When he died on Thursday at Dubai, Billionaire philanthropist Reginald Mengi's humble beginning was subject to social media debates, with many hailing him as the best charity worker of the time.
But despite his billions, Mengi's family was poverty stricken at some point, but he strived to change fortunes with time. Even in his literary work, 'I can, I must, I will', he portrays himself as a man who yearned for success.
“I grew up in poverty, but I always saw it as a challenge. The good thing is that you can surmount a challenge if you are willing to pay the price. The price is hard work," he said in a past function.
Before his richness, Mengi walked to school barefoot, lived in a mud hut where cows, goats and sheep lived in the rural Kilimanjaro. He overturned fortunes when he went to UK for further studies.
The Tanzanian walked the talk. In 2014, Forbes magazine listed him as the 46th wealthiest African with an estimated net worth of $560 million (Sh56 billion), effectively making him one of the most influential men in Tanzania.
According to Forbes, Mengi’s IPP Media Group owns 11 media outlets including newspapers, radio and television stations and internet properties.
He also owns Bonite Bottlers, the sole bottler of Coca-Cola products in the northern region of Tanzania. His Kilimanjaro brand of bottled water is the biggest selling in the country.
Just as he was being mourned throughout the world after dying in Dubai at 75, President John Magufuli also seized the opportunity to laud him as the best philanthropist of his time.
"Nimesikitishwa na taarifa za kifo cha Mzee na Rafiki yangu Dkt. Reginald Mengi. Nitamkumbuka kwa mchango wake mkubwa ktk maendeleo ya Taifa letu na maono yake yaliyopo ktk kitabu chake cha I Can, I Will, I Must. Poleni wanafamilia, wafanyakazi wa IPP na Jumuiya ya Wafanyabiashara," he wrote.
Loosely translates to: " I am saddened to learn about the death of my friend Mengi. I will remember him for his philanthropic activities in Tanzania. I also remember his book 'I can, I will, I must'. I send my condolences to those affected."
Mr Mengi, who sat in various boards across Tanzania and in Africa, survived with a widow, Jacqueline Mengi and five children. His first wife died in 2017, two years after marrying the young wife.