BENITO (BENY) BATISTA MWENDA

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BENITO (BENY) BATISTA MWENDA

Canadian friends are saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of long-time colleague and friend Beny Mwenda on December 10, 2024, at his home near Usagara, Tanzania. He had just observed his 68th birthday and the 63rd anniversary of Tanzanian Independence.

Beny had a 33-year teaching career in agriculture extension and farmer training with the Ministry of Agriculture Training Institute at Ukiriguru. At the time of his death, he was Principal at Kilacha Agriculture & Livestock Training Institute near Moshi. He studied in Egypt, Prague University, Brandon, and Tanzania. He completed his Master’s in Community Economic Development in 2011.

Beny was the volunteer Rural Development Coordinator for the Tanzanian Society of Agricultural Education and Extension [TSAEE] in the Lake Zone. He received the 2018 Community Service Alumni Award (Rural Development, Class of '98) from Assiniboine College, the 2010 Global Citizenship Award from The Marquis Project, and the 2006 International Partnership and 2012 International Recognition Awards from the Agricultural Institute of Canada.

Beny’s infectious energy, optimism, hard work, and support for all those around him, both in Tanzania and here in Manitoba, made the world a better place and changed so many people’s lives for the better. His passing is a great loss to the global community.

Beny is survived by his spouse, Adelika; his sister, Bette, nieces Janet, Esther, Paulina, Paulina’s daughter, Clara; nephew, Deogratius; their families, and large extended family. He was predeceased by his son Marco in 2013. Burial took place in his home village of Kinywang’anga, near Iringa in southern Tanzania. Condolence messages for Adelika can be sent to esther.mwenda@gmail.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 14, 2024