Margaret Mary Kumbuka: 19th April 1952 - 3rd May 2009
8 May 2009
Margaret Kumbuka was born on 19th April 1952 in Tanga, Tanzania. She attended Korogwe Girls Secondary School, where she gained her O-Levels and IB level qualifications between 1966-1971. Margaret was awarded a BA degree in Teacher Education (Majoring in Kiswahili & Literature) by the University of Dar Es Salaam in 1975 and an MA in African Literature from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 2007. Additionally, she attended and completed numerous courses and workshops across the globe, attaining a number of qualifications and gaining invaluable skills.
Following her father's career path, Margaret began teaching in 1975, at Azania Boys Secondary School. Her career would span 34 years and see her working for a number of prestigious educational institutions and organizations, including broadcasting and editorial work for Tanzania's National Kiswahili Council (1979-84), and teaching for the US Peace Corps (1984-5), the International School of Tanganyika (1987-99) and SOAS. Margaret also worked as a translator and consultant for both film and radio on Swahili language, literature and culture.
Margaret will always be remembered for her generosity, openness, and vivacity, and for the warmth of her beaming smile. She was an invaluable member of the Africa department and the SOAS community, and was greatly loved by her students, one of whom has described her as a 'most approachable, knowledgeable and friendly teacher'.
Margaret is survived by her two daughters, Mahadia and Arafa, her son Khalid, and two granddaughters, Fatma & Fadya. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, colleagues and students. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Margaret's funeral will take place in Tanzania in the week beginning 11th May 2009.
Akin Oyètádé
Head of Department of the Languages and Cultures of Africa
Donations
Donations will be thankfully received to support Margaret's children in defraying the cost of the funeral arrangements. If you would like to make any donation, please drop it in or send it to Maxine Brown, Team Leader, Academic Staff Support, Faculty of Languages and Cultures, SOAS, WC1H 0XG. Tel: 020 7898 4096; email: max.brown@soas.ac.uk
