Business Botswana, alongside government representatives, the media, and civil society, gathered for a solemn and dignified memorial service to honor the late Ms. Maria Machailo-Molebatsi. She was the former CEO and visionary leader of BOCCIM (now Business Botswana) and a respected figure at the International Labour Organization. Mrs. Maria Machailo-Molebatsi passed away on July 2, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Speaking at the memorial service, Business Botswana President Neo Ngwako expressed the profound loss felt throughout the business community and the nation of Botswana. In his moving speech, Ngwako described the late Machailo-Molebatsi as “a trailblazer and a force to be reckoned with.” He added that Maria Machailo was a visionary leader who guided Business Botswana through its transformative era from BOCCIM, having lived an extraordinary life. “She championed the inaugural Private Sector Development Strategy, and her fingerprints can be found across many of our landmark achievements. Her legacy is one of clarity, conviction, and courage.”
Tshepho Nkwadi, a representative from the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, reaffirmed Ms. Machailo-Molebatsi’s impact on national development, especially within the labor sector—a sector she continued to influence at the International Labour Organization, where she advocated for Botswana in the international space. Nkwadi added that Machailo-Molebatsi’s involvement in discussions around Botswana’s national labor law landscape, which is currently undergoing significant updates with the Employment and Labour Relations Bill 2025, was a testament to her exceptional capabilities and national pride. “She was the voice of employees; she contributed to the formulation of labor law policies as well as minimum labor law reform,” Nkwadi stated.
Dr. Molefhe Phirinyane, representing the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA), praised her intellectual strength and policy influence, stating, “She was pivotal in the establishment of Enterprise Botswana.”
Known for her undying love for golf, the late Machailo-Molebatsi was described as a formidable woman even beyond the boardroom. Zimbots Golf Society highlighted her unifying spirit and love for the sport. Her connection to golf was a recurring theme, with many remembering how she initiated the very first Business Botswana Golf Day. In her honor and her love for the sport, Zimbots Golf Society declared July 2 “The Maria Machailo-Molebatsi Memorial Golf Day,” to be observed annually.
Former Business Botswana President Lekwalo Mosienyane reflected on her stewardship during the organization’s pivotal rebranding phase. “She was instrumental in reshaping our identity and aligning us with global standards,” he said.
Zoe Isaacs, a former Business Botswana employee and close friend, spoke from the heart about Machailo-Molebatsi’s mentorship, kindness, and enduring friendship. “She believed in empowering those around her. She didn’t just lead organizations; she led people,” Isaacs said.
The Machailo family, represented by her sister Nnaniki Makwinja, described her late sibling not just as a public figure, but as a beloved and devoted wife, mother to two young men, and a loving relative, offering a glimpse into her personal life and the profound loss her family is experiencing. She further expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time.
Maria Machailo-Molebatsi was more than an executive; she was a pioneer, a mentor, and a voice for inclusion. Her legacy, as echoed by speaker after speaker, will continue to shape Business Botswana and the broader development landscape for generations to come.
She will be laid to rest tomorrow in Kopong village.
