A strange coincidence that marks the freedom season in Mauritius is the demise of Joseph Tsang Mang Kin at the age of 86. He was a towering figure of our Republic. He was born on a certain 12 March and departed for good on what the victorious party describes as a 
second liberation of our country. Joseph was an Alif Honoree who used to attend our functions. Lately, I noticed that his health was deteriorating… he had some difficulty to stay standing for long. But he was vibrant with his broad smile and a good company.
Joseph has left an indelible imprint on the land his family decided to settle without losing his Hakka culture of which he was a proud champion. But his interests were wide and varied. He was a teacher, a poet, and a writer. He must have believed in the power of ideas which he disseminated through his teachings, writings, poetry and art. As a politician, he espoused the Labour Party culture. And as a Labour Minister of Culture, he established the National Library, the National Art Gallery, and the Museum of Mauritian History, apart from setting up our Embassy in France.
During his late years, the age did not discourage him to serve, to be present where things were happening. I learned from him that that the two languages that can be written in calligraphy are Arabic and Chinese and he was present at a demonstration of this art at the Chinese Cultural Centre.
Joseph was humble and manifested dignity during his tenure of public offices. It is this remarkable quality that endeared him to his surroundings and earned him admirers who flocked in large numbers to pay him homage at the night of wake in Beau Bassin. Our respect, our solidarity and our condolences go his spouse and children and numerous brothers and sisters and their children. RIP Joseph.
Dawood Auleear