Mkapa eulogizes ‘selfless, humble’ Sir Chande

KATARE MBASHIRU

The late Jayantilal Keshavji Chande

FORMER President Benjamin Mkapa yesterday led parents, students and management of Shaaban Robert Secondary School at a special memorial service of the late Jayantilal Keshavji Chande, commonly known as Sir Andy Chande, who died earlier this month.

Speakers at the memorial service, held at the school’s Sir Chande Hall, eulogized him as a great, inspiring, courageous, selfless, humble and a loyal citizen of Tanzania who dedicated his contribution to the nation. The service was attended by religious leaders from all denominations.

Among them, was Mr Mkapa who was the Chief Guest. The former President paid tribute to the fallen prominent businessman and philanthropist, who once served as Board Chairman of Tanzania Standard (Newspapers) Limited (TSN), the publishers of ‘Daily News’, ‘Sunday News’, ‘Habari Leo’, ‘Habari Leo Jumapili’ and ‘Spoti Leo’.

“I have known him for over four decades since when I was Editor of TANU and Government Newspapers, through my presidency and after retiring from public service. In fact, throughout he gave counsel and consultancy without prejudice, fear or favour,’’ he said.

According to Mr Mkapa, Sir Chande was an inspiring leader to many who worked with him and under him, a model to many of his contemporaries and those who embrace virtue, down-to-earth, demeanor, selflessness and righteousness.

“While he touched so many lives, at personal level, his contribution to the growth of our country’s economy through his immense business knowledge and skills can also not be overstated,’’ added the former President.

The School’s Headmaster, Mr Suryakant Ramji, lauded Sir Chande as a remarkable man whose legacy will continue to flourish, insisting that his philanthropic work touched many lives and hearts so profoundly.

Sir Chande was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on August 29, 2003, the first of its kind given to a Tanzanian citizen. The senior citizen was born on May 7, 1928.

He served in various positions in both the public and private sectors before and after independence of the then Tanganyika, which later merged with Zanzibar in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

By the time of his death, Sir Chande was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Shaaban Robert Secondary School and President of the Dar es Salaam Secondary Education Society in addition to Honorary Trustee of Indian School in Dar es Salaam.

According to available information, Sir Chande received the President’s Golden Century Citation from Rotary International for his continued dedication and commitment in 1995/1996. He has also received the ‘Service Above Self’ award in 1998 from Rotary International in recognition of his years of work for the foundation.