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When Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume’s flight touched down on the tarmac of Columbia Metropolitan Airport, weeks of anticipation for his Palmetto State visit turned to reality.

Perhaps no one anticipated this arrival more than South Carolina State University interim President Dr. Leonard McIntyre.

“I’m so grateful he has agreed to come. I think by all estimates it’s a first for the university. It’s safe to say we are making history,” said McIntyre.

After the crowd of 50 people weathered several flight delays that prolonged Karume’s arrival, the anticipation was palpable when finally the trumpets of the S.C. State Marching 101 signaled the moment was at hand.

Karume briefly addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for his country’s relationship with S.C. State.

“I’m looking forward to strengthening the relationship between South Carolina, S.C. State and Zanzibar,” said Karume. It was not Karume’s first visit to the U.S., but it was his first time in the state.

He thanked the university for extending the invitation for him to visit S.C. State from the African island of Zanzibar.

Two S.C. State students from Zanzibar, Daudi Muhamed and Sakina Alawy, presented Karume with flowers.

The S.C. State National Alumni Association also presented Karume with a state seal.

McIntyre and S.C. State Trustee Board member Lumus Byrd both gave brief introductions.

“The excitement and enthusiasm is extremely high,” said McIntyre.

Karume’s arrival kicks off a myriad of events for him in the state, which will culminate with his keynote speech at S.C. State’s commencement exercises Friday night at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

This afternoon S.C. State will host a welcoming reception for Karume and his delegation. Leading up to the commencement, Karume will have the opportunity to meet Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller and other community leaders during a luncheon. Karume also will visit Charleston before leaving South Carolina on Saturday.

Since become Zanzibar’s president in 2000, Karume has engaged himself in the economic and social development of the nation, specifically in education, health and poverty reduction. Under his leadership, Zanzibar has launched an economic growth and poverty reduction strategy with emphasis on education development.

Part of that education development owes a large assist to S.C. State. In January, S.C. State officials visited Zanzibar to present its government with biology textbooks and learning materials for high school students.

S.C. State gathered a team to write the textbooks after being awarded a grant from President Bush’s African Education Initiative, which aims to expand the academic opportunities of African students. The university will also produce textbooks in the areas of math, chemistry and physics for Zanzibar’s schools.

S.C. State’s commencement exercises will begin at 7 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

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