NYERERE 24th DEATH ANNIVERSERY: Integrity, patriotism stressed

IN observing the 24th anniversary of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, youths have an obligation to embrace the strong values of integrity and patriotism laid down by the former leader for national building and prosperity of the country.

More than two decades after Mwalimu’s death, the principles and philosophies continue to live on as critical teachings and reference points among many in the society and world over.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson said this during a National Youth Symposium which convened in Manyara, yesterday, noting that good morals should be part and parcel of every Tanzanian.

Dr Ackson hinted that a section of people in the country lacked good morals and were not patriotic to the country, calling upon parents to play their role in the upbringing of their children.

“A family is an important institution in moulding children in a straight and desired path coupled with good morals,” said the Speaker.

According to her, children who are brought up well become better youths and parents to their children tomorrow.

She however noted that having good leaders is a long process that require preparations from the up bringing of children and in their education.

The Speaker made reference to herself, noting that the person she has become today took hard work and strong commitment.

“Education is a very critical facet in the preparations of good leaders, which is the reason the government has accorded the opportunity for all Tanzanian children to study free,” she said.

For his part, the Chairman of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, Mr Joseph Butiku pointed out that Mwalimu Nyerere considered national building and development to be built upon the principles of good morals and ways of knowing what Tanzania is.

“Being able to recognise who we are, our organs, laws, policies and leadership of the country will help people to realise that the main foundation are themselves,” he said.

He added: “Mwalimu was convinced that a country’s development will not only be recognised for the big buildings and infrastructure among others, but for the good morals of its people. Once this critical aspect is at the centre, everything else is going to follow.”

Zanzibar’s Minister of State, Second Vice-President’s Office, Policy, Coordination and House of Representatives, Hamza Hassan Juma referred to Mwalimu as a selfless person who desired to see people live in peace and harmony.

He observed that Mwalimu and former Zanzibar President, the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume worked hand in hand to see the country freed from colonial domination.

“After Tanganyika attained her independence in 1961, by then Zanzibar was still under the Sultanate regime…Mwalimu and his counterpart made sure that Zanzibar was free,” he said.

Mr Juma noted that Mwalimu worked effectively to oversee Zanzibar becomes independent in 1964 by revolution.

Expounding further, he said the Tanzanian anthem was a true reflection of Mwalimu Nyerere’s reflections, where for instance the stanza ‘Mungu ibariki Africa’ demonstrates his goal that Tanzania cannot attain independence alone if other African countries were still colonised.

He said that the same applied to the stanza ‘Wabariki viongozi wake’, this is Mwalimu’s will that Tanzania is the only country since independence where its leaders have been smoothly transitioning from power without any problems.