Samia mourns former SAUT Vice-Chancellor Mahalu

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has conveyed her condolences to the Council of St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) following the death of the university’s former ViceChancellor, Prof Costa Mahalu.

The President’s message was delivered on her behalf by the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Mtanda, during a Holy Mass held at the university in memory of Prof Mahalu.

“I extend my condolences to the church and the university leadership for the loss of Prof Mahalu,” the President said in her message.

The Chairperson of the SAUT University Council, Bishop Flavian Kassala, said the SAUT community and the university council leadership recognise that the late Prof Mahalu demonstrated humility and gentleness even when handling difficult matters.

He noted that Prof Mahalu was not selfish but used his education to serve the nation.

Bishop Kassala made the remarks while leading the Holy Mass held to pray for Prof Mahalu.

“This father was a righteous man. In his passing many things may happen, but the righteous investment he made through living a simple life remains with us,” he explained.

He added that the SAUT community is mourning a righteous man whose contribution was still needed, emphasising that throughout his life, even while abroad, he fought for the interests of Tanzania.

Bishop Kassala further noted that Prof Mahalu’s generosity once almost led to his imprisonment in 2012 when he faced charges related to the purchase of a Tanzanian embassy building in Italy.

“That beautiful building where we go today is written ‘Viva Tanzania.’ It belongs to Tanzania and we enter without knocking,” he said.

He explained that the purchase was made after the Tanzanian embassy in Italy had earlier been evicted from rented premises.

“We failed to pay rent and were evicted from the embassy. We were scattered there in Italy and did not know where our embassy was until he came,” he explained.

Bishop Kassala urged students and members of the SAUT community to continue upholding the good deeds performed by Prof Mahalu during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the university. “His life was built on the foundations of humanity.

He was humble and gentle,” he said. While presenting the academic profile of Prof Mahalu, the Dean of the School of Law, Dr Neema Mwita said beyond his academic and administrative achievements, he was recognised for his strong sense of humanity, compassion and ethical leadership.

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“He was known as a people-oriented person with a loving heart, promoting unity and helping others. He believed that education and personal success only have value when used to uplift the lives of others,” she said.

Dr Mwita added that despite his humility, wisdom and integrity, Prof Mahalu was always willing to listen to and advise those around him.

“He liked to listen patiently to the views of students and colleagues and used his experience to guide them academically and in life,” she said.

She further noted that Prof Mahalu touched the lives of many people through acts of compassion, including using his personal funds to support students facing financial challenges and lacking basic academic needs.

Presenting condolences on behalf of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the CCM Nyamagana District Chairman, Mr Peter Bega, said SAUT has lost a highly capable leader who worked closely with the party and was a principled CCM member.