‘Life is a story, be good story’

DAR ES SALAAM: THE late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi was known for his wise sayings, and two years before his passing, he shared another valuable one; “Life is a story, make sure yours is a good one worth telling.”

Mzee Mwinyi made the statement while launching his book; Safari ya Maisha Yangu, once again seizing the opportunity to emphasise the importance of living a meaningful and impactful life that leaves a positive legacy.

It was Mwinyi’s last strong message to his beloved Tanzanians, urging them to craft a narrative that inspires, uplifts and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come. Mwinyi died on Thursday at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam after succumbing to lung cancer.

As the nation held a state funeral yesterday to bid a final farewell to the revered statesman at the historic Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, leaders eulogised Mzee Mwinyi as a remarkable leader who exemplified qualities of humbleness, humility, wisdom and decisiveness throughout his tenure.

Various leaders gave testimonies on how Mwinyi’s leadership style was characterised by a deep sense of empathy, a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, and a commitment to making tough decisions for the betterment of his country. Mwinyi’s legacy, they said, serves as an inspiration for current and future leaders to emulate, showcasing the importance of integrity, compassion and strong leadership in creating positive change.

Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango, who led the state funeral for the former leader, said Mzee Mwinyi had a great talent of leadership and he upheld leadership ethics.

“Mwinyi was an example of a leader with a very high level of accountability. He resigned as a minister after the killings in Shinyanga, despite not being involved,” Dr Mpango eulogised. “In his own words, Mwinyi once said, ‘Life on this earth is a story, so make your story a good one for those who will be told about it.’ I am sure that Mzee Mwinyi has left a good story to be told to other people,” Dr Mpango noted.

He said the government values his significant contribution and patriotism in the development of the country. “The late Mzee Mwinyi was a cradle of wisdom, a source of knowledge, and a school of patriotism, integrity, and leadership,” Dr Mpango said, adding; “Mwinyi was devoted to worshipping God.

“Since his childhood, his father wanted him to be a sheikh and a great scholar in the Islamic religion. However, we see in his life that he showed a strong desire to learn and live by the teachings of his religion.” Dr Mpango said the late Mwinyi was the founder of economic and political reforms in the country, which is why he earned the nickname ‘Mzee Rukhsa’ for allowing people to import various goods with their money from outside the country.

He also noted that Mwinyi significantly contributed to promoting the proper use of Kiswahili at the national and international levels, urging other leaders to follow his example and make the language the best commodity in the world.

On his part, the fourth phase President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, described the fallen leader as humble, calm, and witty, creating a sense of ease when in his presence.

Dr Kikwete first met Mzee Mwinyi in Dodoma when they attended the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Executive Meeting (NEC) in the 1980s. Mzee Mwinyi, who was a Minister at the time, ended up staying in the same hostel as Dr Kikwete and other ordinary CCM members after his rest house was given to a guest by a fellow Minister.

“Mzee Mwinyi stayed with us at CBE hostels after his house was allocated to a guest by his fellow cabinet Minister. Due to his humbleness and calmness, he did not make a big issue out of it; he just found another place,” noted Dr Kikwete.

He added, “While at CBE hostels, Mzee Mwinyi never asked for special treatment. We queued together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; he lived a normal life.” Dr Kikwete expressed that the proposal of Mzee Mwinyi’s name for leading Zanzibar after Mzee Aboud Jumbe’s resignation in 1984 brought joy to NEC members.

He believed Mzee Mwinyi was the right person for the role, given his wisdom, boldness and humbleness. Two years later, Mzee Mwinyi appointed Dr Kikwete as the MP and Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, surprising Dr Kikwete.

However, Mzee Mwinyi calmly encouraged him to take on the two posts. “When I went to see him after my appointment, I was very worried.

To my surprise, he wished me the best of luck, saying, ‘You are young and bright; you will manage. Best of luck,’” said Dr Kikwete. Dr Kikwete described the fallen leader as a wise and courageous individual who made tough decisions comfortably. He believed Mzee Mwinyi would be remembered for steering both economic and political reforms, especially in establishing a multi-party system in the country.

“It was not easy to discuss the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank conditions and recommendations for the country’s economic reforms during the party’s NEC meetings, but Mzee Mwinyi was bold in his decisions,” asserted Dr Kikwete.

He added, “He was good at listening and taking advice but bold in his decisions, always considering national interests.”

Moreover, Judge (rtd) Joseph Warioba, who served as the Prime Minister in Mwinyi’s government, said the fallen leader led the country during a difficult economic situation. He took over when the country faced fuel shortages, food shortages, and other challenges.

The nation was still recovering from the Kagera-Uganda war, the collapse of the East African Community, and many other obstacles.

“Mzee Mwinyi managed to lead the country through all the odds, and after a few years, the nation recovered from many challenges,” noted Judge Warioba.

Ruling party CCM’s Vice-Chairman (Mainland), Abdulrahman Kinana, stated in his remarks that Mzee Mwinyi worked to bring about major political and economic reforms by involving the father of the nation, Julius Nyerere.

Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) National Chairman Freeman Mbowe expressed that Tanzania cannot overlook the name of Ally Hassan Mwinyi when discussing the country’s evolution.

He believed Mzee Mwinyi would be remembered not only for his titles and presidency but also for his responsibility and humanity.

The nation lost a source of wisdom and an important symbol. ACT Wazalendo Party Leader, Zitto Kabwe, shared that Mzee Mwinyi would be remembered for opening up the country’s economy and leading the political transformation into a multi-party system.

“He led the nation through difficult times. My condolences to the family and all Tanzanians at large,” he said.