President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Hassan, 71, died on Monday, 7 September 2026, while receiving treatment for a cardiac condition.

Ramaphosa, who is currently chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), expressed his condolences to President Hassan, her children, extended family and friends.

Hafidh Hassan had a career in agriculture and was an agricultural academic and agriculturalist.

Ramaphosa also extended his sympathies to the Tanzanian government and people following the death.

Tanzania is a founding member of SADC and has played a significant role in regional cooperation and integration.

“As the people of our region, we reach out in our hearts and prayers to President Hassan and the nation of Tanzania in this difficult moment,” Ramaphosa said.

“We offer you our heartfelt condolences and wish you strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of an outstanding citizen and partner to the First Lady.”

The death comes as President Hassan continues to lead Tanzania, where she became the country’s first female president after taking office in March 2021.

She assumed the presidency following the death of former president John Magufuli, having previously served as his deputy.

Hassan was elected as vice president in 2015 alongside Magufuli before becoming president following his death.

Her presidency has made her a prominent political figure in East Africa and within SADC.

Ramaphosa’s message was delivered in his capacity as chairperson of SADC, extending condolences on behalf of the southern African region to the Tanzanian president and her family.

The South African president said his thoughts were with Hassan and her family as they mourned the loss.

Hafidh Hassan was recognised for his work in agriculture and academia. His professional career was centred on agricultural education and the agricultural sector.

His death leaves President Hassan mourning the loss of her husband as she continues with her responsibilities as Tanzania’s head of state.

The condolences also highlight the close regional relationship between South Africa and Tanzania, which are both members of SADC.

The two countries have longstanding political, economic and diplomatic ties and have worked together on regional issues through SADC and other multilateral platforms.

Tanzania has also been an important participant in efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and integration among southern African countries.

Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the Tanzanian people, saying the country was mourning the loss of an outstanding citizen.

The president said his thoughts and prayers were with Hassan and the nation during the difficult period.

The statement did not provide further details about Hafidh Hassan’s cardiac condition or the circumstances surrounding his treatment.

Details of funeral arrangements will be released soon.

President Hassan and her family are expected to observe a period of mourning following the death.