Tanzanians gathered in large numbers yesterday in Chato, Geita region, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the passing of former President John Pombe Magufuli, who died on March 17, 2021. The memorial service was attended by his widow, Mama Janeth Magufuli, family members, government officials, and the public.
Held at Rulenge, Ngara Catholic Diocese, St. John Maria Muzeyi Parish, the ceremony was led by Bishop Severine Niwemugizi. Several high-ranking officials, including Home Affairs Minister Innocent Bashungwa and Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigela, were present to pay tribute to Magufuli’s legacy.
Magufuli, born in 1959, served as Tanzania’s fifth president from 2015 until his death. His tenure was marked by strict governance, anti-corruption efforts, and major infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the expansion of the national airline, Air Tanzania (ATCL). One of his most notable achievements was the purchase of new aircraft for ATCL, which revitalized Tanzania’s aviation sector. Magufuli’s administration also focused on the construction of major roads, bridges, and the development of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), all contributing to Tanzania’s economic growth.
Magufuli was also known for his “Hapa Kazi Tu” (Only Work) slogan, emphasizing hard work, national pride, and self-reliance. He pursued policies that aimed to reduce Tanzania’s dependency on foreign aid, favoring domestic resource mobilization for development projects.
Following his death, Samia Suluhu Hassan took over as Tanzania’s first female president, continuing key national projects while strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.