BRIG. GEN. HASHIM MBITA LAID TO REST

A historical picture: Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere with his Press Secretaries Hashim Mbita (2nd right); Benjamin Mkapa (first right); Habib Halahala (extreme left) and next to him Paul Sozigwa.

Eighty-two years old Brigadier Hashim Mbita who played a pivotal role in the politics of Tanzania and especially during the freedom struggle of some African countries, died and buried in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday afternoon. The burial ceremony was attended by President Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete and many dignitaries from several African neighbour countries.

Late Brig. General Hashim Mbita served for a long time as Executive Secretary of the Liberation Committee of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Press Secretary to the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, Secretary General to the ruling Party TANU, Ambassador of Tanzania to Zimbabwe and the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF).

President Dr. Kikwete said on behalf of the Government and Nation that the news of the death of Brig. Hashim Mbita was received with great grief and sadness. "Our condolence goes to the family and the whole Nation mourns with them. May God rest in peace the soul of Mzee Hashim Mbita," the President prayed.

Late Brig. Gen. Hashim Mbita who died and buried in Dar es Salaam last Wednesday at the Kisutu Muslim Cemetery.

In Zimbabwe where he served as Tanzania Ambassador, he was decorated with the honour known as the "Royal Order Munhumutapa" for his historical contribution during the freedom struggle of the country.

The "Salatul Jenaza" the prayers for the Late Brig, General Hashim Mbita was conducted at Masjid Mtoro in Dar es Salaam where he frequented often to pray along with Muslims.

He died at Lugalo Military Hospital where he was given full military honour and later the religious Islamic prayers were held at Mtoro Masjid in Dar es Salaam before the funeral cortege was brought to Kisutu Muslim Cemetery in the heart of Dar es Salaam city. A twenty-one gun salute was fired in his honour and all the Islamic Rites were performed at the burial ceremony. Hundreds of people including Tanzania Government leaders, family members, relatives attended the solemn ceremony.