DODOMA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has called on Tanzanians to embrace and uphold the enduring values of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, as the country gears up for the forthcoming elections.
Dr Mpango made the remarks in Dodoma on Sunday while officiating a symposium to mark 103 years since the birth of Mwalimu Nyerere, reiterating the late leader’s strong stance on peace, unity, equality, and self-reliance.
“As we approach the election period, let us hold fast to Mwalimu’s legacy by promoting peace, national unity, and understanding among all political stakeholders and citizens,” Dr Mpango urged.
He reminded the nation that Nyerere’s teachings remain relevant today, particularly in strengthening democratic processes where tolerance, cohesion, and mutual respect are vital ingredients.
Dr Mpango emphasised the importance of citizen participation in elections, stating that such involvement enhances accountability and reinforces the role of leaders in serving the people.
“Mwalimu Nyerere strongly believed that for a country to develop, it needed people, land, sound policies, and good leadership,” the Vice-President said, noting that Mwalimu consistently championed good leadership at all levels as a key to national development.
According to him, Mwalimu was deeply concerned about failures in governance—highlighting issues such as authoritarianism, disregard for laws, injustice, corruption, embezzlement, abuse of power, and lack of transparency—as major hindrances to progress.
“It is on this basis that the Father of the Nation emphasised the importance of electing good leaders, starting with the country’s first post-independence election on November 1, 1962,” Dr Mpango said.
He reiterated that Nyerere’s vision was centred on leadership that listens to the people, respects the will of the majority, safeguards justice, and protects public resources—principles that remain critical as the nation prepares for the polls.
The Vice-President went on to commend President Samia Suluhu Hassan for advancing Nyerere’s ideals through her 4Rs philosophy—Rebuilding, Reforms, Reconciliation, and Resilience—which he said has enhanced peace, unity, institutional integrity, and civic freedoms, including political and religious expression.
Dr Mpango went on to commend President Samia Suluhu Hassan for advancing Nyerere’s ideals through her 4Rs philosophy—Rebuilding, Reforms, Reconciliation, and Resilience—which he said has enhanced peace, unity, institutional integrity, and civic freedoms, including political and religious expression.
“The Father of the Nation strongly emphasised the importance of Tanzanians safeguarding peace and unity in the country. He firmly believed in human equality and in building a nation free from social classes—one without a minority of the privileged and a majority living in poverty,” he said.
He also highlighted the establishment of the National Service (JKT) in 1964 as one of Mwalimu’s enduring legacies, aimed at instilling discipline, patriotism and national commitment among the youth, and preparing them to play a meaningful role in the country’s defence and socio-economic development.
