Habineza breathed the last on 20th August 2021 succumbing to natural cause in Kenya where he had been taken for medical attention.

The ceremony to bid last farewell took place at his home where different mourners gave testimonies reflecting on late Habineza’s kindness, compassion and self-less love which characterized him throughout his life.

The Senate President, Dr. Augustin Iyamuremye was also among mourners.

After prayers led by pastors from Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, ceremonies continued at Rusororo graveyard in Gasabo district where Habineza has been laid to rest.

Speaking at the funeral, Habineza’s father said that God has recalled his servant.

“I am grateful to God because he gave him life and has recalled him. I have nothing else to do except thanking God because Job said ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there’. I am convinced that Habineza is in the hands of God,” he said.

The son of Habineza, Jean Michel Habineza has also reflected on indelible memories with his father who always taught them to lead humble life and live in harmony with members of the society.

“I visited grandmothers two weeks ago. I heard him criticizing my father that he trusted everyone as if they all wished him well. It gave me inspiration to lead humble life and leave a good legacy by the time of my advanced ages,” he said.

Joseph Habineza was born in Kamonyi district in Southern Province on 3rd October 1964.

He served in various positions where he worked with Heineken in Kinshasa between1994-1998 and headed the digital power arm of Heineken in Nigeria between1998-2000.

Habineza started his political career in 2004 after returning from Nigeria. At the time, he was appointed the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.

In 2008, the Ministry was split into the separate institutions where Habineza continued to assume duties as the Minister of Sports and Culture until 2011.

He was later appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Nigeria and Ghana.

Habineza rejoined the cabinet in 2014 following his new appointment as the Minister of Sports and Culture. He held the position for 183 days and replaced on 24th February 2015.

In November 2016, Habineza started own businesses where he was involved in the wholesale of noodles produced from Egypt based firm known as Antoniou.

He was appointed the CEO of Radiant Yacu Ltd in 2019 and left the position in August 2020.