Samia recalls Mafuru’s key role during trying moments

Mafuru was the executive secretary of the Planning Commission at the time of his death.

Speaking when she led mourners in paying their last respects at Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam, President Hassan said Mafuru played a pivotal role in both the public and private sectors, adding that he was among her key economic advisors.

She recalled Mafuru’s important role in advising the government on how to tackle the recent shortage of US dollars in the economy.

“When we faced the challenge related to the availability of the US dollar, I appointed a committee that was tasked with addressing the issue. Mafuru was instrumental in the process. He assured me that the plan proposed by the team would help the country overcome its financial difficulties and it did,” the Head of State said.

She added that the situation improved markedly after the government implemented the committee’s proposals.

President Hassan also recalled convening a meeting in Zanzibar at a time when the country was going through a rough patch in the implementation of mega infrastructure projects and Mafuru was among those invited to the discussions.

“We held discussions and in an effort to get concrete proposals, I asked them how they would have responded if one of them were the President.  Mafuru came up with recommendations that helped us move forward,” President Hassan said amid applause.

She praised Mafuru for the pivotal role he played in drawing up the country’s National Development Vision 2050, which will soon be presented for stakeholder feedback before coming into effect.

“He this great ability to communicate effectively and present his arguments clearly and with decorum," the President said, noting that Mafuru demonstrated the potential for private sector stakeholders to contribute significantly to public welfare.

A Certified Chartered Banker from the Chartered Institute of Bankers London and a Certified Financial Markets Dealer recognised by ACI Financial Markets, Mafuru embarked on his banking career in 1998 at Standard Chartered Bank, specialising in international trade finance.

He later moved to the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in the capacity of head of treasury before being promoted to chief executive.

He also served as Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) chair during his time at the helm of NBC.

Mafuru was later appointed head of the Finance Department in the President’s Office, which oversaw  implementation of projects under the Big Results Now (BRN) initiative.

It was at that time that he was appointed the statutory manager for FBME, when the lender, formerly known as the Federal Bank of the Middle East, was placed under the statutory management of the Bank of Tanzania following money laundering allegations levelled by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the US Treasury.

According to President Hassan, Mafuru swiftly transitioned from private to public service.

She noted that Mafuru’s legacy includes encouraging individuals to contribute their efforts to the best of their ability.

Succumbed to leukaemia

Mafuru succumbed to leukaemia, a severe illness affecting many families worldwide.

Also known as haematological cancer, the illness disrupts the production and function of blood cells, leading to various complications.

During Thursday’s service, Mafuru’s brother, Mr Maendeka Mafuru, shared the final moments of his sibling’s life, highlighting the spiritual support he received shortly before he passed away.

While many knew Mafuru as a financial and economic expert, he also served as a church elder with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

His contributions as a church elder were corroborated by Bishop Mark Malekana during the memorial service.

Among those who paid their last respects on Thursday were Retired President Jakaya Kikwete and senior government officials.

Most of those who attended the solemn ceremony wore black outfits to mark the passing of a leader who had a profound impact on both the public and private sectors in the last two decades or so.

Mafuru will be buried on Friday, November 15, at the Kwa Kondo Cemetery in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam.