Tanzania: Magufuli Issues Sh100 Million to Discoverer of Tanzanite

 By Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam — President John Magufuli has today April 6 issued Sh100 million to Jumanne Ngoma who discovered Tanzanite gemstones as a token of appreciation.

Speaking ahead of unveiling the 14 kilometre Mirerani wall President Magufuli called Mr Ngoma "the hero of the nation who has for long been forgotten and neglected."

Mr. Ngoma the man who discovered rare germstone, the Tanzanite.

Some of the Sh100 million, President Magufuli said, should help in the treatment of Mzee Ngoma who is now half paralysed.

"Mzee Ngoma is a veritable Tanzanian hero. But what did he get after discovering Tanzanite about 50 years ago? Nothing. Nothing at all. In fact it is people from other coutnries who have benefited more from this unique gemstone," President Magufuli said.

Persident Magufuli revealed that President Nyerere signed the certificate of recognition for Mzee Ngoma on October, 10 1980, but there was no financial reward for his efforts.

Source: Tanzanian Citizen newspaper