Dr. Mengi,Executive Chairman of IPP Limited CV and Career Profile

03May 2019
The Guardian Reporter
DAR ES SALAAM
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The Guardian
Dr. Mengi,Executive Chairman of IPP Limited CV and Career Profile

EARLY LIFE

Dr Reginald Mengi was born into extreme poverty.  His family owned a plot of land which was barely an acre and they lived in mud huts together which the few livestock that they owned. 

Very often   he had one meal a day and sometimes none at all  and he worked  to school  barefoot. Notwithstanding these  circumstances Dr Mengi   managed  to study accountancy   in the UK and qualified  as a chartered  accountant . In Tanzania he worked  with the audit  firm Cooper  Brothers (later  Coopers &Lybrand   and now Price  Waterhouse Coopers) and rose  to  become Managing  Partner  and  Chairman. In  October 1989  he left  Coopers   & Lybrand   to  concentrate   on his own  businesses.

 

BUSINESSMAN AND  ENTERPRENEUR 

Dr Reginald Mengi was the  Founder , Owner and Executive  Chairman  of IPP  Limited with  interests in: print  media, famous for the  Guardian ,  Nipashe and other  newspapers; and for electronic media  (ITV, East Africa   and Capital televisions and radio stations). Under  IPP  Group  is also  Bonite  Bottlers,  a product of  famous  beverage  Coca Cola and a leading  bottler,  Kilimanjaro water.  Dr Mengi   also had  interests  in mining,  oil and  manufacturing  sector including  pharmaceuticals,   CNG  (Rwanda) ,  cement and  automobiles  assembly.

 

SOCIAL  ENTERPRENEUR AND PHULANTHROPIST

Dr Reginald Mengi  pioneered  corporate  and individual  social  responsibility  in Tanzania by  contributing  his time  and resources  to worthy causes . Dr Mengi viewed   himself as a water pipe  that carries  water  to consumers in  society  or in  other words,  a mere   conduit   and he derived satisfaction  in giving  and sharing with  humility.  Some  initiatives  in social  entrepreneurship  and  philanthropy included:

 

  1. Poverty  eradication and economic  empowerment.  For many  years  Dr Mengi   financed  youth  and women based economic groups  and  community  development projects through  various  grassroots   programmes including  Village  Community  Banks and  Savings and Credit Co  - operative  Society   (SACCOS) .  Over the years  Dr. Mengi  was an  outspoken  campaigner  for issues  such as youth   employment  and implementation  of economic   empowerment  policies  to ensure that  Tanzanians participate fully in economic  activities  and strike  an equitable  balance  between  foreign and  local  investors.

 

 

  1. Challengers  facing  the  disadvantaged.  For many years Dr Reginald Mengi  contributed   his time and resource to helping  improve the  lives  of disadvantaged  sections  of  society  especially   those with  disability . As  a result,  he consistently  participated  in setting  up development  projects  which  focus   on people with disability   and  spoke  out  against  the  discrimination  which they face . For example,  Dr Mengi was one  of the  first  persons to  publicly   condemn atrocities being  committed   against  people  with  albinism   who are being  mutilated  and killed because  of  barbaric   superstitions  which have created  a repulsive  market for  their  body  parts. Children   and  women with  albinism   have become  particularly   vulnerable   because they are  considered  easy  targets .  His  efforts which  have also   included  offering   rewards  for information  leading to the arrest  of perpetrators of these  atrocities  played  a significant   role in creating  public  awareness   and igniting action .

Another example  was the  luncheons  which Dr Reginald Mengi  regularly hosted  for the  24 years  for  people  with  disabilities.   These annual  events  attended by over   five thousand   people became  an important   platform for  raising  awareness of the  challenges   which   face people   with  disabilities.  As part of this continuing efforts  to support  persons with  disabilities Dr Mengi   created  a  foundation  knows as  ‘The Dr Reginald  Mengi  Person with Disabilities  Foundation’.

 

  1. Education  . Over the last three  decades  Dr  Reginald Mengi’s   efforts  in this area have included  setting  up scholarships to  encourage  students  to do well  in their  studies  and to assist  those who do well  but are  unable to  pursue  further studies due to financial constraints. Dr Mengi  also contributed to  funding  schools  which target   disadvantaged  sections of the  community .For  example, Dr  Mengi  partly   financed    the running  of a girls  boarding  secondary  school  for nomadic   Maasai who had   no access to education   and  were  destined  to  become child mothers   and live in poverty. Many have  been educated   and through  a scholarship   programme  which he sponsored  some of those who passed have gone on to   university. As Hunger Ambassador  in Tanzania  Dr Mengi advocated for a national  scheme  to provide   free  meals  to school  children  to enhance   school  enrolment  and  attendance.
  2. Health. Dr Reginald Mengi   took part in many  health   initiatives  including  publicly  championing   the use of condoms to halt the  spread  of   AIDS when  the subject  was  taboo.  He  also actively   engaged   in the fight   against diseases  such as fistula, breast   cancer   and polio.  Through  the  Lions   International  Club , Dr Mengi  has  sponsored   aver a hundred  children   to undergo lifesaving   heart  surgeries  in  India. On the  other hand, the Rodney  Mutie Heart  Hospital in Moshi  is under  construction, it will be a modern  and  complex hospital in  East  and Central  Africa  to serve more than  1000 people.
  3. Conservation and  protection  of the  environment.  Dr Reginald Mengi’s  initiatives   in the area  of conservation  have included initiating and  funding  a campaign to  reforest  Mount Kilimanjaro in order  to reserve  the   melting of  its famous  snowcap due to global   warming and deforestation  . This  campaign which Dr Mengi  was funding  since it  started  in  1987,  has led  to over  twenty  -seven million  trees  being planted  a total   of one hundred  million trees  by the end of  2019. Dr Mengi’s  social activism in environmental issues  took a national  dimension  when he was appointed  Chairman of the  Tanzania Environmental  Management   Council  (NEMC) in 1997, a position  held until  2006.

 

A CHAMPION OF JUSTICE  AND  TRANSPARENCY

 

Dr Reginald Mengi’s  ethos has always  been that we all have  a moral  obligation  to  expose  and fight social   injustice  and for  this reason   he was an  outspoken  campaigner  against  social  injustice  and in  particular   corruption . In this  regard, Dr  Mengi  denounced perpetuators  of  corruption in political assemblies, pubic events  and press conferences  to   debate  and  sensitize the  public   about  corruption  and social  injustice .  In March  2005   he went further  and started   two  investigative newspapers   called This Day   (English) and  Kulikoni (Kiswahili)  with the  primary  objective  of  focusing   on social  injustice  and corruption.  These  newspapers   had  a significant  impact  in the fight   against  social  injustice  in Tanzania.

 

In April 2009,  at  great  personal  risk himself  and those  close to  him, Dr,  Mengi held a press conference  and openly   warned  that ground   corruption   had  reached very  dangerous    levels and mentioned five businesspersons   whose names kept  on being  linked  to acts  of grand  corruption  as ‘sharks  of grand corruption’ Dr  Mengi   received   public praise  in  the media by  Members of Parliament ,  religious leaders, and  members of the public  for his   tenacity.

 

PUBLIC SERVICE POSITINS   HELD BY DR. REGINALD MENGI

Over the course of his career   Dr Mengi   held  many  public service positions  including:

 

  1. Chairperson of the Board  of Directors, Tanzania  Standard  (Newspaper )  Limited. This company  owns  and publishes the Government  newspapers  Daily  News and (later) Habari  Leo.
  2. Commissioner, Salaries Review   Commission .

The Salaries  Review  Commission  was established  by the president,  Mwalimu  Julius  Nyerere   in 1985  with the  objective  of presenting   a comprehensive  salary review. Dr Mengi was appointed  one of the commissioners  of the commission  which was   chaired  by Ambassador   Amon James  Nsekela,  to review the organization   structure, salary structures   and remuneration of  civil  services. Some  recommendations   of the  Nsekela   Commission especially on categorization   or  nomenclature  of posts  remain  in use  today.

 

  1. Chairman of the  National   Board  of Accountants  and Auditors   Tanzania  (NBAA).

The NBAA  is the statutory organization  for all  accountants   and auditors   in Tanzania. Dr Mengi   was appointed    by the president   of the United    Republic  of Tanzania   in 1984   to be  its  chairman   and reappointed    so that   he  eventually   held this   post  for  sixteen   years  up to  2000.

 

  1. Chairman of the National Environment  Management  Council  Tanzania (NEMC).

NEMC is  an independent   body  established by law to  regulate   environmental   matters. Dr Mengi  was appointed   by the President   of the United   Republic of Tanzania    to chair this body   for   nine   years,  from  1997  to  2006.

 

  1. Chairman, Commonwealth   Press Union   (CPU )   Tanzania Chapter.

Dr Mengi   was Chairman of this organization   from 1997 to  1999.

 

  1. Board Director  of LEAD  (Leadership for  Environment and Development  International)

LEAD  International  is an initiative  established  by the  Rockefeller  Foundation  in 1991  for the  purpose  of  training  selected  mid  -  career  professionals in issues  related  to environment. Dr Mengi  was elected   as  a Director   in May  2000  to  2003 .

 

  1. Commissioner, Tanzania  HIV/AIDS   Commission  (TACAIDS )

This is a  statutory commission  established  in 2001 to create  and  implement a  response   to HIV  and  AIDS  .  Its  commissioners   are appointed   by  the Prime Minister   of the United  Republic  of  Tanzania   and Dr Mengi   was a  commissioner  2002 to 2009  .

 

  1. Chairman Confederation  of  Tanzania   Industries   (CTI).

This is an  umbrella organization   representing   the  private  manufacturing  sector  and  industries   in Tanzania. Dr Mengi  was its  Chairman   between   2005 and  2009.

 

  1. Chairman , East African Business Council  (EABC).

This is an  organization within the East   African   Community,  an  economic   and administrative   union of Kenya, Tanzania , Uganda  Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan   ( the Partner  States).    The  EABC   was established   with the  primary   objective  of setting  a common   regional   business  agenda and   advising  the  Partner   States. Dr Reginald Mengi    was elected  its  chairman   for the  year  2008.   The oganisation’s  headquarters  are situated in Arusha  City in northern Tanzania.

 

  1. Chairman  , ICC  Tanzania   ( a  National  Committee  of the  International   Chamber   of Commerce).

Dr Reginald Mengi   was chairman  of this organization  from  2000 to  2007).

 

  1. Director , Board  of the  Commonwealth Business  Council   (CBC).

This  is  an organization   which was  established  under the  Commonwealth   of Nations  Charter .  Its  headquarters   are  located   in London.  Dr  Reginald Mengi   was elected to its  Board  of Directors  in 1998  and held  this position    until  2013.

 

Up to quite recently Dr Reginald Mengi held the following positions:

  1. Founding and Chairman, Media Owners Association of Tanzania (MOAT).

This is an organization which represents media owners in Tanzania.  Dr Reginald Mengi was elected as chairman in 2003 and held this position since then.

 

  1. Foundation and chairman, People with Disabilities Trust Fund, Tanzania (PDFT).

This is an NGO which mobilizes funds for people with disabilities.  DrMengi was its Chairman since 1992.

 

  1. Members of the International Investors Round Table, Tanzania.

  This organization was established by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania with the stated purpose of promoting international investment and Dr Mengi was invited to become a member. The Roundtable Committee presents its recommendations to the Government of Tanzania and these have greatly influenced Tanzania’s foreign investment policy.

 

  1. Chairman, Economic Empowerment Working Group of the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC).

The TNBC is public/private sector initiative established to serve as a forum of public – private sector dialogue on strategic direction for promoting investments and accelerating economic growth and poverty eradication.  The Working Groups are actually think tanks made up of experts who advise on various issues.  In May 2007 Dr Mengi was appointed by the TNBC Chairman, the president of the United Republic of Tanzania, to chair one of these working groups which was entrusted with formulating practical strategies for empowering Tanzanian businesses especially SMEs.

 

  1. Chairman, Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF).

TPSF is the apex body for the Private Sector in Tanzania and Dr Reginald Mengi was its Chairman from 2014 to his death.

 

  1. Patron, Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania, from March, 2018.

 

  1. Trustee, Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) part of the University of Dar es Salaaam College of Social Sciences (CoSS) from April, 2018.

 

 

VARIOUS AWARDS, TROPHIES, TOKENS AND CERTIFICATES GIVEN TO DR. REGINALD MENGI

In recognition of Dr Mengi’s philanthropic achievements, his unwavering commitment to the fight against social injustice and his public service, Dr Mengi received several international and national awards over the years including:

  1. The order of the United Republic of Tanzania in 1994.  By His Excellency Ali Hassan Mwinyi, President.
  2. The order of the Arusha Declaration of the First Class in 1995. By His Excellency Ali Hassan Mwinyi, President of the United Republic, for earning great distinction for Tanzania economically, politically socially and in defense of Tanzania diligently and at considerable personal sacrifice.

 

  1. The Business for Peace Award 2012. Awarded on the 7th May, 2012 in Oslo by the Award Giving Committee of Nobel Laureates of the Business for Peace Foundation based in Oslo and is supported by business leaders, politicians and academics around the world.  Dr Mengi was selected as one of seven Honorees of the Business for Peace Award 2012 which is given to business persons who, through their own actions and commitments, promote socially responsible and ethical business practices in an outstanding way, and stand out as examples to others. 
  2. 2010 Global Leadership and Humanitarian Award and the 1st United Nations NGO Lifetime Achievement Award.  Awarded on the 28th May, 2012 by the Global 2000 (2010) International, a registered member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, member NGO of the United Nations Department of Public information and registered NGO in consultative status with UNESCO.  These awards are given to individuals and institutions throughout the world who are making significant contributions to the work of the United Nations in achieving the millennium development goals and objectives especially in the areas of poverty reduction and helping people with disabilities.

 

  1. The 2008 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award.  By the United States of America in recognition of Dr Mengi’s commitment in the fight against social injustice and in combating corruption.

 

  1. The East Africa Environmental Network (EAEN) Leadership Award.

 

  1. The International Order of the Lions Award by the International Association of the Lions Club 4th March, 2014 given to Dr Mengi “for his unselfish dedication to humanity and outstanding achievements from which all humankind will benefit.”

 

  1. Life Achievement in Philanthropy Award by the East Africa Association of Grant-makers (EAAG) in 2013.  Given in recognition of Dr Mengi’s involvement and contribution to growing philanthropy in East Africa.

 

  1. East Africa’s Most Respected CEO in East 2nd position in 2001, 2002 and 2003 after which the poll was discontinued.   The poll was sponsored by the Nation Media Group and conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers.

 

  1. Certificate of Appreciation for his contribution to the International Association of Lion Clubs 1996 - 97.

 

  1. 19thSeptember, 2017 certificate given to Dr Mengi by the Chartered Institute of Taxation for England and Wales marking 50 years of membership.

 

  1. Appreciation of Dr Mengi’s services as Chairman of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors of Tanzania (NBAA) Governing Board 1984 – 2000.

 

  1. The Environmentalist of the Century Award 2000 – Kilimanjaro Region in 2000.  In recognition of Dr Mengi’s efforts towards conserving and protecting the environment of Mount Kilimanjaro and in particular his role in the forestation campaign.

 

  1. Certificate of Appreciation by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.  Given on 31st March, 2011 by His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania for Dr Mengi’s significant contribution towards the success of peaceful 2010 General Elections Campaign.

 

  1. The Environmental Conservation Award Grade One.  Given by His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 9th December, 2012 for his tireless efforts and contribution in environment protection and conservation.

 

  1. The Champion behind Women and Children’s Health in Tanzania Award.  Given by the Tanzania Health Promotion Initiative (THPI).

 

  1. Token by the Dar es Salaam Religious Leaders Committee for Dr Mengi’s support to society without religious, racial or tribal discrimination.

 

  1. On the 6th June 2015, Award of `the Most Inspiring  Entrepreneur’ by the Dar es Salaam University Marketing Association (DUMA) which is affiliated to the Department of Marketing of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS).

 

  1. June 2015, Letter of Appreciation from the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) under the Prime Minister’s Office in recognitions of Dr Mengi’s efforts towards economically empowering the youth through the 3N Business Idea Competition.

 

Dr Reginald Mengi was also publicly recognized via:

. Doctor of Humanity Degree awarded by Japan Bible Institute on the 10th March, 2012.

. Uhuru Torch Ceremony Support 1996

. Tanzania Muslim Hajj Trust – Certificate of Appreciation for Service and Cooperation 1998

. Certificate f Appreciation – Founder Benefactor of the University of Dodoma 2005

. Certificate of Supporting National Sports Day for the Disabled – 2000

. Joint certificate of Appreciation from the then National Chief Commander of CCM Youth Mzee Rashid Kawawa and the Commander of CCM Youth Coast Region Hon. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete for supporting Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Walk – 2000

. Certificate of Appreciation from Rombo Development Trust Fund – 2003

. Certificate of Appreciation from the Registered Trustees of the Community Development Services (RTCDS) – 2004

. Msama Promotions – Trophy in recognition of caring for and valuing people with disability – 2006

. Certificate of Appreciation from BAKWATA – for Support and Dedication to Society – 2006

. Trophy of appreciation from Command and Staff College – Arusha 2006.

. Msama Promotions – Trophy for High Respect Award – 2007

. Certificate from Tanzania Institute of Media Education (TIME) for creativity

. Token from Africa Development Bank for Support and Dedication to Society.

.December 2014, Trophy by TAWSE SACCOS inscribed WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOCIETY AND YOUR VALUABLE PRESENCE IN LAUNCHING TASWE – SACCOS DEC, 2014.

. 7th December 2014, Tuzoya Amani Tanzania’ by Kamati ya Mkesha Mkubwa Kitaifa/Dua Maalum’ (kwa)  Kutetea Amani na Ustawi waTaifa kwa Muda Mrefu’.  The Award was signed by Bishop Godfrey E. Malassy who was the chairman of Kamati ya Mkesha Mkubwa Kitaifa/DuaMaalum.

.Certificate of Supporting the Uhuru Torch Ceremony 1996.

.16th November 2014, trophy given by New Hope Family Group (NHFG) which is a centre for orphaned children.  The trophy has an inscription which says `Hongera Dk. Reginald Mengi kwa kujali na kuthamini jamii, Mwenyezi Mungu azidi kukubariki 2013 – 2014 Imetolewa na Hew Hope Family Orphans and was presented by Turkish Ambassador to Tanzania H.E Ali Davutoglu.

 

Dr Reginald Mengi’s book I CAN, I MUST, I WILL: The Spirit of Success

 

On the 2nd July, 2018 Dr Mengi’s book `I CAN, I MUST, I WILL: The spirit of Success ‘ was launched in Dar es Salaam in a ceremony graced by his Excellency Dr John Pombe Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania .

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