Samia calls for safeguarding Tanzanian cultural values
RUVUMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged Tanzanians to uphold their cultural values, warning that the nation’s heritage is threatened by increasing societal interactions.
Speaking at the closure of the 3rd edition of the annual National Cultural Festival held in Ruvuma Region, the President emphasised cultural preservation as vital for the nation’s identity, echoing Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who stated: “A nation without its own culture is dead.”
Further quoting Nyerere’s 1962 speech to the Parliament, President Samia remarked: “In all the wrongs committed by colonialists, none was greater than their attempt to make us believe we had no culture of our own, no art worth recognising. They shamed us into abandoning our heritage instead of taking pride in it.”
She praised the festival organisers for including cultural groups from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, reinforcing the spirit of the Union.
The event featured various traditional performances, including the Mganda dance as part of colouring the event, where Chief Hangaya (President Samia) played a traditional “bao” game with Damas Ndumbaro, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports.
Dressed in traditional attire, she visited the Heroes’ Tower and museum, honouring national heroes and later received a portrait of herself drawn by artists from the Bagamoyo Institute of Arts and Painting.
This year’s festival’s theme is “Preserving and Implementing Our Culture and Humanity” encompassed a national ethics debate and showcased traditional dances from diverse regions, highlighting Tanzania’s rich cultural tapestry.
On his side Minister Ndumbaro unveiled that census-related workshops were included to illustrate how population data can drive community development, emphasising the festival’s alignment with President Samia’s 4R philosophy—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Revival.
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Attracting over 5,000 visitors, including local and international tourists, the festival provided a significant economic boost to Songea town, enhancing demand in hospitality and artisanal crafts.
Overall, the event fostered cultural continuity and served as a platform for unity and community engagement, celebrating Tanzania’s heritage while promoting economic development.
