John Magufuli

Fifth President of Tanzania

John Magufuli - Fifth President of Tanzania
Born

October 29th, 1959
66 years ago

Died

March 17th, 2021
4 years ago — 61 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Tanzania

Links & References

Served as the fifth president of Tanzania from 2015 until death in 2021. Magufuli was a member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party and previously held the position of Minister of Works. Focused on infrastructure development and anti-corruption measures, his administration initiated various public projects, including roads and hospitals. Implemented policies aimed at reducing government spending and increasing revenue through tax collection. His leadership style received mixed reactions, characterized by a crackdown on dissent and media freedom.

Launched nationwide infrastructure projects

Implemented anti-corruption measures

Reduced government spending

Increased tax collection efforts

Other People Born on October 29th

Dan Emmett

American composer of 'Dixie'
Born
October 29th, 1815 210 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 89 years old

An American composer and musician, active in the 19th century. Contributed significantly to the development of American popular music. Best recognized for composing the song 'Dixie', which became an anthem of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Worked as a performer in various minstrel shows and founded the Virginia Minstrels, one of the first minstrel troupes in the United States. Emmett's work paved the way for future developments in American music and entertainment.

Continue Reading

Vonetta Flowers

Bobsledder and Olympic gold medalist
Born
October 29th, 1973 52 years ago

A prominent bobsledder and former track athlete, achieved success in both sports. Transitioned from a collegiate track and field career in sprints and jumps to bobsledding. Competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, becoming the first African American woman to win a gold medal in the Winter Games. Established a significant presence in bobsledding after completing a successful career in track and field.

Continue Reading

Gerda van der Kade-Koudijs

Dutch athlete, Olympic long jumper
Born
October 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 92 years old

Competed in athletics, specializing in long jump, hurdles, and running events. Participated in the 1948 Summer Olympics representing the Netherlands. Recorded a personal best in long jump, showcasing notable performance during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Contributed to the establishment of women's athletics in the Netherlands during her active years.

Continue Reading

Einar Örn Benediktsson

Icelandic singer and politician
Born
October 29th, 1962 63 years ago

Sang as a member of the band Sugarcubes, which gained international attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Played trumpet in the band and contributed to their unique sound that blended various musical styles. Later pursued a career in politics, serving as a member of the Reykjavik City Council. Engaged in various social issues, particularly emphasizing the importance of culture and the arts in society.

Continue Reading

Joely Fisher

Actress and director, 'Ellen' star
Born
October 29th, 1967 58 years ago

This actress gained prominence in the television series 'Ellen' where she played the role of Paige Wolfson. She appeared in the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera' and starred in the sitcom 'Till Death' alongside Brad Garrett. As a director, she has worked on several projects, showcasing her talent behind the camera. Her work in both comedy and drama has garnered attention in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Janoris Jenkins

American football cornerback, Pro Bowler
Born
October 29th, 1988 37 years ago

A professional football cornerback, he played for several teams in the National Football League (NFL), including the St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints. Achievements include selection to the Pro Bowl and significant contributions to team defenses, particularly noted during playoff runs. His college career at the University of North Alabama preceded his entry into the NFL, showcasing talent in high-stakes games.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 17th

Roland Arnall

U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands
Born
March 29th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2008 17 years ago — 68 years old

A French-American businessman and diplomat served as the 63rd United States Ambassador to the Netherlands. Held the ambassadorial position from 2006 until 2008. Involved in various business activities, including founding and managing lending services. Participated in numerous philanthropic endeavors and advocated for housing policy reforms areas related to home ownership.

Continue Reading

Friedrich Bessel

Astronomer celebrated for stellar parallax.
Born
July 22nd, 1784 241 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1846 179 years ago — 61 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. Developed methods for measuring stellar parallax, providing evidence for the heliocentric model and establishing the first accurate metric system of astronomy. Worked on the precise measurement of star positions and created Bessel functions, aiding potential solutions in physical problems. The first person to successfully identify the distance to a star beyond the solar system.

Continue Reading

Jules Ferry

French Prime Minister and education reformer
Born
April 5th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1893 132 years ago — 60 years old

Served as Prime Minister of France during two terms in the late 19th century. Played a significant role in establishing public education policies. Advocated for compulsory education and secular schools. His reforms aimed to reduce the influence of the church in education and promote civic values. Contributed to the expansion of France's colonial empire, influencing French policy in Tunisia and Indochina. Supported the idea of French colonial expansion as a means of national pride and economic growth.

Continue Reading

Jean-Baptiste Rousseau

French poet and playwright
Born
April 6th, 1671 354 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1741 284 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent figure in French literature, this poet and playwright made significant contributions to the dramatic arts during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Rousseau's works are characterized by their wit and emotional depth, often reflecting the complexities of human experience. He faced challenges, including exile from France, which influenced his writing. His poetry and plays garnered attention for their lyrical quality, and he became a key figure in the literary circles of his time, influencing subsequent generations of writers.

Continue Reading

Văn Tiến Dũng

Vietnamese general and Minister of Defence
Born
May 2nd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2002 23 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the sixth Minister of Defence of Vietnam from 1974 to 1987. Played a significant role in the Vietnam War, commanding the North Vietnamese Army during key offensives. Participated in various military strategies leading to the reunification of Vietnam. After the war, contributed to the military reform policies within the country until retirement. Influenced defense policies during a pivotal time in Vietnam's history.

Continue Reading

Marek Galiński

Polish mountain biker and champion
Born
August 1st, 1974 51 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 39 years old

Competed in mountain biking events, representing Poland. Achieved significant recognition in the sport, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. Participated in numerous championships and earned both national and international titles. Made contributions to the development of mountain biking in Poland, inspiring a new generation of cyclists. Respected figure in the cycling community until passing in 2014.

Continue Reading