It was with great sadness that the activist community in Zanzibar received news of the sudden death of Mwl. Khalfani Hemed Khalfan on 28 March 2009, soon after returning from a trip. Without a doubt his death is a loss not only to the Association of People with Disabilities (UWZ), but also to the larger activist community and civil society particularly in Zanzibar and in Tanzania.

The late Mwl. Khalfan was a pioneer of many activist struggles in the isles, not just those relating to people with disabilities. In particular, his efforts in organising and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in the isles opened a new chapter in the relationship between the state and civil society on the one hand, as well as between civil society and the community on the other. Most observers of civil society will agree that for quite some time UWZ remained the symbol of civil society organising in the isle, in view of the fact that since its inception in the early eighties it has maintained a constant presence with a discernable and active agenda. Moreover, it has given rise to other voices in the larger community of people with disabilities, including the blind, the deaf and dumb and those with developmental disabilities.

And while his death may have been sudden, it consoles us to know that he was able to follow his dream and see that people with disabilities are respected and are given rights like other social groups in Zanzibar. He leaves UWZ a legacy of credibility and respect, something many organisations are still striving for. Certainly Mwl. Khalfani lived to see and taste the fruits of his activism, chief among them the passage of the Disability Act and soon to be passed Disability Policy. He also leaves behind facilities and work tools with which to further future struggles.

As it may be, Mwl. Khalfani did not escape questions or scrutiny over his leadership style or his way of working. Like many visionaries propelled by a dream he may have been guilty of assuming the weight of the dream, just like the female parent may feel compelled to assume a lion’s share of responsibility in caring for a baby. The question to the rest of us remains how, being members of the community of activists, did we contribute in alleviating the load or were we more comfortable leaving this burden to one person and blaming them for stepping up when we did not? How do we ensure that our activism lasts beyond a personality but remains informed by our purpose?

Since Mwl. Khalfani is now among the departed, these are no longer his concerns. He lived to the best of his ability and his beliefs. The challenge he leaves us is to ensure that the disability law and policy is implemented and that we all play our part in making sure that the agenda remains alive not just in the community of people with disabilities but in our larger social struggles against all types of discriminations including on the basis of disability. Importantly, in Zanzibar, his death underscores the necessity of a vibrant and engaged civil society sector. Most recently he tried to realise this dream by inviting the idea of initiating a monthly civil society forum to discuss civil society and development issues.

May the Almighty grant him respite and bountiful rewards for his selfless efforts.

Salma Maoulidi.