IMAGINE a vibrant hub teeming with life – that is the essence of Mnazi Mmoja. Garden, once the cornerstone of community life in Dar es Salaam, a place where various gatherings flourished, nurturing camaraderie and fostering social interactions.
Back in the day, strolling through the garden unveiled its historical significance, with monuments and statues narrating tales of Tanzania’s past, its struggle for independence and the place where national heroes held crucial political rallies. Beyond being a mere park, it also serves as a living history lesson, a conclusion one would draw while exploring its grounds – that is if you are lucky enough to be allowed in.
Read on, in no time you will know what I am talking about… Some may be unaware that Mnazi Mmoja Garden hosted the initial gathering of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), the forefather of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in 1954, marking a watershed occasion.
This was no ordinary meeting; it inspired transformation, fueling the fight for statehood that forever altered the nation’s course. Consider the year 1961, when the Uhuru Torch was first ignited here, symbolising Tanzania’s struggle for freedom. Fast forward to 1969 and Mnazi Mmoja became the core of the Mashujaa Momentum, the location for recognising national heroes on July 25th – at least until 2016, when the event was relocated to the capital Dodoma, where it remains today.
The launch of the Arusha Declaration in 1967 was another watershed moment in Mnazi Mmoja’s chronicles. This statement, first issued from this precise spot, described Tanzania’s destiny, advocating socialism and self-reliance as guiding principles.
Beyond its serene facade as a garden, surely this tranquil space holds the secrets of a bygone era when it served as a symbolic demarcation area during colonial rule and a clandestine meeting ground for our freedom-seeking forefathers.
During the colonial era, Mnazi Mmoja Gardens, then a mere open space, played a key role as a physical boundary, separating Indian inhabitants to the East from Africans and Arabs to the West.
This demarcation was a stark reminder of the divisions imposed by colonial powers, testimony that the area also bore witness to the challenges faced by different communities as they navigated the intricacies of life under colonial rule. One remarkable aspect of Mnazi Mmoja Garden’s history is its role as a clandestine gathering place for those who yearned for political change.
Under strict colonial laws that prohibited political assemblies, our forefathers ingeniously turned to traditional dances as a cover for their secret meetings. This ingenious ruse allowed them to come together, share ideas, and strategise for a brighter future while escaping the watchful eye of colonial authorities.
A focal point in the garden, the famous drummer statue standing amidst the peaceful fishpond, serves as an enduring symbol of this period in history.
It embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity and unity that characterised those clandestine gatherings, reminding us of the courage and determination of those who sought to shape a better future for themselves and their descendants.
Therefore, entering Mnazi Mmoja garden, remember, you are not merely stepping into a place but a living narrative. This urban oasis, often referred to by its dual name, had once upon a time served as an escape where residents and visitors immersed themselves in the harmonious blend of nature, culture and history.
Indeed, Mnazi Mmoja Gardens carries a legacy deeply intertwined with Tanzanian history.
However, if you were to ask me, it seems that the significance largely ends there. Start with the Uhuru Torch Monument that stands prominently in the middle of the park, where it is said a solitary coconut tree once stood, giving it its Swahili name ‘Mnazi Mmoja’ meaning ‘one coconut tree’ ; But alas! this historical monument, which later became the venue for the National Heroes Day, is inaccessible to the very public it aims to inspire.
Ironically, still, even after the Heroes Days have since been relocated to Dodoma, the entire middle and south end of the garden is today off-limits, rendering the garden’s historical and cultural significance inaccessible. Every day, the gates stay closed, prompting doubts and puzzlement.
This perplexing contradiction, juxtaposed against the park’s intended role as a public space, casts a shadow over its identity.
Mnazi Mmoja’s significance extended far beyond political milestones. In 1952, Greek entrepreneur George Anautoglou made a notable contribution to its history by establishing The Anautoglou Hall, an entertainment complex.
This addition significantly heightened its cultural influence and solidified its status as a focal point for various influences. More so, adjacent to the Anautoglu hall, which today is no longer a hall but the seat of the Ilala District Council, is the Amtulabhai Clinic, commissioned by the Karimjee family to provide healthcare and the nearby Mnazi Mmoja dispensary.
They all have consistently contributed to the garden’s reputation for public service. A stone throw from the gates of Mnazi Mmoja dispensary (now elevated to hospital status), there is a police post that, while helping to maintain law and order in the area, has unfortunately, contributed to the neglect of the nearby Independence Stream, located just behind the bus stand.
The once-beautiful monument, adorned with the coat of arms, used to be a popular spot in its prime. It would shoot in the air a hissing stream of water whenever you threw a coin into the well-lit pond, to the delight of all. Today, this decaying spectacle too is a no-go area.
Moreover, the stark disparity between the garden's potential and its current state further underscores this dilemma.
Originally conceived as a verdant oasis providing a respite from the urban hustle and bustle, a significant portion of the park’s northern end has been repurposed to serve as a venue for celebratory gatherings. During official events, this once-pristine green expanse transforms into a cacophony of exhibition booths and tents, where people and vehicles trample the delicate foliage.
Adding to the list of challenges, an ill-conceived decision was made to erect a stand that faces east, subjecting VIPs to the relentless blaze of the sun. This puzzling choice stands in stark contrast to the well-placed stand on the park’s south side, where attendees can enjoy events in comfort.
This transformation not only compromises the garden’s natural beauty but also raises questions about its intended purpose as a serene public space. The clash between its historical significance and its utilisation today reflects the broader struggle to balance the preservation of heritage with the evolving needs of a growing and dynamic society.
As the garden grapples with these complexities, it serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing many urban public spaces in the country, where history and modernity often find themselves at odds.
The story of Mnazi Mmoja Garden underscores the delicate balance between historical preservation, community bonds, and ecological harmony within urban green spaces. It stands as a sentinel, reminding us of the promises and challenges inherent in creating and preserving urban sanctuaries.
And as the city continues to evolve, the destiny of the garden serves as a testament to the pressing need for nurturing these green havens. It encapsulates the essence of a city while providing solace to its inhabitants.
The legend of Mnazi Mmoja Garden accentuates the delicate balance required to protect historical heritage, foster community bonds and uphold the ecological wellbeing of urban green spaces. Its historical significance and ability to elevate urban life’s quality must not be underestimated.
A comprehensive strategy is imperative to genuinely honour its heritage and unlock its potential. This strategy should prioritise accessibility, sustainability and the realization of its original purpose. Dear City fathers, are you reading this?