First born daughter of international scholar states that she was denied the right to bury her father in Tanzania, due to family politics.
Professor Robert Rugimbana was a brilliant mind, academic and remarkable man who touched the hearts, minds and lives of people around the world. He taught in several Australian Universities including: Griffith University, Macquarie University, Newcastle University and University of Technology Sydney. He was a proud family man who loved and adored his two daughters, Bianca and Emily.
On August 5th, 2023 Rugimbana passed away after his heroic battle with cancer. Laying a parent to rest is difficult. The relationship and bond shared with a father is not one that everyone has had the honor to have, nor can it be replaced.
On August 12, 2023, friends, family and colleagues of the late Professor, gathered to hold a memorial service in Pretoria, South Africa with his first born daughter Bianca present to speak in front of hundreds, paying her respects to her father and the community he served and loved.Â
Unbeknownst to loved ones, Bianca says the body of Robert Rugimbana was removed overnight from Pretoria, South Africa to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, without the legal consent of his attorneys in Pretoria. Under traditional laws, the first born and next of kin ultimately holds precedence over a relative.
As the first born daughter, the culture and country of Tanzania means a lot to Bianca. Despite the current situation, she wants the communities of Tanzania to know how much her father loved Tanzania, and that her absence at her father’s funeral and burial was NOT by choice.
“My love and respect for the communities of Karagwe, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam and Bukoba, and my respect for the people my father knew and loved will continue to be shown in his absence. My father was an exceptional man, a man of class who honoured, loved and respected everyone. My only wish was to be in Tanzania to honour him and those present.” – Bianca Rugimbana
For the past 30 years, Professor Rugimbana invested in the education of thousands of students in South Africa, Tanzania, Australia and around the world. His educational influence enabled these students to graduate with Masters, Doctorates and PhDs – a phenomenal leader, educator and professor.Â
Moving forward, his daughters look forward to seeing his legacy through and ensuring that every dream he had continues to build and expand. With degrees in the US and Australia, Professor Rugimbana’s legacy will continue to thrive around the world.Â
