Sarah Pelaji- Tanzania
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| Prof. Pereka CUEA Council Member |
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Council Member Prof. Apollinaria Elikana Pereka has died.
She died on 4th may 2020 at the Sokoine University of Agriculture Hospital (SUA) in Tanzania, while undergoing treatment. Report from SUA hospital and doctors revealed that she died of diabetes caused heart attack.
The Secretary General of Tanzania Episcopal Conference Rev. Charles Kitima, said that Tanzania mostly the Catholic Church universities have lost academic patriarch. Prof. Pereka had discipline in caring out her professional duties. She knew how to balance the values of her profession and her faith.
He said, the SUA has lost a hardworking, Godly, patriotic and experienced committed professional.
“She was a Catholic with a background in Veterinary Science and encouraged farming. She advised our bishops on agricultural issues especially in livestock and dairy sector,” he said.
Moreover, she has been CUEA Council Member as a distinguished expert in academic for more than five years. She was also the Chairperson of the Council of Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) since May 30, 2016 up to her death.
Fr Kitima explained that Prof. Pereka, apart from being academician and a lecturer at SUA, she maintained her Catholic faith and participated in various Church Activities. Prof. Pereka served in various positions in the Church; She was a member of CUEA Council. She was Secretary of the Catholic Council of SUA University from 1992-1996
She was Vice-Chair of the Catholic Women's Union in Tanzania in 1994-2010. She has been a leader for Small Christian Communities and Parishes all through her life. Every Sunday she decorated the church with fresh rose flowers bought by herself from 1990s until her death.
Prof. Pereka was born on 6 July 1952. She has held several positions in Tanzania Universities, positions she held through appointments by Tanzania Presidents.
Her death continues to shock Tanzanian's after the death of other government officials including Members of Parliament, religious leaders and Ministers.
Her death continues to shock Tanzanian's after the death of other government officials including Members of Parliament, religious leaders and Ministers.