As many of us are sadden by the loss of H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa. We are thankful for his contribution to our nation. Today with our tears of joy, we celebrate your time with us. Just like our current president H.E. John M Magufuli said, "I will remember him for his great love for the nation, his piety, hard work and performance in building the economy," Below are some memories and a book recommendation.
Benjamin William Mkapa was a Tanzanian politician who was the third President of Tanzania, in office from 1995 to 2005. He was also Chairman of the Revolutionary State Political Party. His election was the culmination of a long political career that began more than 30 years ago. For the reform-minded Mkapa, his new office was to be a tool to bring forces of change to his country, one of the poorest in the world, but also one that The Economist cited as “a model of stability for [the past] 30 years.” - Read more
Here is a video Interview from UONGOZI Institute on leadership and the challenges faced as president.
His Excellency writes of his childhood, his political maturation, the evolution of the State and politics in Tanzania, as well as some political upheavals in neighbouring countries. These memoirs are enriched by his views on leadership and advice for aspiring leaders.
This book will appeal to readers interested in: an Africanís personal experiences of colonialism in East Africa; the struggle for independence by the liberation movements of several African countries; how war helped unify the diverse citizens of a young nation; fostering nationalism and addressing ethnic and religious differences; the economic and social aspects of transition to socialism and then to a free market environment; the political transition from a single party state to multi-partyism; and relations with international organizations and development partners.
Buy this book at Mkuki na Nyota (a Tanzanian publication)
On the left is H.E. Benjamin W. Mkapa at his book launch with Tanzanian presidents: John M Magufuli (current), Jakaya Kikwete, and Ali Hassan Mwinyi
Information extracted from IPTC Photo Metadata.
Buy this book at Mkuki na Nyota (a Tanzanian publication)
Fun Fact: National Stadium (Tanzania)
In 2000, President Benjamin Mkapa promised to build a state of the art stadium before the end of his tenure in 2005; saying that it was shameful for the country not to have a modern arena. In January 2003, the government announced a tender for the construction of a new stadium to replace the dilapidated Uhuru Stadium. Sports Minister Juma Kapuya said that the government had set a budget of $60 million and eleven companies had bid for the project. Read more: Wikipedia
Uwanja wa Taifa (Swahili) Tanzania National Main Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Address: Taifa Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Capacity: 60,000
Broke ground: 2005
His Excellency Benjamin W. Mkapa died on 24 July 2020 at a hospital in Dar es Salaam where he was receiving treatment. He was 81 years old. Thank you/ Asante sana for your contribution to Tanzania. Your legacy lives on. May you rest in peace. May your family, friends and fellow Tanzanians find comfort in your legacy and wisdom.
Regards,
Justa Lujwangana, Founder of Curious on Tanzania
Reference:
National Stadium - Wikipedia
My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzanian President Remembers - Mkuki na Nyota
Information extracted from IPTC Photo Metadata.
Biography: https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/african-history-biographies/benjamin-w-mkapa