"Sifael Shuma, Last of Four Union Youths, Dies at 92"

Sifael Shuma, Last of the Four Youths Who Marked the Tanganyika-Zanzibar Union, Passes Away

Dar es Salaam, February 21, 2025 – Sifael Shuma (92), the last surviving member of the four youths who took part in the historic event on April 26, 1964, marking the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, has passed away. His death brings an end to the chapter of the four young participants, two from Zanzibar and two from Tanganyika, who symbolized the unity of the two nations through the mixing of soil on that monumental day.

Shuma was the final surviving member, having carried the soil of Tanganyika during the ceremony. His passing marks the end of an era as the other three participants have already passed away: Hassan Omar Mzee (76) and Khadija Abbas Rashid (74), both from Zanzibar, and Hassaniel Mrema (80), from Tanganyika.

The memorable event involved the mixing of soil from both regions to symbolize the union. During the ceremony, Hassan Omar Mzee and Hassaniel Mrema held the vessel that contained the mixed soils, while Shuma and Khadija carried the respective vessels filled with soil—Shuma with Tanganyika soil, and Khadija with Zanzibar soil. The soil from Zanzibar was gathered from Kizimbani, Unguja, while Tanganyika's soil was taken from Dar es Salaam.

Sifael's death, while closing the chapter on this symbolic group, ensures that the four youths will forever be remembered for their role in the historic union, which took place at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Passing of Sifael

Sifael Shuma passed away on February 20, 2025, at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam. He had been battling diabetes and later developed Brain Atrophy, a condition that affects brain cells' ability to communicate. Brain Atrophy can result from various causes, leading to the deterioration of brain cells.

His death was confirmed by his daughter, Dr. Vida Shuma, in an interview with Mwananchi on February 21, 2025. She shared that, while diabetes was a concern, it was the brain condition that significantly impacted his health, leaving him unable to walk for the past five years. She described him as a beloved figure, with a heart full of love, both within his family and the broader community. Despite his health struggles, he continued to enjoy singing in the choir, even though standing had become difficult for him.

Sifael's funeral arrangements include transportation of his body to Machame, Kilimanjaro, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. A service will be held at Nkwaruko Church in Kilimanjaro on February 26.

The Life of Sifael Shuma

Sifael Shuma's life journey took him through various educational milestones. After completing his Form Five and Six studies in 1956, he was selected to attend Makerere University in Uganda, but he declined the offer. Instead, he chose to teach at Loleza Secondary School in Mbeya, before pursuing further studies at the Mpwapwa Teacher Training College, where he taught A-level teachers.

He eventually returned to secondary school education, becoming particularly passionate about teaching mathematics, which he loved. Sifael's contributions to education were significant, especially during his tenure as the headmaster of Machame Secondary School. In 1959, while at Machame, he made history as the first African teacher to teach Mathematics, English, and Civic Education. He dedicated over 30 years to his role as headmaster before retiring from teaching in 1993.