey, as there were challenges along the way.
The challenges ranged from sleeping on an empty stomach to sleepless nights.
“At times, I wanted to give up, but I had many people who looked up to me. I just couldn’t fail them,” she said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
