CCM’s Nchimbi eulogises Songambele’s historical legacy

RUVUMA: SECRETARY General of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi has said that the late Alhaj Mzee Mohamed Songambele’s final book will serve as a vital historical reference for future generations of Tanzanians.

Speaking on Monday during the burial ceremony in Songea, on behalf of the CCM National Chairperson and President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Amb Nchimbi described the book titled ‘Safari ya Karne’ as a rich, invaluable account of Tanganyika’s independence struggle, the formation of the Tanzanian nation, and the birth of CCM.

“The book is of immense historical value. It chronicles the fight for independence, the shaping of our national identity, and the founding of Chama Cha Mapinduzi,” Dr Nchimbi said.

He revealed that Mzee Songambele had personally requested him to write the book’s foreword, a task he gladly accepted.

The manuscript offers detailed insights into Songambele’s close relationship with Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the independence movement, and the evolution of CCM.

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“The party is committed to ensuring the book is published, so that Tanzanians can better understand their history,” Dr Nchimbi added.

He noted that until March this year, the manuscript bore the title Swahiba wa Nyerere, but Songambele renamed it Safari ya Karne just two months before his death, possibly sensing the approach of his 100th birthday.

Dr Nchimbi praised Songambele as one of Ruvuma Region’s most distinguished leaders, recognising his enduring contributions to the party, the government, and the country.

He called on current leaders to honour his legacy by upholding integrity, patriotism, and public service.

Alhaj Mzee Songambele, a veteran politician passed away early Sunday, just a week after celebrating his 100th birthday with close family and friends. His daughter, Dorah Songambele, confirmed his passing.

A founding member of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), Songambele held membership card No. 27, placing him among the original 30 who stood with Mwalimu Nyerere in the struggle for independence.

Recognising his dedication, Nyerere appointed him the first District Commissioner of the then Coast (Pwani) District (now Ilala), and later as Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner.

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He played a pivotal role in Nyerere’s early political life, even helping him acquire a plot in Magomeni Mikumi where the future President’s historic home, now a national museum was built.

Born on May 25, 1925, in Ruvuma, Songambele spent much of his life in Dar es Salaam, serving as TANU Regional Secretary during a transformative era in Tanzania’s political history. Beyond his public service, he was also remembered for his wit and humour.

One story tells of a moment when he made Nyerere laugh so hard that the President fell to the ground. Songambele’s quick wit turned a tense situation into shared laughter among security guards.

Later in life, he founded Chandamali General Supplies Company Limited, a construction firm registered with the Contractors Registration Board (CRB) in 2002.