Hamad died on the job, serving all of Zanzibar 19 Hamad died on the job, serving all of Zanzibar ZANZIBAR First Vice President, Seif Sharif Hamad, who died on Wednesday at the age of 77, was a charismatic and tolerant leader who was at the centre of the Isles’ political arena for almost half a century. ZANZIBAR First Vice President, Seif Sharif Hamad. Throughout his political career in which he was popularly known as Maalim (Teacher) Seif he emerged as a true servant of the people and a politician who always advocated unity, progress and freedom. Maalim’s willingness to join President Hussein Mwinyi after he won the controversial last October elections to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) for the second time was another testimony of his patriotism and spirit of forgiveness.