As a way of keeping legacy of the departed former Minister of Defence and National Service, Elias Kwandikwa, the Government has vowed to put into action plans and ideas he engineered. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa made the statement at Butibu village in Shinyanga region, yesterday during his burial, while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The former Minister died last Monday while undergoing treatment at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam. In the development, Prime Minister promised that the Government would also uphold and ensure all plans and pledges that Kwandikwa made; during last year's election campaigns for Ushetu Constituency are implemented. "We have lost a true leader who was responsible for leading our armies; his service was outstanding during his lifetime as he served the government. The deceased embraced high integrity and was a very accountable leader, who delivered his duties professionally," said Mr. Majaliwa.
Hence, he urged Tanzanians to keep legacy of the late Kwandikwa by uphold his good things.Delivering condolences on behalf of all Ministers, Deputy-Ministers and parliamentarians, the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. George Simbachawene eulogised Eng. Kwandikwa as a leader, who was always seeking positive results while executing his responsibilities. Equally, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and National Service, Dr. Faraji Mnyepe, pointed out that Eng. Kwandika died at a time, when the Ministry required his outstanding service. "The deceased was a very loving person, who believed in doing justice to everyone," said Dr. Mnyepe.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Venance Mabeyo described the late Minister as one of his reliable advisors, adding that he was a humble and attentive person. He further described him as a person who could easily grasp military issues and during his tenure, he did all in his capacity as Minister to support the army. "He was a kind of leader who did not prefer staying in office, but rather used most of his time to visit commanders and officers in their respective places of work... To see how they were proceeding with their duties, while taking note of the challenges facing them," noted General Mabeyo.
On the other hand, the Secretary General of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Mr. Daniel Chongolo revealed that passing on of Mr. Kwandikwa was a big loss, pointing that during his time in service, he played a big role within the party and to the residents of Ushetu and all Tanzanians at large. "We have lost a brave leader; competent...CCM has lost a person, who was fond of his party. May the Lord continue to comfort the family, the residents of Ushetu, Shinyanga and all Tanzanians for the passing of their beloved one," said Mr. Chongolo.
Earlier on, the Moshi Catholic Diocese Bishop, Ludovick Joseph Minde, said the late former Minister Kwandikwa was a very humble and wise person, who was a strong contender of development. Bishop Minde who also serves as the Apostolic Administrator of Kahama Diocese described the deceased as a supporter of spiritual development. Eng. Kwandikwa was born on July 7th, 1966 in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region and died on August 2nd, 2021 at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam.