He was a generous, courageous and inspiration leader, whose success in business was extraordinary, the leaders said
Dar es Salaam. Business leaders have said Reginald Mengi was an inspirational leader whose path to business success was extraordinary.
In a tribute following Mengi’s death in Dubai on Thursday, May 2 Ali Mufuruki, the founding chairman of the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania said the departed business mogul personified private sector struggle in Tanzania.
“He succeeded where many failed. He led by example to the very end,” said Mufuruki, adding that “Mengi made history by launching the first TV station on mainland Tanzania, making it possible for us to watch the 1994 World Cup live for the first time as it was played in some distant lands.”
Subash Patel, the chairman of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries said Mengi’s death is a loss to the nation because he was a generous and hardworking.
"I knew Mengi a long time ago. We both started business with very little money. Mengi was lucky he had some more formal education than me,” Mr Patel, who is also chairman of Motisun group told reporters on Thursday May 2.
On his part the chairman for Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) Salum Shamte said the country has lost an African businessman, who always stood for the rights of the poor.
Reacting to Mengi’s death Mr Shamte said the businessman served as TPSF chairman from 2013 to 2018 and was later replaced by Esther Mkwizu whose term has also expired.
“I knew him in the 1980s when he started IPP companies. He always encouraged me and told me the importance of trusting in ourselves. We have really lost an icon,” Mr Shamte noted.
Mengi was one of the very few self-made billionaires in Africa, Mr Shamte noted.
“His success inspired many young entrepreneurs,” Mr Shamte noted.
Mr Mufuruki said Mengi made a mark as a philanthropist and he always looked out for the less fortunate amongst us.
“He led the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation with grace during a challenging period spanning two political administrations,” Mr Mufurki noted adding that in Mengi’s passing the business community has lost its brightest shining light, an inspirational leader and most importantly, a good man.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Mengi’s family and loved ones. I pray that Allah grants them patience, fortitude and serenity during these exceptionally trying times, Mr Mufuruki who is also founder of Infotech Investment Group noted.
