On July 4, 2024, the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CONAS) at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) held a heartfelt farewell celebration for two esteemed staff members who have dedicated years of service to the institution: Mr. Selsyus Malumbu, an Office Attendant, and Mr. Eliah Kamwela, a Lab Technician; all from the Department of Chemistry and Physics. The event took place at the New Lab grounds on the Solomon Mahalangu Campus, Mazimbu, where colleagues, and friends gathered to honor their contributions.
The ceremony began with warm opening remarks from the Principal of CONAS, who expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment and hard work of Mr. Malumbu and Mr. Kamwela throughout their tenure. “Today, we gather not just to say goodbye, but to celebrate the remarkable journeys of these two individuals who have significantly impacted our college,” he stated.
Mr. Malumbu, known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to assist everyone, has been a pillar of support within the office. His dedication to maintaining a welcoming and efficient environment has left an indelible mark on both staff and students. The former Head of Department, Prof. Mabiki, the current HoD, Dr. Mwakalesi, and colleagues shared heartfelt anecdotes, highlighting his positive spirit and how he always went the extra mile to help others in the department.
Mr. Kamwela, a highly respected Lab Technician, though worked in the department for a period of less than 5 years, has been integral in ensuring the smooth operation of laboratory activities. His technical expertise and commitment to student learning have played a crucial role in shaping the academic experience in the Department and at CONAS. The Principal and Faculty members praised his patience and thoroughness in guiding students, often staying late to ensure everyone received the help they needed.
The celebration also featured speeches from fellow staff members, who shared their appreciation and best wishes for the retirees’ future endeavors.
In a touching response, Mr. Malumbu expressed his gratitude for the relationships he had built during his almost 40 years time at SUA, saying, “It has been a privilege to serve this wonderful community. I will carry these memories with me forever.” Mr. Kamwela echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.
The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of gifts, recognizing their years of dedicated service. Everyone joined in to celebrate with refreshments and laughter, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere to mark this significant transition.
As Mr. Malumbu and Mr. Kamwela embark on new journeys in their retirement, their legacies will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who follow in their footsteps at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. We wish them all the best in this exciting new chapter of their lives!
Photos of the event
