Fare thee well, Lawrence Mafuru; you played your part

By Theobald Sabi

My brother, Lawrence. Our paths were intertwined in so many meaningful ways. We began our banking career together at Standard Chartered, and then you become the managing director at NBC Bank, which I am now privileged to lead. Later on, you became the chairman of the Tanzania Bankers Association, another role I am currently serving. It feels like you were quietly paving the way, leaving a blueprint for me to follow.

The banking and finance community recognises your significant contributions to transforming the financial landscape of our country. As CEO of NBC Bank, chairman of the TBA, Treasury Registrar, and later Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, you have played a crucial role in developing a resilient and competitive sector that is now thriving. Your name, Lawrence, will be remembered for generations to come.

I hold very dearly every conversation and every moment we shared together as colleagues and friends. When you took on the critical role of Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, we were all happy as we banked on your expertise of private and public leadership in crafting and executing a national development plan to provide direction of our economy. Such was a level of trust and confidence that everyone had in you.

I saw firsthand your dedication, vision and commitment in every role you took both in private and public leadership. Outside the work and office setting, you were a distinguished family man, devoted Christian, and sports enthusiast. It is funny how, with all these accolades, you were also the loudest in the room when your beloved Young Africans (Yanga) and Arsenal won matches. Loudest and irritating at times, must I say.

Lawrence, you were one of the most authentic, knowledgeable brethren I have had the honour to know and work with. Tanzania has truly lost a patriotic son, a thought leader and corporate and public sector titan.

As we say our goodbyes, we express our gratitude to the Almighty for the gift of your life. Thank you for your inspiration, for paving the way, and for playing a crucial role in shaping our national development vision for the next 25 years. We will continue to honour your memory and uphold your legacy.

My prayers go out to your beloved wife, Noella, your children, and the whole family during these difficult times.

Rest well, Lawrence. You played your part. And you did so with diligence and grace.

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”.

Theobald Sabi is NBC Bank managing director and Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA) chairman