Nation honours icon Msuya
DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday led hundreds of mourners in paying final respects to the former Vice-President and Prime Minister, Cleopa David Msuya, who passed away last week at the age of 94.
The solemn state funeral, held at Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam, brought together national leaders, diplomats, family members and citizens, all united in mourning one of Tanzania’s most distinguished public servants.
Mzee Msuya died on Wednesday at Mzena Hospital after a prolonged illness. He had received treatment at various hospitals, including the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and health facilities abroad, notably in London, UK. In his tribute, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango described the late Msuya as a “patriotic, principled and diligent public servant whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.”
“Even after retirement, Mzee Msuya remained a fountain of wisdom and a key point of reference on national development matters,” Dr Mpango said.
He noted Msuya’s tireless concern for citizens’ welfare, recalling his persistent advocacy for the Mwanga District Hospital and the long-delayed Same-Mwanga-Korogwe water project, which was only completed this year, nearly two decades after it began.
“He was a sharp analyst, truthful and firmly grounded in his beliefs. This is a great loss for our nation. But the family should find comfort in the enduring legacy he leaves behind. We also encourage them to complete the book he began writing about his life,” said the Vice- President.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi echoed similar sentiments, calling Msuya a leader of unmatched integrity who played a vital role during critical moments in Tanzania’s history.
“He was instrumental in navigating economic crises, particularly in the aftermath of the Uganda-Tanzania war and was a staunch advocate of the Union,” said Dr Mwinyi.
CCM Secretary General, Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi described Msuya as a visionary leader, who handled some of the country’s most difficult assignments with grace and wisdom.
“Mzee Msuya never harboured resentment or sought the limelight. He was a constructive thinker, humble and focused on serving the nation,” Nchimbi said.
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Former Prime Minister John Malecela, who worked alongside Msuya for over five decades, gave a heartfelt tribute, praising his leadership and mentorship.
“He taught me discipline, integrity and the importance of placing national interests’ above personal ambition. He was never impulsive, his words were always deliberate and filled with wisdom,” said Mzee Malecela.
From the family, Dr Joyce Msuya Mpanju, one of Msuya’s daughters, shared touching memories of their father’s humility and commitment to raising grounded children.
“He didn’t tolerate dishonesty or laziness. He insisted we be self-reliant and discouraged us from using his name for personal gain,” she recalled.
She described how, during holidays, their father gave household workers time off so the children could take over chores, part of his effort to instil discipline and responsibility.
“Our father was also a deeply loving grandfather. After our mother passed away, he gracefully took on both parenting roles,” said Dr Joyce.
The late Msuya, who was married to the late Roda Christopher Mshana, leaves behind six children (four sons and two daughters) and ten grandchildren. He was widely respected for his passion for agriculture, industrial development, vocational training and community empowerment.
Among his many contributions to national development was his instrumental role in establishing institutions such as Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) and Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), which continue to shape Tanzania’s workforce and industrial growth.
As the nation bids farewell to the late Mzee Msuya, he is remembered not only as a statesman and patriot, but also as a father, mentor and pillar of Tanzanian history.
