By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania is mourning the death of Peramiho Member of Parliament and former cabinet minister, Jenista Joakim Mhagama, who passed away on today December 11, 2025, in Dodoma.
The news was announced by Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azan Zungu, through an official statement that did not disclose the cause of death.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed deep sorrow over Mhagama’s passing, describing her as a loyal and committed CCM cadre, a youth and women’s leader, a longtime minister, and a counsellor to many in politics and community life.
The President said Mhagama served her country with dedication throughout her 58 years, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and compassion.
Mhagama was active in Parliament until her death and was widely respected in her Peramiho constituency, where she had established herself as an influential and approachable leader.
Her passing comes at a time when the country is navigating complex political, social, and economic transitions, marking the loss of one of Tanzania’s most experienced female lawmakers.
Profile: A career defined by service and reform
Jenista Joakim Mhagama was born on June 23, 1967, in Ruvuma Region. She started a public service as a a teacher after earning a Diploma in Education from Korogwe Teachers Training College, and her time working in the community played a significant role in shaping her later political career.
She entered the National Assembly in 2000 through a special seat for women under CCM. Her political strength became evident when she won the Peramiho constituency in 2005, unseating a former finance minister.
Over the years, she built a reputation as a skilled political organiser and a strong advocate for her home region.
Mhagama served in several key government positions. She was Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training between 2014 and 2015 before being appointed Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, where she oversaw policy coordination, parliamentary affairs, labour, youth development, and disability issues.
In January 2022, she was moved to the President’s Office, focusing on good governance and public service reform. Two years later, in August 2024, she was sworn in as Minister of Health under President Samia’s administration.
In the health docket, she championed expanded disease-control programmes, community-based health initiatives, and stronger collaboration across public health institutions.
Her leadership extended to the regional level when, in June 2025, she was elected Vice Chairperson of the Regional Steering Committee of Health Ministers for Community Health in Eastern Africa, a position that underscored her influence in shaping regional health priorities.
Across her career, Mhagama was known for pushing reforms that strengthened public institutions, improved service delivery, and supported vulnerable groups. Colleagues often described her as firm, principled, and deeply committed to inclusive development.
Her death leaves a significant gap in national leadership and in the Peramiho community she served for two decades. Government announcements on funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days. Jenista Mhagama will be remembered as a determined reformist, a devoted public servant, and one of Tanzania’s most accomplished female leaders.
