Africa-Press – Rwanda. The death of former sports, youth and culture minister, Joseph Habineza, has triggered grief and outpouring of tributes from the world of sports, the general public and former colleagues.
Habineza, 56, died on Friday at hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, where he had been rushed to by his brother Jonas Habumuremyi on August 18.
Fondly known as Joe, Habineza was the Minister of Youth and Sports from 2005 to 2011, before he was reappointed the Minister of Sports and Culture in July 2014 – a position he held until February 2015.
Between the two stints, he served as Rwanda’s ambassador to Nigeria.
I was 19 when i received my first ever TIP as a DJ. It was from this man.😔. pic.twitter.com/zV1kWxTi9y
Stakeholders in the sports sector hold dear Habineza’s charisma and contribution to the development of Rwanda’s sports during his time in office.
It was under the ex-minister that Valens Ndayisenga became the first Rwandan cyclist to win Tour du Rwanda, in 2014, subsequently denting the dominance of foreign riders who had won the coveted Yellow Jersey since the annual race joined the UCI Africa Tour in 2009.
“Tour du Rwanda was a tournament for only locals until he quickly reacted and helped us turn the event into an international cycling race in 2009 because he believed in the exposure it would give the country and the potential of Rwandan cyclists at the international level,” says Aimable Bayingana, a former President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation, who closely worked with Joe.
RIP Joe! Sincere condolences to his family, friends and sport family in general.😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/golCn9ilOq
“There was always a good atmosphere between him and sports stakeholders and that made it easy to work together. He was always ready to listen to us whenever we wanted him. I will never forget the day we celebrated the victory of the 2014 Tour du Rwanda. I still have photos with him and His Excellence [President Paul Kagame] from that night,” he added.
Former president of the local football governing body (Ferwafa), Vincent de Gaulle Nzamwita, also worked hand-in-hand with Habineza between 2014 and 2015.
Nzamwita describes the short period of time they worked together as a “worthwhile experience”, recalling that Habineza was always eager to see football teams achieving big things.
Speaking to Times Sport on Saturday, Nzamwita revealed that he first met Habineza in Kinshasa, the DR Congo capital, in the early 1990s when the latter was working for local brewer Bralirwa.
“I knew ‘Joe’ even before I assumed Ferwafa office. He was a friend and a brother. I have no way to describe the person he was to me and to all generations. I was so shocked to learn about his untimely death,” said Nzamwita.
“He was a man hungry for results in every possible way. He would not even fear to say that he wants to see the national team qualify for the World Cup. He hated losing, with a ‘why not us’ mentality,” he added.
Truly saddened by the passing of a special soul!
Rest in peace my brother Amb. Joe!
Peace and strength to the whole Family🙏🙏 https://t.co/mF6BFStBqk pic.twitter.com/Stc6mjr2US
Habineza will be remembered by many for his instrumental role in bringing a host of top African footballers in Kigali in 2009 for a charity match aimed at raising funds to support the ‘One Dollar campaign’, a project improve the living conditions and the social welfare of vulnerable genocide survivors.
Former Cameroon and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o Fils, Chelsea and Côte d’Ivoire legend Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré are among the superstars who took part in the match.
Without the star-studded fundraiser, Fabrice Ndayisaba would not have achieved his dream of establishing a foundation that brings together children during school-holidays to entertain and train them through various sports, particularly football.
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of our beloved JOE.I respect & will never forget his kindness.May GOD ALMIGHTY give him eternal rest & the family the strength to bear these painful moments.JOE,REQUISCAT IN PACE,AMICUS CARISSIMUS. https://t.co/JKy5NbfLd3
But after meeting and sharing his idea to Samuel Eto’o while he was just 14 years of age, Ndayisaba secured the support he needed to create his non-profit organisation dubbed Ndayisaba Fabrice Foundation.
“When Eto’o was preparing to come to Kigali for the charity match, Habineza contacted me and told me that I must go to welcome him at the Airport. I was able to share my idea with Eto’o and he supported me,” Ndayisaba recalls.
“Habineza continued to support my initiative. We really lost a caring and generous person,” he added.
