Life of unwavering service

KILIMANJARO: A PROFOUND sense of sorrow enveloped Tanzania yesterday as the nation laid to rest one of its most revered statesmen, Mzee Cleopa David Msuya.

His body was gently lowered into the earth of his home village, Chomvu in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, amidst deeply felt emotions.

The state burial was marked by a 19-gun salute, the country’s highest military honour, in recognition of Msuya’s decades-long commitment to public service and nationbuilding.

President Samia called on public servants to emulate Msuya’s values—his integrity, dedication and unshakable resolve to serve the country.

“Mzee Msuya believed in doing what was right for the nation. He worked with honesty and ensured that public resources were used wisely for the benefit of all Tanzanians,” President Samia said.

She praised his openness to expert advice and his commitment to evidence-based governance, noting that Msuya was never afraid of change.

“He welcomed reforms guided by both local and international professionals,” she said.

President Samia said in one of his final reflections, Msuya urged the nation to invest in professionals capable of addressing local challenges and shaping practical solutions in economics, politics and social development.

Beyond his achievements in government, Msuya left a legacy of unity and tolerance—qualities that President Samia noted, remain evident in Mwanga today.

She called on the community to complete the health centre that Mzee Msuya had initiated and proposed it be named in his honour.

“He was not just a treasure to his family and community, but to the entire nation. He was a true patriot,” she said.

Msuya served as a Member of Parliament for over two decades and held several key ministerial positions. He is remembered as Tanzania’s longest-serving Minister for Finance, having served from 1972 to 1990.

The late Msuya was the last to hold both offices as Vice-President and Prime Minister before the country transitioned to a multiparty-political system.

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President Samia recollected Msuya’s pivotal role during the economic reforms of the late 1980s, which saw Tanzania begin its shift toward a market-based economy and greater private sector involvement.

Despite resistance from donors, politicians and business leaders, Msuya successfully steered the nation through periods of inflation and shortages of essential goods.

“Mzee Msuya also played a vital role in Africa’s liberation movements,” she added.

As Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, he helped secure funds for anti-colonial struggles in Southern Africa. He was also part of the Tanzanian delegation that travelled to China to negotiate financing for the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), a project that supported liberation efforts and continues to serve the region economically today.

Dr Samia said even after retirement, Msuya remained a trusted adviser to national leaders, advocating for ambitious, results-driven projects and contributing to Tanzania’s long-term development vision.

Leading the religious service, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, described Msuya as a man of peace and humility.

“He brought smiles to many, especially the least fortunate. That’s why he was called the ‘Father of Mwanga’—not for his age, but for the legacy he leaves behind.”

The bishop used the event to remind worshippers on the importance of embracing holy life so that they also accomplish their journey like the fallen Msuya “In times like this we are reminded to embrace holy living so that we can also accomplish our journey well and leave a legacy that people can be proud of and speak about positively,” he said.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, paid tribute on behalf of the legislature, saying Msuya’s exemplary leadership would continue to inspire future generations.

Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma remembered Msuya as a deeply trusted figure among national leaders, including the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

“He wasn’t harsh or arrogant—he was firm, courageous and deeply resilient,” he said.

In an emotional tribute, Msuya’s son, Job Msuya, reflected on their 54 years together.

“He taught me resilience, how to face life’s challenges and how to live harmoniously with others. Even on his last birthday, our father spoke of his dream to establish a university focused on brainpower, biotechnology, or IT,” he said