Govt eulogises Union soil mixing icon, Sifael

DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Khamis Hamza Khamis, yesterday joined mourners in Dar es Salaam to pay their final respects to Ms Sifael Mushi, the iconic participant in the Union’s soil-mixing ceremony.

In a brief speech following the funeral service, Mr Khamis cited Ms Mushi’s significant role in shaping the nation’s history by participating in the historic soil mixing that symbolises the establishment of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Ms Mushi was a key figure in the 1965 soil-mixing ceremony, during which, soil from Tanganyika and Zanzibar was combined to mark the formation of the Union.

She passed away last Thursday at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam while undergoing treatment.

Mr Khamis described the late Ms Mushi as a kind and friendly individual who contributed to a lasting legacy in the country—one that will be cherished by both present and future generations.

“Today, we witness the stability of our Union and the continued cooperation between the people of both sides of the Union, all of which is rooted in the work done by this remarkable woman,” Mr Khamis remarked.

The Deputy Minister also conveyed condolences on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango, extending their sympathy to the bereaved family.

“Her legacy will continue to be remembered and celebrated in our history,” he added.

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Also in attendance was the Kinondoni District Commissioner, Mr Saad Mtambule, who urged the current generation to reflect on and learn from the lives of the pioneers of the Union, now in its 60th year.

He praised the late Ms Mushi’s patriotic actions, describing her participation in the soil-mixing ceremony as a model of exemplary citizenship.

Mr Mtambule further encouraged Tanzanians to give thanks to God and pray for the peaceful rest of Ms Mushi’s soul. Ms Mushi’s body has been transported to Machame, Hai District in Kilimanjaro Region, where she is scheduled to be buried today.

Ms Mushi was one of four young Tanzanians who participated in the historic soil-mixing ceremony on April 26, 1965, marking the first anniversary of the Union.

Other participants included Hassanieli Mrema (who passed away on May 4, 2024), Khadija Abass Rashid (who passed away on August 22, 2023) and Omar Hassan Mkele (who passed away on August 28, 2024).

Led by the founding father of Tanganyika, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Zanzibar’s first President, Abeid Amani Karume, the two countries officially formed the United Republic of Tanzania on April 26, 1964.