Botswana’s Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism Dumezweni Mthimkhulu has passed away, on the same week as he was due to address the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) in Gaborone.

Mthimukulu (46) passed away on the evening of September 2, after a battle with an undisclosed illness. He had been in his position since February this year.

Mthimkhulu was due to deliver a keynote address and participate in a high-level panel discussion at the opening day of the African Continental Free Trade Forum on Tourism, Creatives and Cultural Industries at ATLF on September 4.

While the Ministry has yet to make an official statement on his death, the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) released a statement mourning the loss.

“Minister Mthimkhulu was a passionate advocate for the sustainable use of wildlife resources, playing a crucial role in shaping Botswana’s conservation policies. His leadership and vision were not confined to Botswana; he was a respected figure on the global stage, particularly in his forthright defence of sustainable hunting as a legitimate tool for conservation,” the CIC said.

Mthimkhulu made international headlines in April for his offer to send 20 000 elephants to Germany, in response to proposals to ban trophy hunting imports in the European country.

“His insights and contributions were invaluable to our collective efforts in wildlife conservation. The CIC community extends its deepest condolences to Minister Mthimkhulu’s family, colleagues, and the people of Botswana. His legacy will continue to inspire our work in promoting sustainable wildlife management worldwide,” the CIC stated.