Is Ruge a national Hero? The fact of the matter is Ruge is a brilliant entrepreneur. He played a significant role in transforming the privately owned company, Clouds Media, into the ranks of national prominence. He also helped many talents to a breakthrough in the entertainment industry. He was also a very soft-spoken, charismatic and well-liked guy who has made a lot of connections with the inner circles in the government. Ruge’s funeral has currently probably categorized as a national funeral with some folks even demanding a half-staff flag. Personally, all bias aside, I think that is going a bit too far.
A few days ago, musician Dudubaya aka KONKI Master was thrown in jail for mockery and absurdity of public discourse related to the Ruge’s death. I know that the passion is too high right now but let’s not bury ourselves into the sands and forget the true heroes of our country who have recently passed and yet they never received such publicity that currently, Ruge is enjoying.
People like Major General Muhidini Kimariao who during the Idi Amini war in 1978;,he voluntarily left a prestigious cabinet position to put his own life on the line fighting for the county. And the likes of, Sir George Kahama. A statesman, who came back from England in 1952 to organize Wahaya farmers seeking a better price of their crops, before he took early roles in fighting for independence and served the nation for over 50 years. Not forgetting Kingunge Ngombale Mwiru, another statesman, noble public servant, author of many nation’s public policies and a mastermind of our current political structure And so many more.
I’m not disputing that Ruge isn’t deserving of a big or celebrity like a funeral. Because he merits it. As a pioneer, not only is he admired and applauded by many but also he was a hero to many. Regardless, the question remains: Do his personal achievements qualify him to be recognized as a national hero? I believe the answer is indisputable. NO. Unless he has invested millions into specific charities or foundations helping the poor or orphanages and publicly served the community at large, I do not see how he gets to be elevated to national hero status.
There are many great names in the world, especially the developed world: Take Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson for example. Although these two come from two separate industries, they each contributed a tremendous effort to their careers and paved the way for most of the superstars or tech giants that came after them. Did the USA bury them as national heroes? Did the United States Flag fly at half-mast when they passed? No. I am not saying we should follow other countries practices. However, we, as a nation, have to be very careful in what we call national heroes, lest we risk diluting the meaning of the term “National Hero”. Money, Fame and Celebrity Statuses does not qualify one to become a national hero.
As far as we know he worked in the entertainment industry. Like any other business, he and his company’s primary goal was to make money on behalf of its owners, stakeholders and shareholders. To achieve that goal the company he worked for is constantly looking for the talents and exploits for the companies benefit.
We shouldn’t act using our emotions and forget who our real national heroes are. Let’s not get fooled by media drumbeats, scheming into making one of their own a national hero. Being a national hero is not a simple task. One cannot become a national hero simply because he succeeded in his/her career, business or ambitions. If today we bury Ruge as a national hero, with the whole nine yards afforded at his funeral - who are we going to bury as a national hero tomorrow? Do you know how many successful businessmen and pioneers Tanzania have?
A true national hero is a champion for the people - all people; one that brings about the kinds of change that money simply can’t buy; one that dedicates their life as well as sacrificing for the country, goes above and beyond to serve for the general good of the public and nation. Being a person of good heart or likable in the society is a wonderful trait and a great legacy to leave, however, it, by itself, doesn’t warrant a national hero status.
MOHAMED MATOPE IS AN OPINION WRITER FOR VARIOUS BLOGS AND MAGAZINES.
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