Southern Africa diplomats pay tribute to liberation icon Mbita

Mourners and relatives gather at the home of Brigadier General (rtd) Hashim Mbita in Dar es Salaam yesterday.  Brig Gen Mbita, who died on Sunday, will be buried today.  PHOTO | SAID KHAMIS 

By  Bernard Lugongo,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• Former head of the Organisation of African Unity Liberation Committee to be buried today
• Kikwete also consoles the family of Brigadier General (rtd) Hashim Mbita, who died in Dar es Salaam on Sunday after a long ilness

Dar es Salaam. Diplomats from some southern African countries yesterday described the  death of Brigadier General  (rtd) Hashim Mbita as “painful and a big loss” not only for Tanzania but for Africa in general.

The former military strategist and executive secretary of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) Liberation Committee, died on Sunday at Lugalo Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam after a long illness.

Zimbabwe’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Edzai Chimonyo, and his Mozambican counterpart, Mr Vicente Veloso, were among diplomats who yesterday visited Brig Gen Mbita’s family home at Chang’ombe and consoled the bereaved family.

President Jakaya Kikwete also joined other mourners at around 6pm and consoled members of the family.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Membe arrived 30 minutes before President Kikwete.

The late Mbita’s son, Iddi Mbita, said leaders were expected to pay their last respects at the Lugalo Barracks tomorrow from 8am to 11am.

Iddi said the body of the fallen hero will then ferried to his home before heading to Mtoro Mosque at Kariakoo at around 2pm for prayers and later burial at the Kisutu cemetery.

In his tribute, Mr Chimonyo said Brig Gen Mbita was at the centre of

ensuring that all liberation movements liberated Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.

“Given the role he played, it was not an easy job. He was a noble person that we give so much gratitude today. He worked hard as he was directed by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere as first President of Tanzania,” he said.

He said it was through Mr Mbita that Zimbabwe got rid of colonialism and gained independence.

“It’s painful to lose him...his contribution will live forever. To understand the role of Tanzania in African liberation movements is to understand Brig Gen Mbita,” he said.