Honour Mengi by supporting the needy: Prime Minister
Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called upon Tanzanians to honour Mr Mengi by contributing to Reginald Mengi Persons with Disabilities Foundation.
In this way, he said, people will keep honouring and empowering people with disabilities in the country.
Launched in 2018, the event that was officiated by the Premier, the foundation sought to ensure that the country had an inclusive and empowered community, where people with disabilities were accorded their rights and treated with respect, kindness and dignity.
Speaking during the farewell ceremony for Mengi that was held in the Evangelical Church in Tanzania in Moshi Fellowship yesterday and broadcast live, the Premier said that he advised Mr Mengi to set up the foundation to specifically coordinate and address challenges facing people with disabilities in Tanzania. “For many years, Dr Mengi had contributed his time and resources to helping improve the lives of disadvantaged sections of society especially those with disabilities and no other person was helping him,” he said.
“Now the foundation is there, let’s all honour Mengi by contributing in this fund so that we can keep persons with disabilities believing that they are part of the community even though their friend is no more. This will help the family to sustain Mr Mengi’s vision for special groups,” he said. The Premier also promised that the government will always support the family in safeguarding Mengi’s Group of Companies.
“In recognition of the contribution of Mr Mengi to the country’s economic growth, we urge you (family) now as the people who are going to take over, to continue expanding the business and the government will always be ready to support you,” he said.
Earlier, Abdiel Mengi, who is son of the former IPP Group of Companies executive chairman described his father as a patriot, who always came up with ideas to make things happen.
He said this as he read his father’s resumes during the liturgical service.
Mr Mengi, who was born on May 29, 1942, died in Dubai on May 2, was buried at his home village of Nkweseko in Machame, Hai District. He said his father was a God fearing person, courageous man, who always capitalised on opportunities.
Mr Mengi gave special thanks to President John Magufuli for their support during the ‘such a difficult time’ after their father passed away.
The philanthropist and media magnate Mengi passed away on May 2, in Dubai. His body was flown to Tanzania on Monday.
He is survived by a widow and four children.
