TSN mourns fallen ‘daughter’ Zaituni
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un! … Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return. The Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) Limited (TSN) is grieving the loss of one of its daughters, the late Zaituni Saeedia.
Zaituni was spotted and groomed by the TSN, and her late father, Mr Mohamed Saeedia declared her a daughter of TSN and she was indeed TSN through and through.
That is Zaituni, who breathed her last on Sunday night after a long battle with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, a condition that affects the development of blood vessels, soft tissues (such as skin and muscles), and bones.
The late Zaituni, who was Chief Librarian at TSN, sadly passed away at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). She was laid to rest at Lang’ata graveyard in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam on Monday.
‘Dada Zaituni’, as most of her colleagues fondly addressed her, always looked brave and strong, who worked tirelessly until her last days, and no one among her fellow workers saw this coming. When the sad news broke out on Zaituni’s sudden demise, it understandably sent shockwaves through the TSN family.
She had been living with the progressive diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS), a rare congenital malformation involving blood and lymph vessels and abnormal growth of soft and bone tissue.
Several TSN staff and friends paid glowing tributes to the fallen experienced librarian, describing as a dedicated and passionate member of staff, very clever and always very helpful.
TSN Managing Director Ms Tuma Abdallah described the late Zaituni as a talented, hard worker with the hallmarks of professional qualities which made her dependable at the department she worked for and within the company as whole.
“She was a gentle lady, very clever and always very helpful. I was very proud of what she achieved at TSN,” said Ms Tuma.
Ms Tuma said the late Zaituni’s shocking death was a big blow not only to her family but for TSN as well.
“It caught us with severe pain to learn of her passing o aan… she was looking better physically and was working as usual despite her long-time health challenges. We pray to almighty God that her soul may rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Ms Tuma disclosed that due to Zaituni’s long time health challenge, TSN in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology were making arrangements to send her to India for further treatment; unfortunately, the plan could not be accomplished following her sudden demise.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return, May Allah rest his soul in peace,” mourned Acting Manager of Kiswahili Media Services, Mgaya Kingoba.
On his part, former Chief Photographer at TSN Muhidin Issa Michuzi said the late Zaituni was the epitome of bravery and cheerfulness.
“Despite her long-time suffering, she remained calm, cool and a workaholic.
“At her desk in the library, Zaituni always found the proper photo or article file, joking with you all the while.
“We have lost a person who worked hard and long hours with a smile, few are like her,” Michuzi eulogized the late Zaituni.
Elias Maluba, who is Chief Graphic Designer at ‘Daily News’ recollects the memory on how, on his first day at TSN, he was welcomed with a brighter smile from the late Zaituni.
“It is always painful to lose a co-worker, especially when you knew each other well and felt like family. This is what almost everyone at TSN is feeling at the moment,” he said.
He described her as a lady with a sense of humour, courageous and always preached and believed in professionalism.
“We will miss her. May her soul rest easy in eternal peace,” said Mr Maluba.
Giving his preaching session at the burial, Sheikh Hassan Chizenga described the late Zaituni as a good person and always friendly to many.
“During her lifetime, she was always engaged in various social and religious activities,” Sheikh Chizenga said.
