Gov’t mourns Chimbombi

Larona Makhaiza | Friday August 1, 2025 10:40

Chimbombi passed on this past Saturday at Sedilega Private Hospital at the age of 65.

At the time of his passing, he was a Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South after winning the 2024 General Elections under the tUmbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ticket.

During a memorial service held yesterday, President Duma Boko described Chimbombi as of the most humble person he has ever come across in life.

“Comrade Chimbombi was a man of unshakable principle and revolutionary spirit. He carried the hopes of our people with humility and his leadership was always rooted in justice, equity and service,” Boko said.

Boko further paid homage to the fallen minister emphasising that Chimbombi has left an indelible mark that he hopes other people can follow suit.

“As a minister, as a public servant and as a comrade in the struggle, he left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. We have lost more than a leader, we have lost a brother, a mentor and a true patriot,” he said.

Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe said the passing of the legislator too saddens him more especially after they toppled the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to win the elections.

“Thank you that you offered your life to guide all of us in the fight for a new Botswana. A nation that now fully understands that people must never have to fear their leaders. A nation that comprehends that its future depends on each one of us,” Gaolathe shared.

Meanwhile, his second in command at the ministry, Dr Edwin Dikoloti stated that Chimbombi should be honored for his immense contribution to Botswana. Dikoloti appealed to the president to see this as a more befitting way to send him off.

“We shared a common dream, to have a road connecting our two constituencies from Mmathethe, Metlobo, Bray and Werda. Doing this road and calling it by his name would be a fitting tribute to his excellent contribution,” he said.

He added, “We would have honored Dr Micus. His constituency will celebrate him through this road,” Dikoloti pleaded.

Former president and Chief of Bangwato, Ian Khama said the untimely passing of Chimbombi saddens him.

Khama stated that he is gutted to see Chimbombi passing on shortly after working hard to get to where he was at the time of his death.

“He won the elections as an MP and President (Duma Boko) saw it fit to appoint him as the minister of lands and agriculture and I was very happy because I said here is somebody who knows that business of agriculture,” he said.

He added, “And he will take this government and country far but unfortunately it wasn’t to happen and for that we are very regretful may his soul rest in peace,” Khama sadly said.

Despite being saddened by his passing Khama said he has no regrets of his time with Chimbombi when he was president as he performed well in his view.

Meanwhile Chimbombi’s family expressed sincere gratitude to the unwavering support that they incessantly receive from all corners of Botswana even from political parties.

“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to you all particularly to the government of Botswana for having walked with us in this journey since Saturday,” family relative Hosea Chimbombi said.

He further said the family will forever be eternally grateful for all the support they have received in these difficult times.

Chimbombi’s interment is set for Sunday at his home village Makopong in Kgalagadi District. The family is leaving to Makopong today.