Mwalimu Julius Nyerere: Unifier and liberator

IN challenging times, people often look to leaders for guidance and hope. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding father, is one such figure who stands out as both a unifier and liberator.

For Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Nyerere embodies these qualities.

At just 17, he crossed from Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to Mozambique and eventually to Tanzania in 1975.

The Zimbabwean National Army Commander was in the country to attend a day-long commemorative international dialogue in honour of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School (MJNLS), in Kibaha, Coast region, in early October,

In an interview with the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam, General Sanyatwe reflected on how Nyerere’s influence became evident through revolutionary radio broadcasts from Mozambique, which mobilised the masses in Zimbabwe.

“I hail from eastern Zimbabwe, where it’s easier to cross into Mozambique. After Mozambique gained independence on June 25, 1975, we began receiving broadcasts from revolutionary radio stations, particularly Radio Beira, which inspired many to seek refuge in Tanzania for training,” he explained.

General Sanyatwe recalled how Tanzania became a hub for liberation movements, where many, including himself, were drawn to train and join the fight for Zimbabwe’s freedom.

“After I gathered the courage and felt confident about the Radio Beira broadcasts, I knew I could be trained and join fellow Zimbabweans in the fight for our motherland. I crossed the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border and, upon reaching Mozambique, was hosted at Chimoyo before being taken to Beira Port. There, I boarded a Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces (TPDF) navy ship, which carried me and other young Zimbabweans to Mtwara.

Upon arrival at Mtwara Port, we were taken directly to Farm 17, a military training camp in Nachingwea, Lindi region, where we were prepared to undergo basic military training,” observed the top soldier of the National Army of Zimbabwe.

This is where he encountered Nyerere for the first time.

At the Farm 17 training facility, initially a base for the Mozambican FRELIMO freedom fighters, Nyerere spoke passionately to the recruits.

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“He urged us to adopt a nationalist mindset, to take pride in being Zimbabweans and to be prepared to sacrifice for our country’s liberation,” Sanyatwe recalled.

A second memorable encounter took place at Chingozi International Airport in Mozambique, where Nyerere delivered an inspiring talk to ZANLA fighters.

“He emphasised that the future of independent Zimbabwe rested in our hands. He reminded us that our fight against Ian Smith’s forces would shape the destiny of our nation,” Sanyatwe noted.

As I listened to Mwalimu Nyerere speak, I saw a true liberator within him. He was more determined than ever to see Zimbabwe freed from the grip of UDI, hooliganism and the remnants of British rule, which still lingered through the hidden influence of Ian Smith.

Concluding his impassioned speech about the struggle for independence, Mwalimu Nyerere pointed out that if Mozambique and Angola could achieve their freedom despite the relentless efforts of Colonial Portugal to suppress their movements, then nothing could stop Zimbabwe from achieving the same.

“We, the sons of the soil, must rise up and fight bravely and gallantly against Smith’s forces,” declared the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.

During the international commemorative dialogue in honour of Nyerere at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, several papers were presented reflecting on his legacy.

Dr Jakaya Kikwete, former president of Tanzania, delivered the keynote address titled “Mwalimu Nyerere and the Liberation Movements: Reflections on Solidarity, Leadership, Pan-Africanism and African Unity.”

The dialogue featured contributions from various authors, including a paper by Colonel (retired) Joseph Simbakalia on Nyerere’s role in the liberation struggle and Dr Charles Mubita’s insights on ideological education in preserving Nyerere’s legacy.

General Sanyatwe also presented a paper on the challenges and opportunities in upholding Nyerere’s vision.

In these reflections, it is clear that Nyerere’s influence as a unifier and liberator continues to resonate in the hearts of those who fought for freedom.

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