MAKOPONG: Makopong, a quiet village tucked away in the country’s Kgalagadi District, witnessed an extraordinary moment of national unity and heartfelt farewell last Sunday.
It was the burial of the late Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Micus Chimbombi, a man who, though he served as minister for just five months, left behind a legacy far greater than his title. From the moment the sun rose, it was clear that this was no ordinary funeral. What was expected to be a modest village burial turned into a monumental event that drew mourners from every corner of the country, and even beyond Botswana’s borders. Three full buses arrived from his constituency. Groups of Baherero travelled from Namibia, Maun, and Mahalapye. In full force, in party regalia. were Chimbombi's comrades from the Botswana National Front (BNF), a partner in the ruling coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change. They all came to honour a man who had lived not just as a leader, but as a humble servant of the people and God.
The dignitaries in attendance painted a powerful picture of the impact Chimbombi had across political and civil spaces. Leading chief mourners from the government and political formations were President Duma Boko and his assistant, Ndaba Gaolathe. All Cabinet ministers were present. So were most Members of Parliament, from the ruling UDC and opposition parties. Of significance was the presence of members of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), including Chimbombi's former bosses, the past ministers of Agriculture, Christian de Graff, Fedellis Molao, and Patrick Ralotsi, as well as the former vice president, Slumber Tsogwane. Even past and current directors and senior government officials came to pay their last respects. Many might have assumed that a Sunday village burial would not attract such a large crowd. But for those who knew Chimbombi, it came as no surprise.
Speaker after speaker remembered him as a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man of faith and action. His humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to public service had touched lives far and wide. One couldn’t help but feel, as many did, that it felt more like a former president’s burial or that of a celebrated tycoon. And indeed, everything about the day reflected dignity and reverence. The setup was impeccable, tents adorned with thoughtful decorations, mobile toilets for guests, Red Cross stalls, and a clinic on standby. It was a level of organisation rarely seen in rural funerals. As one relative jokingly said, “We used to hear about such services at city funerals; today, we’ve seen it in our village, because of Chimbombi.”
Chimbombi was not just a politician. He was also a dedicated party man. Having joined BNF in 2017, he rose to serve as vice president of the party until just two weeks before his passing, stepping down due to illness. His death left a void, but his legacy continues to speak volumes. Chimbombi had served under three former presidents and 18 ministers.
