GEITA: THE late Suzana Magufuli, 94, mother of Tanzania’s fifthphase President, the late John Pombe Magufuli, will be laid to rest tomorrow at the family cemetery in Chato District after a requiem mass at St Yohane Maria Muzeyi Parish in Mlimani, Chato.
Ms Suzana passed away on Monday evening at her home in Chato after a prolonged illness, according to family members. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the family spokesperson and son of the deceased, Mr Gorodian Magufuli, while addressing journalists at the late president’s residence in Chato.
Mr Gorodian said the burial arrangements were agreed upon during a family meeting that approved the funeral procedures and burial date.
He said the requiem mass will be conducted under the Catholic Diocese of RulengeNgara before the body is taken to the family cemetery for burial.
According to him, Ms Suzana began experiencing health complications in 2018 and underwent treatment at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for four months before returning home.
He added that she continued receiving specialised medical care and close monitoring from the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) doctors.
“On May 25, at around 10:00 am, we noticed changes in her condition and rushed her to Chato Zonal Referral Hospital. Sadly, at around 7:00 pm, she passed away,” he said.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigella said the government, acting on directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, would work closely with the family in coordinating the funeral arrangements until the burial.
“We received this sad news with profound sorrow and grief. We are here following instructions from President Samia Suluhu Hassan. We came first to convey our condolences, but also to stand with the family and see how we can cooperate in the preparations to lay her to rest,” he added.
Mr Shigella said the funeral programme prepared by the family would also be shared with government leaders to ensure smooth coordination during the mourning period.
Meanwhile, the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), in Geita Region has pledged full support and participation in the mourning and burial arrangements.
CCM Geita Regional Chairman Mr Nicolous Kasendamila described Ms Suzana as an important figure to both the party and the nation, saying her death had deeply saddened party members.
He said CCM has suspended campaign activities for the Bwongera Ward by-election following the announcement of her death.
“She was our mother. We received this sad news with profound sorrow because both the family and the party have lost a very important pillar,” he said.
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“Immediately after receiving the information, we left the campaign centre and rushed to the home of the late Dr Magufuli to offer our condolences,” he added.
Mr Kasendamila said CCM leaders in Geita Region and district branches would continue cooperating with the family and the government throughout the mourning period.
Chato District CCM Chairman Mr Barnabas Nyerembe urged party members and members of the public to participate in the mourning activities respectfully while observing all directives issued by the family and the government.