08 Sep 2024

The late Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu has been described as a resilient personality who displayed passion and sharp approach to issues of national interest.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi told mourners in Tloaneng, on the outskirts of Gabane where the former Gaborone South legislator was laid to rest Sunday.

He said Minister Mthimkhulu was a strong character who faced his ailment with fortitude.

“We bid him farewell and it is sad, he should remain in our hearts forever. His life was cut short and we expected a lot from him. We accept his loss because we had nursed him through his period of ailment. We have lost a warrior,” said Dr Masisi.

The President said Mr Mthimkhulu was not an ordinary person but well-shaped emotionally.

He described him as a lovable and principled person who stood his ground and advanced his views against all odds.

He also talked of Minister Mthimkhulu’s deep sense of humility that he said could never be ignored.

“His ability to tell you his mind humbly was not to be ignored. He was an extremely valuable member of my team. With his humility he endeared us to many,” said President Masisi.

Dr Masisi said Botswana was known because of Minister Mthimkhulu who also earned the country the adoration of those in the conservation and environment space.

He led a high powered delegation to Europe in March, to advance Botswana’s position against plans by European countries to ban importation of hunting trophies, President Masisi said and added that Mr Mthimkhulu was relentless in championing the regional position in the face of increased human-wildlife conflict caused by the explosion in the number of African elephants especially in Botswana.

Dr Masisi said Mr Mthimkhulu earned the admiration of world and international leaders especially after his pronouncement of a bold statement he made by offering the United Kingdom 10 000 elephants to be let free in the UK, to demonstrate the extent of the problem back home.

Parliament deputy speaker, Mr Pono Moatlhodi said the late legislator was a courageous and fearless young man on the floor of the National Assembly.

“He was an extraordinary talented debater and also a vociferous, bare-knuckled fighter to the defence of government matters. His untimely departure is a blow to the ruling BDP,” he added.

Mr Moatlhodi said Minister Mthimkhulu debated with gusto. He said to his electorate and fellow MPs he was a marvel to watch on the floor of debate.

BDP deputy secretary general, Dr Lemogang Kwape said their late colleague was principled and stood his ground.

He said throughout his political career, Mr Mthimkhulu had established a warm bond with his constituents, had made BDP his home and defended the party well at any given chance.

Former chairperson of Botswana Law Society, Mr Tebogo Sebego said his late friend and brother from the hood was an honest and humble person.

He said coming from the low income locations of Gaborone South, Minister Mthimkhulu had become a beacon of hope to many young people from their area.

Mr Sebego said Minister Mthimkhulu had changed the face of lawyering as he was a soft and approachable fellow.

Mr Mthimkhulu’s first born child, Thabiso said his father was a guiding light to all his siblings and their mother.

He said some of the great lessons they learnt from him was his unwavering commitment to work.

The 45-year-old legislator died September 2 after battling a long illness.

He was appointed Assistant Minister in the Ministry for State President and later given the portfolio of Minister of Environment and Tourism in February this year, a position he held until his death.

At the time of his death Mr Mthimkhulu had won the Gaborone South BDP primary elections. Ends