Celebrating the spirit of freedom, Independence Day in Tanzania

TODAY, as the Tanzanian flag flutters proudly in the breeze, it is time to pause, reflect and yes celebrate. For this is not just any ordinary day.

It’s Independence Day, a day to remember that the sweat, tears and dreams of countless Tanzanians led to the birth of a free nation.

Today, we honour those who fought the colonial yoke and remember the timeless vision of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, whose leadership and determination laid the foundation for the Tanzania we know and love today. Independence is no small feat.

When our beloved Tanzania then Tanganyika gained independence from British colonial rule in 1961, it wasn’t just a date on a calendar. Nyerere, alongside his comrades and the masses, didn’t just want freedom they wanted dignity.

They didn’t just want power they wanted to see the people thrive. And so, as Tanzanians, we can proudly say: our independence was not handed to us on a silver platter.

It was earned in the trenches. Nyerere, with the strength of his mind and heart, charted a course that was focused on unity, selfreliance and most importantly, the freedom of the African soul.

The vision wasn’t just to liberate Tanganyika it was to bring about a new dawn for all of Africa. Pan-Africanism wasn’t a slogan for him; it was a call to action. Nyerere’s dream was a united, strong and self-reliant Africa where all nations stood tall, together.

But here’s the thing our journey to independence didn’t stop at our borders. When our neighbours were in distress, Tanzania didn’t hesitate to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

Whether it was helping Zanzibar achieve its own independence, supporting the Liberation movements in Mozambique, Angola, or South Africa, or providing refuge and training to freedom fighters from all over Africa,

Tanzania’s commitment to the continent was unwavering. In fact, Nyerere’s vision wasn’t confined to a single country it was about the continent as a whole. And yet, as we celebrate today, there is more work to do.

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There is more to Nyerere’s dream than just waving flags and singing songs. Independence doesn’t just mean the ability to self-govern, but also the ability to help one another rise.

The unity of Africa that Nyerere dreamt of is not just a historical memory; it is a present-day responsibility. For our neighbouring countries, remember that Tanzania’s Independence Day is as much yours as it is ours. For every step we took towards freedom, we reached out to support you whether directly or indirectly.

Today, we celebrate a shared history of struggle, resilience and mutual triumph. You may have won your own battles for independence, but know that Tanzania’s hand was in it always ready to offer support, wisdom and a refuge from colonial oppression.

Happy Independence Day, Tanzania!