13 Apr 2026

The late,  Mr Machana Shamukuni has been described by family, friends and former colleagues as a humble, intelligent and dedicated politician who served the nation with distinction.

 Former Minister in the then Ministry of Justice and Member of Parliament for Chobe Constituency, passed on last week at the age of 49 following a short illness.

 He was laid to rest in Kasane on Saturday. Paying tribute to the departed legislator at a memorial service on Friday, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said while the Shamukuni family had lost a beloved member, Botswana had also lost a dedicated public servant.

 He shared his words of comfort with the family, Chobe region and nation at large adding that the deceased was a stalwart who served the nation with devotion. 

“A rare soul he was, a man of profound calmness and quit humility who has left an enduring footprint on every heart he touched.” 

Mr Gaolathe alluded that he used to travel on National Assembly duties with the late Shamukuni, and other former MPs in the likes of Mr Bagalatia Arone, Mr Polson Majaga and Mr Konstantinos Markus. Mr Gaolathe said it was fitting that Chobe people rejoice and celebrate the life of their former MP. He said the befitting farewell was a reflection and sign of good character embodied by the people of Chobe.

 In his tribute, former President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Mr Shamukuni, who made history as Botswana’s first Minister of Justice, was an honourable leader with exceptional work ethic. He noted that his commitment, intellectual integrity and service to the country set him apart as a national icon.

 Dr Masisi also comforted the bereaved family, saying Mr Shamukuni’s legacy would endure beyond his passing. Delivering a message on behalf of the National Assembly, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi stated that the late Shamukuni was a leader who displayed the highest level of maturity in handling national issues.

 He said they worked together for over 15 years ago in the BDP youth structures and had an opportunity to travel together as MPs serving and advancing Batswana.

 Mr Mmolotsi stated that the late Shamukuni was a trusted and reliable person who was always willing to assist others. He expressed that the nation had lost a visionary and a kind heartened stalwart whom many could embody and learn from his demeanor. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Shamukuni’s uncle, Timothy Sankwasa, described him as a well-raised and academically gifted individual who excelled throughout his life. He said the late politician was respectful, calm and consistent in character, traits he carried into his professional and political career. According to his eulogy, Mr Shamukuni served in several key government portfolios, including Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, as well as Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology. He rose through the political ranks as a youth activist within the BDP and later served in the party’s National Youth Executive Committee (NYEC). ENDS