Why celebrating Nyerere life significant

TANZANIA: TANZANIA is celebrating the life of its founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, 25 years after his passing.

Honouring Nyerere’s legacy serves as a reminder of the values and principles that guide Tanzania’s future.

This anniversary provides an opportunity for Tanzanians to reflect on their progress since Nyerere’s time, assessing both achievements and challenges in the pursuit of his vision.

Nyerere had a significant impact on the country’s history. He played a crucial role in shaping Tanzania’s identity, hence commemorating his legacy helps to reinforce a sense of unity and pride among Tanzanians, fostering national cohesion.

Indeed, Nyerere’s vision for social justice, education and self-reliance continues to inspire the nation and reflecting on his leadership provides valuable lessons for the current and future leaders.

In preparation for this historic day, Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa said yesterday that the nation has set stage in Mwanza Region to commemorate the life Mwalimu Nyerere.

The historic event which will be graced by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the CCM Kirumba Stadium today, is expected to attract huge turnout of citizens from every corner of the country.

It will run concurrently with conclusion of the Uhuru Torch Race that started in April this year.

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Prime Minister Majaliwa confirmed that preparations for the event are nearly complete. “I have been informed that the preparations are 100 per cent complete,” he stated.

Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda also welcomed all Tanzanians to attend, emphasising the significance of the Uhuru Torch Race as a symbol of freedom, hope and unity.

He added: “I welcome all Tanzania to come early at the event. The preparations have been done to provide you with a comfortable experience. I remind them to get into the stadium from at least 6:00 am.”

He also underlined the significance of Uhuru Torch Race, saying it is a symbol of Tanzanians’ freedom, hope, peace, unity and solidarity and sustainable development.

Since the race of the Uhuru Torch started in April this year, about 1,501 projects worth 10.8tri/- in 180 district councils have been inspected, with several being launched while others rejected.

The theme of this year’s Uhuru Torch is “Protect environment and participate to the Local Government Election to build a sustainable nation,”

On the day of the commemoration, special prayers in remembrance of Nyerere will be held at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Francisco Xavery in Mwanza. President Samia is also scheduled to launch a book detailing the history and philosophy of the Uhuru Torch and to address the nation.

Commenting on the Commemoration of Mwalimu Nyerere death anniversary, academicians reflected on Nyerere’s outstanding patriotism and efforts for achieving self-reliance and liberation of all African countries.

Renowned academician, Ambassador Professor Costa Mahalu counted on Nyerere patriotism as vital ingredient worth emulating for all current leaders in efforts of protecting the national independence and inclusive development.

“We should remember Mwalimu by cherishing patriotism, which can unite us as one family,” he said. He noted that Nyerere’s philosophy of Ujamaa (socialism) and self-reliance, key components of the Arusha Declaration of 1967, are essential for utilising the country’s natural resources to improve citizens’ welfare.

He said until his last breath, Mwalimu Nyerere believed on inclusive sustainable development through his philosophy of Ujamaa and Self-reliance, the key components of the Arusha Declaration of 1967.

Prof Mahalu, a Vice-Chancellor at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) said patriotism is essential in ensuring the country’s natural resources are fully exploited for improving welfare of all citizens as Mwalimu Nyerere envisioned.

He underlined the fact that all natural resources available including land and minerals can further lead the country to economic independence and self-reliance.

Remembering Nyerere’s efforts toward liberating Africa, he said the nation founding father believed that Tanzania could not be independent if other countries were still under colonialists.

He said such determination forged unity among African countries with Tanzania as the epicentre of liberation.

As the results, he said until the death of Nyerere in 1999, all African countries had attained independence, a significant milestone which shows that his vision lives today.

However, Prof Mahalu urged African countries including Tanzania to be careful with the on-going neo-colonialism under umbrella of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) pressing the need for leaders to ensure all investors benefit the host countries rather than reaping a lion share of the resources to their overseas home.

“It is important to understand that former colonial masters still perceive African resource as their wealth,” Prof Mahalu said.

Also, he urged African leaders to have one voice on the matter of the continent prosperity saying emerging division gives a vacuum for neo-colonialism.

Going forward, Prof Mahalu urged all Tanzanians to love their country and their government and avoid selfishness which is against the planted value of unity and solidarity by Mwalimu Nyerere.

For his part, Economic Diplomacy Expert, Professor Kitojo Wetengere based at the University of Arusha said Mwalimu Nyerere believed that Tanzania can better enjoy economic diplomacy if it could produce sufficient goods from its own manufacturing industries.

He said it was from such grounds the late established numerous local industries in efforts of boosting export of value added products.

Prof Wetengere said the country can leverage the global markets if it has enough quality local manufactured goods rather than exporting raw goods, which fall short in withstanding competition from industrialised nations.

For his part, Business Expert, Dr Sylvester Jotta eulogised Nyerere’s belief on local industries’ massive production, describing it as driving force to self-reliance which could see Tanzania ascending as among industrialised countries in Africa.

He mentioned Mwatex and Urafiki Textile factories as some of the industries which were established under Nyerere presidency, to boost economic growth by producing local goods including clothes while stimulate development of other economic sectors including agriculture.

Dr Jotta urged current leaders to ensure they revive dead local industries and create favourable environment for establishment of new home-based manufacturing firms which will substantially boost export of value-added goods.