Lasun Alagbe
Tanzania lost its President John Magufuli on Wednesday, March 17 and the deceased has been attracting sympathy and controversy in similar measures.
While some are quick to remember his stand on coronavirus, which de-emphasises the pandemic to the extent that he derided nose masks, others recall the anti-corruption perspective he brought into governance.
He will, however, also be reminded as a President who rose from the grass to iconic grace.
Born into a very poor family, Magufuli was a herds boy, who also supported his family by selling cow milk by the roadside.
Here are some other things to remember about him, with additional info from africanews:
– He declared his salary as the President, which translated to about $4,000
– Prior to entering politics, he was a maths and chemistry teacher, he was an industrial chemist and holds a doctorate from Dar es Salaam university – he received it in 2009.
– Former political positions held: He served as lawmaker between 1995 – 2005 on the ticket of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party – the ruling party since 1961.
– He was a minister under the administration of his predecessor, Jakaya Kikwete. CCM chose him as leader after Kikwete served his constitutionally mandated two terms (2005 – 2015).
