Tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond following the passing on of Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Micus Chimbombi, who died over the weekend.
He passed away at his home after a short illness. At the time of his death, Chimbombi was also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kgalagadi South.
He was elected in the 2024 General Election where Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) toppled the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
His death has since sent waves of mourning throughout the political, government and the public communities across the country.
Dr Chimbombi''s party, the Botswana National Front (BNF) which is part of the ruling UDC led the tributes after his death was confirmed by family.
Through a statement, the BNF described the late Dr Chimbombi as an impeccable civil servant who fulfilled his mandate.
“The late Chimbombi is an accomplished civil servant who rose through the ranks to the position of Permanent Secretary in the then Ministry of Agriculture,” the BNF stated.
“He would later join politics on the BNF ticket and ultimately become UDC MP for Kgalagadi South. May his memory inspire future leaders to serve with humility, integrity and compassion.”
Meanwhile, his second in command in the Ministry, Dr Edwin Dikoloti now acting Minister, has implored the public servants to honour the life of Chimbombi for the man he was.
“We should send off Chimbombi really well. He was a man amongst men. As a Ministry, let’s lead this and let’s all mourn and celebrate Chimbombi this week. May his soul rest in peace,” Dr Dikoloti said.
For their part, the Alliance for Progressives (AP), which is part of the coalition, also paid its tribute to the late legislator.
Officials at the party stated that they were extremely gutted to learn of the passing of Dr Chimbombi who was instrumental in their general election triumph.
“Cde Chimbombi’s passing has deeply saddened us as the AP, but we take courage in the contributions he has made to the political landscape of this republic. The AP takes solace in the individual contributions made by Cde towards UDC historic victory,” the AP stated.
The BDP did not miss on the opportunity to pay homage to the late politician describing his demise as a great one.
“Botswana is a unique society of interwoven citizens whereby a loss to any one family or organisation is felt by many beyond the deceased immediate contacts,” said the president of BDP Mpho Balopi.
“I therefore express my condolences to his dear wife, children, family, constituents and the BNF and UDC with whom he politicked.”
An ex member of the UDC, Botswana Congress Party also paid a tribute to the fallen minister affirming that they will keep the family in their prayers.
“Our thoughts and prayers and prayers are with the Chimbombi family during this difficult time. A great tree has fallen, but its roots run deep in the lives it has nourished,” stated the BCP.
Though tributes continue to pour in for Chimbombi, details of interment have not yet been released by the family and will be communicated in due course once they have been established.
