04 Aug 2025

Scores of mourners thronged Makopong to pay their last respects to the late Minister of Lands and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South Dr Micus Chimbombi over the weekend.

In a heart-warming tribute to Dr Chimbombi, speaker of the National Assembly Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse described the deceased as a gem, a prolific and intellectually gifted leader. 

“He displayed intellectual arrogance typical of highly experienced people. His tenure in Parliament was brief but it continues to burn with the intensity that illuminates far beyond its duration,” he said while reminiscing his contribution.

He described Dr Chimbombi as someone who from his very first day understood that the mandate entrusted to him was not merely a political position but a sacred covenant with the people he represented. Drawing from the deceased’s professional experience, Mr Keorapetse said the Lands and Agriculture minister demonstrated intellectual capabilities during minister’s question time.

He said this was where Dr Chimbombi demonstrated his mastery of the ministry’s portfolio when he was confronted with a complex theme of appointment of Landboards, a field that earned him admiration. Mr Keorapetse said having embodied the finest qualities, the late minister set a standard for accountability. 

“I have no doubt that he was going to make a good and successful minister and an MP had he lived longer,” he said.

Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti said Dr Chimbombi’s death was a loss to the nation and the veterinary profession. He described him as a granary of knowledge, a unifier and a strong team leader who believed in consultation, which he noted enabled the ministry to thrive.

Former minister of Agriculture Mr Christian De Graaff described the deceased as a diligent permanent secretary who served during his tenure with distinction. He appreciated President Advocate Duma Boko for appointing Dr Chimbombi to be minister of Lands and Agriculture adding that he was the right man for the job and that he was going to deliver with competence given his wealth of experience the agriculture sector.

He reminded mourners that as a permanent secretary, Dr Chimbombi was highly instrumental in introducing new government programmes and policies among them ISPAAD, dry land farming as well as a horticulture programme. He managed to control the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease back then, and  as such the ministry succeeded because of Dr Chimbombi’s able leadership.  ENDS