Tanzanite discoverer, Ngoma, dies at Muhimbili
What you need to know:
- The discoverer of Tanzanite, Mr Jumanne Ngoma, has died at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) where he had been hospitalized, the family has confirmed.
Dar es Salaam. The person who discovered Tanzanite several years ago, Mr Jummane Ngoma, died on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) where he had been admitted for treatment.
The son of the deceased, Mr Hassan Ngoma, confirmed the death of his father during an interview with The Citizen. “It is true he died today (Wednesday) evening at the MNH,” he said.
He said they were currently making arrangements to preserve his father’s body at the MNH mortuary, noting that other procedures - including the place where relatives would assemble - would be communicated later.
According to him, the place of burial would also be known after a meeting of family members.
On April 6, last year, when launching the Mererani periphery wall, President John Magufuli awarded Mr Ngoma Sh100 million, being the government’s recognition for discovery of the gemstone.
Mr Ngoma who was born at Makanya Village in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, in 1939 was recognized by the founding father of the nation, Julius Nyerere through a certificate issued in 1980.
