Four years on, Chato remembers Magufuli
What you need to know:
- This was the first time in Tanzania’s history that a sitting President had died in office. The news was announced by then-Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who subsequently took the oath of office on 19 March 2021, becoming the country’s first female President.
Chato. Tanzania today marks four years since the passing of former President John Pombe Magufuli, who died on 17 March 2021 while in office.
The late leader, widely known as JPM, succumbed to heart complications at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
This was the first time in Tanzania’s history that a sitting President had died in office. The news was announced by then-Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who subsequently took the oath of office on 19 March 2021, becoming the country’s first female President.
Born on 29 October 1959 in Chato, Geita Region, Dr Magufuli led Tanzania for five years and four months after assuming office on 5 November 2015. His body was laid to rest at the family cemetery in Chato on 26 March 2021.
As the nation commemorates his legacy, family members, friends and government officials are expected to gather in Chato for a memorial service.
During his presidency, Dr Magufuli was known for his work ethic and the slogan Hapa Kazi Tu ("Work, Nothing Else"). His successor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, pledged to continue his vision under the slogan Kazi Iendelee ("Let the Work Continue").
Among the flagship projects initiated during Dr Magufuli’s tenure were the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, the Tanzanite Bridge, the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, and the expansion of Air Tanzania (ATCL) through the acquisition of new aircraft. His administration also prioritised infrastructure development, including the construction of major roads nationwide.
Dr Magufuli is survived by his wife, Janeth Magufuli, and their children.
Political journey
Dr Magufuli’s political career began in 1995 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Chato. He was appointed Deputy Minister for Works and later held several ministerial positions, including Minister for Works, Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries.
In 2015, he emerged as the ruling CCM party’s presidential candidate from a field of over 40 aspirants and went on to win the general election, succeeding President Jakaya Kikwete.
Academic background
Dr Magufuli was an academic at heart. He began his National Service training at Makutupora Camp in Dodoma in 1983 before moving to Makuyuni Camp in Arusha and later Mpwapwa Camp in Dodoma.
In 1985, he joined the University of Dar es Salaam, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialisation in Chemistry and Mathematics in 1988. Between 1991 and 1994, he pursued a Master of Science degree at the University of Salford in the United Kingdom. He later obtained a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2009.
Remembering Magufuli
Today’s memorial event in Chato is expected to draw government officials, family members, and friends as they pay tribute to the former leader. His contributions to Tanzania’s development, particularly in infrastructure and economic transformation, remain a key part of his legacy.
