Mohamed Akber Nathani Takim was born on September 6, 1944, in Zanzibar to Akber and Fizzabai Rashid Nathani Takim. He was the fifth of eight children. He spent his formative years on the tranquil island of Zanzibar, attending Sir Euan Smith Madressa for primary and King George VI School for secondary education. He also studied at School Faize (night school) where he learnt Arabic, Urdu and Farsi. He often recalled fondly these ‘good old days’ of simplicity and strong community bonds.During his time in Zanzibar, he was an active member of the Boy Scouts. One of his most memorable moments was when he bravely jumped into the ocean at the Forodhani waterfront to rescue a drowning boy, an act that earned him a medal from the British Governor of Zanzibar at a special ceremony.
He pursued further studies in Aligarh, India, and later spent time in Iran and the UK, gaining exposure to different cultures and perspectives. Upon the untimely passing of his father, he returned to Dar es Salaam to take over the family’s travel business alongside his two brothers. The company—formerly known as Takims Agencies, later Takim Travel Services, and finally Takims Holidays— grew into one of Tanzania's most renowned travel and safari companies. Established in 1950, the company continues to grow, marking its 75th anniversary in 2025.
His life was marked by a deep commitment to family, community, and the travel industry. As Managing Director of Takims Holidays, he played a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s tourism sector over his career that spanned more than five decades in the industry. His visionary leadership and his tireless dedication to elevating Tanzanian tourism won him the respect of many. He served as Chairman and Trustee of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), the Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA), was the founding Chairman of the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) and chaired several sub-committees for the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He also served on several government boards, including the Road Fund Board and the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), helping to foster regional and international cooperation in the tourism industry.
His passion for community service was equally remarkable. In the 1970’s during some years spent in Toronto, he served as the first Principal of the Madressa, and the Secretary of the Jamaat. Later in Dar es Salaam he volunteered as a teacher of Arabic and Islamic History at the Madressa and held leadership positions in Tabligh and Sociology at both the local Jamaat level and with the Africa Federation. During this time in the 1980’s, he worked on a review of the Madressa curriculum, hosted an Aalim’s seminar as well as a symposium on ‘The state of marriage in our community’. As a regular columnist for the Federation Samachar, he wrote thoughtfully on issues of communal interest. His work as Chairman of Medewell, an NGO focused on medical, education, and water projects, further illustrated his commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged.
He was an avid reader, with an extensive personal library consisting of books from Eastern and Western authors. His interests were vast, ranging from Psychology and Sociology to Religion and Politics. Through his personal interest in the betterment of the community, and in an effort to promote intellectual discourse as well as encourage critical thinking, he founded the 'bethak' online discussion forum in 2014. This became a platform for meaningful debate on topics critical to communal progress, including reformation, inter-faith dialogue, the role of rituals, women’s rights, and the preservation of mother tongue. As a skilled moderator, he ensured all viewpoints were heard with respect. He continued to guide these discussions until his final days.
Alhaj Mohamed Akber Takim was also one of the panelists in the “Unguja Yetu” talk show, hosted by the Africa Federation Archives and Media Section to reflect on Zanzibar’s history on June 26, 2020. The event featured three distinguished speakers - Professor Abdul Sheriff shared insights on life before the revolution, and Dr. Mohamedraza Dungersi recounted the Zanzibar 1964 revolution’s events and its immediate aftermath.
Alhaj Mohamed bhai focused on the post-revolution era, highlighting the challenges faced by uprooted Zanzibari families and their strong resilience in rebuilding lives globally. He emphasized the transformative contributions of the diaspora, including the establishment of Jamaats, creation of community centres, leadership initiatives, and active roles in education, Madrassa programs, and sports like cricket, football and volleyball. He also paid tribute to the critical roles of community women, celebrating the enduring legacy of Zanzibaris worldwide.
Alhaj Mohamed bhai passed away on October 1, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was laid to rest the following day at the Jafferiya Cemetery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He is survived by his devoted wife, three of his five sisters, two brothers, three sons, three daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren. His wisdom, kindness, and dedication to family, community, and service will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May Allah (SWT) reward Mohamed bhai amply for all his devoted and selfless services in the community and grant him an elevated station in the proximity of Ahlulbayt (‘A), where he is enveloped in Allah (SWT)'s bountiful mercy and grace, Ameen.
Please let us recite Surah Al-Fateha for Marhum Mohamed Akber Nathani Takim and all the Marhumeen for the maghferat of the departed souls - Al-Fateha.
Article Source: Br. Tehsin Takim
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
20th December 2024 / 18th Jamadiul Akhar 1446 AH
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