President Duma Boko has called on Members of Parliament to rise above political differences and focus on building the nation.
Speaking at the funeral of the late Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Micus Chimbombi, Boko praised the fallen leader’s unwavering love for his constituency and commitment to Botswana’s progress. “Chimbombi believed in the future of this country. The way he responded to questions in Parliament showed vision and dedication,” Boko said. He used the moment to urge MPs to act with unity, especially during difficult times. “We must put our personal and political differences aside. Some of you who clashed at Palapye should not drag those disagreements into spaces where others were not involved. Botswana needs unity now more than ever,” he emphasised. Boko acknowledged that Parliamentarians often speak with emotion due to the hardships they witness in their communities. However, he reminded them to remain mindful of their role as national leaders. According to Boko, the current political climate calls for maturity, not point-scoring.
“There are national issues that require us to join forces across the political divide,” he said, highlighting the importance of collective action. He revealed that one of Chimbombi’s final messages was about forgiveness. “He believed in healing divisions. He wanted those who had left their political homes to be forgiven, and those tempted to leave, to be understood and guided,” Boko said. Furthermore, he applauded the way various political parties had come together to organise the burial, saying Chimbombi’s death had united them under one roof. Another speaker, Christian de Graaff, who once served as Minister of Agriculture, recalled Chimbombi’s wisdom and calm demeanor during crises. “When I became minister, I was lost. But he guided me with patience. During the foot-and-mouth outbreak, he crafted a winning strategy. He made me believe we would overcome,” de Graaff said, holding back tears. De Graaff described Chimbombi as a humble man who lived and breathed agriculture. “When he was finally appointed minister, I had no doubt he’d succeed. He was passionate about increasing Botswana’s cattle population and strengthening the agricultural sector,” he said.
Speaker of the National Assembly Dithapelo Keorapetse said that the late was “calm, cool, and collected and highly respected by many. Chimbombi was a pleasantly unique figure. The man was never a stranger to positions of responsibility. He rose through the ranks in the Ministry of Agriculture until he reached the chief executive position of Permanent Secretary. I reminisce on his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee in which he cogently articulated the mandate and vision of his ministry and answered questions calmly and clearly amid intense adversity”. He said Chimbombi was a great source of knowledge, information, and wisdom in agriculture and other matters. “I would call him at the height of campaigns and debates to tap into his expertise and experience. I have never witnessed any display of intellectual arrogance typical of some highly educated and experienced people. He exuded so much humility,” he said. Keorapetse said that his tenure in the 13th Parliament, Chimbombi, was tragically brief. His light burned with the intensity of a flame that illuminates far beyond its duration.
Furthermore, he said from his very first day, Chimbombi understood with crystalline clarity that the mandate entrusted to him was not merely a political position, but a sacred covenant with the people he served. When reflecting on Chimbombi’s contribution in Parliament, one moment stands as a towering testament of his intellectual capabilities and sterling commitment. “I recall one of his significant tests came during the Minister’s Question Time, when confronted with the complex theme of ‘Appointment of Land Boards’, raised by our colleague, the Member of Parliament for Maun East, Goretetse Kekgonegile. Dr Chimbombi demonstrated mastery that left us all in admiration,” he recalled.
