By The Respondent Reporter
Dar es Salaam. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Thursday (November 14), paid tribute to the late Lawrence Nyasebwa Mafuru, honoring his significant legacy in public sector reforms.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Samia credited the ongoing reforms in the country’s public institutions to the late Mafuru’s contributions.
The President made these remarks during the farewell ceremony for Mr. Mafuru, the former Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, who passed away on November 9, this year at Apollo Hospital in India, where he had been receiving treatment.
President Samia emphasized that the public sector reforms initiated during Mr. Mafuru’s tenure as Treasury Registrar between 2014 and 2016 have had a lasting and positive impact on the nation.
“These reforms, which have been successfully carried forward by the current Treasury Registrar, Mr. Nehemiah Mchechu, were first set in motion by Lawrence,” President Samia said.
The President further highlighted that her decision to appoint Mr. Mafuru as Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission in July last year was not coincidental, but a recognition of his exemplary professional history.
“Lawrence was a great gift to our nation. He was one of Tanzania’s true heroes,” President Samia remarked.
She added: “Whether in the private sector or later in the public sector, Lawrence worked with exceptional professionalism. Indeed, he leaves an indelible mark on this nation.”
Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa described Mr. Mafuru as a dedicated and hardworking individual.
“All the praise that has been showered upon Lawrence is entirely true,” the Premier said briefly.
Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investment, referred to Mr. Mafuru as a true patriot, noting that even while hospitalized in India, he continued to contribute to the drafting of the nation’s Development Vision 2025/2050.
“Lawrence had a high level of professional discipline,” Prof. Mkumbo concluded.
For his part, Mr. Mchechu acknowledged Mr. Mafuru’s significant contributions, particularly in laying a strong foundation for the Treasury Registrar Office, which continues to drive major reforms in public institutions.
“Mr. Mafuru established a solid foundation at the Treasury Registrar Office, which is why we continue to see transformative changes in public entities today,” Mr. Mchechu said.
He added, “The lesson we learn from Mafuru is that the actions we take today not only affect this generation, but will resonate for generations to come.”
Mr. Mafuru is survived by his wife, Noela Novatus Mafuru, and two children, Lorraine and Lorna Mafuru.