Tabitha Siwale: Tanzania’s First Female Minister Remembered

Tanzania Mourns Trailblazer Tabitha Siwale, the Nation’s First Female Minister

Friday, March 14, 2025

Tanzania is mourning the loss of a historic figure, Mama Tabitha Ijumba Siwale, the country's first female minister, who passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Hindu Mandal Hospital at the age of 86. She was a pioneering leader who played a critical role in shaping gender inclusivity in Tanzanian politics and governance.

Breaking Barriers: Tanzania’s First Female Minister

While women like Bibi Titi Mohammed, Lucy Lameck, and Mwami Theresa Ntare made history as the first female deputy ministers in 1962, it was Tabitha Siwale who, in 1975, became the first woman to hold a full ministerial position. President Julius Nyerere appointed her as Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, setting a precedent for female leadership in the country.

Her impact extended beyond the political arena. She was a dedicated educator, a champion of women's rights, and an advocate for equitable land policies.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born on July 28, 1938, in Tukuyu, Rungwe District, Mbeya, Tabitha Siwale came from the influential Mwambenja family. Her grandfather, Mzee Mwambenja Mwasalukwa, was a prominent leader, referred to by the Nyakyusa people as "Liputi" (Deputy Chief). Her father, Wilfred Mwambenja, was an active political figure, engaging in independence movements alongside key leaders like Mwalimu Nyerere, Rashidi Kawawa, and Oscar Kambona.

Tabitha developed an early interest in politics, often secretly attending Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) meetings, despite her father’s insistence on prioritizing her education.

Educational Journey

Tabitha excelled academically, beginning her studies in 1947 at Native Authority Primary School. After excelling in her examinations, she advanced to Tosamaganga Girls' School, where she first met her future husband, Edmond Siwale.

She later attended Tabora Girls' Secondary School, one of the most prestigious institutions for young women, graduating in 1958. Passionate about education, she pursued further studies in social economics at Geita Girls’ Secondary School, trained as a teacher at Mpwapwa Teacher Training College, and officially began her teaching career in 1961.

In 1965, she traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to study Home Economics, earning her degree in 1968.

A Respected Education Leader

Before her political career, Tabitha Siwale was an esteemed educator. She served as headmistress at Bwiru Girls' School, where she mentored future leaders, including Rachel Nyirabu, wife of Tanzania’s second Central Bank Governor, Charles Nyirabu. She later led Korogwe Girls' Secondary School, where she emphasized discipline, agricultural training, and academic excellence. Her leadership impressed President Nyerere, leading to her ministerial appointment in 1975.

Ministerial Appointment: A Historic Moment

While attending a political training course at Kivukoni College in 1975, Siwale was unexpectedly summoned to State House. With great anxiety, she arrived, only to be informed by President Nyerere that she had been appointed as a Member of Parliament. Days later, on November 9, 1975, she was further appointed as Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.

Initially surprised by the decision, she questioned her expertise in land management. Nyerere reassured her, saying, “If I appointed you, it means I have done my research. I believe in you—you will learn on the job.”

At the same time, Julie Manning was appointed Minister of Justice. However, as Siwale was the first to take the oath, she holds the distinction of being Tanzania’s first female minister.

Key Contributions and Advocacy

Despite lacking prior experience in land administration, Siwale implemented significant reforms within the Ministry of Lands. She was instrumental in advocating for women's land ownership rights, a contentious issue at the time. Her efforts contributed to later policy changes that improved land access for women in Tanzania.

One of her most notable achievements was successfully lobbying for the return of one of Bibi Titi Mohammed’s nationalized homes. Following Bibi Titi’s release from prison in 1972, she found that her properties had been seized by the government. Despite multiple appeals, she met resistance—until Siwale took up her case in 1976. She directly approached President Nyerere with a compelling argument, leading to the restoration of one of Bibi Titi’s houses.

Later Political Roles

In 1980, following general elections, Siwale was transferred to the Ministry of Education, where she introduced major policy reforms, including restricting seminary school graduates from enrolling in government-run high schools. She was later reassigned to the Ministry of Lands in 1982, serving until 1984. She remained a Member of Parliament until 2000.

A Legacy of Excellence and Integrity

Throughout her career, Siwale was known for her unwavering integrity and diligence. She famously stated: “In my life, the words ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I can’t’ do not exist in my dictionary. Whatever job you are given, do it with all your effort so that your results are recognized and valued.”

Siwale was also a strong proponent of women’s empowerment, yet she emphasized the balance between professional and domestic responsibilities. Despite holding high office, she remained a devoted wife and mother.

Recognition and Influence

In 1993, she was among the 55 MPs who pushed for the formation of a Tanganyika government under the G-55 movement. Her advocacy for gender equality and land rights made her a role model for young women, particularly among the Nyakyusa people, where many parents named their daughters “Tabitha” in her honor.

In 2000, she received the prestigious “Woman of the Century” award from a renowned American organization for her contributions to national development.

Siwale also served on multiple boards, including PPF, NBC, DAFCO, NMC, the Land Institute Council, and the Women’s Advancement Trust.

Final Years and Passing

Siwale lived a life dedicated to service. Her passing is a profound loss, but her legacy remains embedded in Tanzania’s history.

She is survived by two children, Mary and Dr. Maka, as well as a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Her funeral will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Kinondoni Cemetery, with mourners gathering at Mikocheni, near the former residence of Mwalimu Nyerere.

A Call to Honor Her Legacy

As Tanzania bids farewell to one of its most remarkable leaders, the question remains: How will the Ministry of Women honor the contributions of Mama Tabitha Siwale?