Elders, youth boast of remarkable feats

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania celebrates its 63 years of independence, the nation reflects on its journey from colonial rule to becoming a unified, thriving country.

The vision of the nation’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, continues to shape Tanzania’s path, with a focus on education, infrastructure, health and unity.

The significance of this anniversary is not just a celebration of political freedom, but also a tribute to the hard-fought strides in social, economic and developmental progress.

Born just months after independence in 1962, Ndeanka Barnaba (62), recalls the rapid transformation of the country since its liberation.

In an insightful reflection on Tanzania’s development, Mr Barnaba highlights the role of education and infrastructure in shaping the country’s present and future.

According to him, Tanzania’s education system has been a cornerstone of the nation’s development.

“When I was 10 years old in 1972, I began to understand my country and one of the major pillars of this nation is the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which the founding father emphasised, “he recalled.

He said the union, established shortly after independence, became the foundation for a stronger, united nation.

Mr Barnaba said that one of the most significant achievements in post-independence was the expansion of education. Schools, from primary to higher education institutions, were established across the country, providing opportunities for many young Tanzanians to access quality learning.

In particular, he said the introduction of adult education played a pivotal role in empowering those who were born before independence, allowing them to better understand the nation’s path forward.

Mr Barnaba noted that the expansion of literacy has been key to national development, with increasing numbers of university graduates contributing to a more educated and informed population. This surge in education, he says, is a critical factor in Tanzania’s economic growth.

“Before and during the early years of independence, healthcare was a major challenge, but today, almost every district has health centres, regional hospitals and referral hospitals with that we have witnessed decline in maternal and infant mortality,” he said.

Edward Mathew (63) a resident of Dar es Salaam said Tanzania’s economic transformation is another area Tanzanians can be proud of.

He highlighted improvements in the road network connecting various regions, which have significantly enhanced the movement of people and goods across the country. Unlike in the past, when traveling between regions could take days, journeys are now much faster and more efficient.

Mr Mathew further said that the nation’s investments in infrastructure, including the introduction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric trains, will further accelerate the economy.

He further said that the collapse of East African Airways to the emergence of Air Tanzania is yet another milestone to be proud of and now connecting Tanzania to global destinations.

“Agriculture, too, has evolved, with modern farming practices and irrigation systems introduced to enhance productivity, the government has also empowered youth to develop large-scale farms, contributing to the nation’s food security and economic growth,” he said.

A resident of Bunju in the outskirts of the Dar es Salaam, Woieli Malya (70) said that it is clear that in 63 years the nation has made remarkable progress.

He said the vision outlined in the Arusha Declaration focused on self-reliance, unity and equality remains at the heart of the country’s growth. With a growing, educated population, improved infrastructure and a thriving economy, Tanzania is poised for even greater success in the years ahead.

Looking forward, Mr Malya is optimistic about the future. “The foundations laid by the founding fathers continue to shape our path. We are building a nation that will not only thrive in the next 63 years, but perhaps for the next 100 years,”

A human rights activist, Hellen Kijo-Bisimba (70) said before independence there were no explicit human rights guarantees in the Constitution, it wasn’t until 1988, after significant struggles, that these provisions were finally incorporated, this marked the beginning of profound changes in the country.

“Before these changes’ media landscape was sparse, with only a handful of outlets available. Now, I can’t even count how many media platforms exist,” she said.

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She said the media boom not only provided citizens with access to information but also encouraged greater freedom of expression.

“In the past, discussions were dominated by scholars or figures like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in Parliament. Ordinary citizens were largely unaware of national issues and didn’t have platforms to voice their concerns. But today, even ordinary citizens can express themselves and demand their rights,” Ms Kijo-Bisimba said.

She also said the progress in combatting human trafficking and improving labour laws. “Previously, labour laws only protected government employees. Today, they encompass workers across all sectors, ensuring broader protections.”

Ms Kijo-Bisimba also commended the rise of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) advocating for human rights. “Before the 1990s, these organisations didn’t exist. But since the reforms of 1992, the number of NGOs has grown significantly, providing vital support and advocacy for those in need.”

A Bodaboda rider at Ubungo External in Dar es Salaam, Masamaki Kayuni (26), said that that since the country gained independence, significant progress has been made, which all government phases have contributed to the development including infrastructure.

Mr Kayuni appealed to the government to assist youth in the transport sector by creating a conducive environment and providing alternative dignified employment opportunities.

Reflecting Kayuni’s sentiments, housemaid Rachel Peter (37), who resides in Kigamboni, noted that significant changes are evident in the health sector since independence.

She said, currently a number of women give birth in hospitals, unlike in the past when most women delivered at home.

“We simply request the government to help us in the nursing sector, as many female nurses still use harsh language. It’s a matter of guidance; as fellow women, we have the freedom and the right to be served with respect, without insults,” said Ms Peter.

Mr Maganga William (33), a resident of Mpanda, Katavi Region, currently working on a road construction project in Zanzibar, also shared his perspective, noting how far the country has come. He attributed much of the progress to Nyerere’s instrumental role in demanding freedom during the liberation struggles.

Mr Maganga William (33), a resident of Mpanda, Katavi Region, currently working in Zanzibar in road construction project also shared his perspectives noting that how the country came from it’s a long way attributing Nyerere’s contribution as a truly instrumental in demanding freedom during liberation struggles.

“I am proud to see that, to date we are living freely in our country without being colonised,” he said.

Mr William added, “For example, here we see road projects being implemented in Zanzibar and we have come from the Mainland to work here and earn a living. May God continue to bless our country, Tanzania.”