President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has described former President of Tanzania John Pombe Magufuli as an African icon and hero.

Chakwera said this at a funeral ceremony of John Magufuli held at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

“May his name be preserved in every Capital of Africa as a symbol of the kind of resolve that will create the Africa we want. May his work be venerated in every village as an example worthy of our imitation,” Chakwera said.

Chakwera said those that had the privilege of knowing Magufuli, the example of his life of service shall forever be a launching pad for their own.

“To us who have the honour of going through this world as Africans, Magufuli’s love for his country shall forever be a light on that pilgrimage. To us who have been entrusted with governing the nations of our beautiful and rich continent, Magufuli’s leadership shall forever move us out of complacency.”

Residents of Dodoma City and neighbouring regions have been given this day to pay their last respects to the fallen leader.

On Tuesday, March 23, the body will be flown to Mwanza City, the second-largest city in Tanzania to accord residents the privilege of paying their last respects too.