Africa-Press – Botswana. The nation bid a final farewell to Dr Micus Chimbombi, a revered leader and Minister of Lands and Agriculture, at a funeral service held in Makopong.
Different speakers including President Advocate Duma Boko painted a portrait of a selfless, courageous, and visionary man who left an indelible mark on the country, particularly within the agriculture sector. In his eulogy, President Boko praised Dr Chimbombi as a ‘testimonial selfless’ leader who trained and inspired many. He appreciated the Chimbombi family for raising a son who served the nation with passion and dedication.
He highlighted Dr Chimbombi’s commitment to tackling the challenging problem of leadership and his moral imperative to address the maldistribution of resources. The President urged attendees to honour Dr Chimbombi’s memory by emulating his legacy, noting that even his conduct during parliamentary sessions provided a masterclass in respectful dialogue.
President Boko also commended Dr Chimbombi’s brave decision to join politics, acknowledging the immense sacrifices and challenges that come with it. Regarding his portfolio as the agric minister, he said Dr Chimbombi had a footprint and vast experience in animal health and production. He further called politicians and fellow Batswana to work hard to build the country and that they should desist from cheap politics and scoring.
Taking to the podium as representative of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Mr Moeti Mohwasa also Minister for State President shared insights into Dr Chimbombi’s political journey. He revealed that negotiations to bring Dr Chimbombi into politics began in 2017, while he was serving as the Kgalagadi Land Board Chairperson. To which, he resigned from his land board position to fully immerse himself in the political landscape.
Mr Mohwasa emphasised that Dr Chimbombi met all the party’s requirements and was a crucial figure in shaping its manifesto. His hard work paid off when he won the Kgalagadi South elections in 2024, leading to his appointment as Minister of Lands and Agriculture.
“We believed he was one of those who could take the party somewhere,” Mr Mohwasa stated, adding that given more time, Dr Chimbombi would have made a significant difference.
Giving details about his health, the family representative Ms Banabotlhe Chimbombi noted that Dr Chimbombi first complained of fatigue in November 2024, shortly after the elections. The family sought medical attention at various facilities, where he was diagnosed with a liver infection. Dr Chimbombi received medical care until his passing on July 26.
At the memorial service in Tsabong on Friday, local farmers also shared their heartfelt tributes. Mr Kebiditswe Kgaodi, representing local farmers, spoke passionately about Dr Chimbombi’s dedication to agriculture. He described him as a farmer who was very passionate and went to school for farming, likening the late minister’s care for his livestock to that of a nursing mother to his child.
Mr Alias Motlhanke, Tsabong District Council chairperson, also honoured Dr Chimbombi, describing him as a man of high ethical standards and great intelligence. The community’s collective grief was palpable as they remembered a leader who was not only influential but also deeply humane and committed to the people he served.
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