Nyerere’s vision lives on

• Samia says preserving Mwalimu’s legacy is blueprint for nation’s sustainable development

MWANZA: PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has led Tanzanians in celebrating the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, emphasising the government’s ongoing commitment to the founding father’s vision of national unity and solidarity on Monday, citizens across the country commemorated the 25th anniversary of Mwalimu Nyerere’s death, with national level observances taking place at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

This event coincided with the climax of the Uhuru Torch Race and the National Youth Week celebrations.

The event, graced by President Dr Samia, attracted a large turnout as participants reflected on Nyerere’s life and contributions.

In her address, President Samia noted the significance of commemorating Nyerere’s death anniversary, reaffirming the government’s dedication to preserving his legacy as a blueprint for the nation’s sustainable development.

As a result, she noted, Nyerere’s legacy of fostering national solidarity among ove120 tribes endures, positioning Tanzania as a peaceful, tribeless nation.

“We are proud of our unity and solidarity built by Mwalimu Nyerere,” President Samia stated.

This year, the country observes Nyerere’s anniversary while celebrating 60 years of the Union he co-founded with Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume.

The merger of Tanganyika and Zanzibar into the United Republic of Tanzania officially took place on April 26, 1964. President Samia emphasised that this milestone in protecting the Union underscores the shared commitment of the government and citizens to cherish Nyerere’s vision, rooted in a strong belief in Pan-Africanism.

Reflecting on Nyerere’s contributions to the African liberation struggle, President Samia cited nations such as South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique as some of the countries, he supported in their quests for independence.

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She praised Nyerere’s unwavering belief in the independence of all African countries as foundational for unity, enabling the continent to have a voice in global governance.

Nyerere was instrumental in the formation of the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

Additionally, President Samia recognised Nyerere’s stand against corruption, exploitation and hatred, noting that he directed for the Uhuru Torch lit atop Mount Kilimanjaro to symbolise freedom and hope for all people.

She commended Nyerere’s people centred approach to prosperity, where work is seen as a measure of humanity. This philosophy has been embraced by his successors through development slogans like “Hapa Kazi Tu” and “Kazi Iendelee.”

In this context, she urged the youth who represent a significant portion of the country’s work- force—to emulate Nyerere’s legacies by making positive contributions to the nation’s transformation through innovation and hard work.

Furthermore, President Samia encouraged young people to avoid social vices, including drug abuse and risky sexual behaviours, which can hinder their potential.

She highlighted alarm- ing statistics from 2023, reporting that the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority seized 1.9 mil- lion kilos of illicit drugs, leading to the arrest of approximately 10,522 suspects linked to drug trafficking.

This figure is nearly three times the 660,465 kilos seized in 2022, serving as a warning for youth to abstain from drug abuse. Mwalimu Nyerere passed away on October 14, 1999.