DODOMA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has called on Tanzanians to remain steadfast in safeguarding the country’s enduring peace and unity— core values championed by the nation’s founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
Dr Mpango made the remarks yesterday in Dodoma during a national symposium marking the 103rd anniversary of Mwalimu Nyerere’s birth.
He described Nyerere as a visionary leader who believed deeply in equality, rec onciliation and building a self-reliant, class less society—principles that continue to underpin Tanzania’s development and unity.
“Mwalimu Nyerere was a leader of immense foresight who placed great importance on national cohesion. As we approach the next election period, these values are more crucial than ever. It is our shared duty to protect and uphold them,” said Dr Mpango.
He praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for advancing Nyerere’s legacy through her 4R philosophy—Rebuilding, Reforms, Reconciliation and Re silience—which, he said, has fostered institutional strength, social cohesion and greater civic and political freedom.
Dr Mpango also high lighted Nyerere’s commit ment to Pan-Africanism and his role, alongside the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, in uniting Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tan zania.
“The Union remains a national treasure. We must address emerging challenges through mutual understand ing and dialogue. President Samia’s administration has resolved 15 Union issues in just four years—evidence of her commitment to its strength and sustainability,” he said.
The Vice-President also commended ongoing infra structure investments such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the expansion of ports, airports and road net works.
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He noted that access to education, healthcare and clean water continues to im prove across the country.
In the health sector, Dr Mpango said the government has built regional and district hospitals, health cen tres and dispensaries, while also training specialist doctors and acquiring modern medical equipment. On education, he said Mwalimu Nyerere regarded it as a pillar of national development.
The government continues to invest in infra structure and capacity-building at all levels—primary, secondary, technical and higher education. Dr Mpango emphasised Nyerere’s dedication to democracy and free, fair elections and urged citizens including women and youth to participate actively in the democratic process.
“Participating in elections empowers citizens and holds leaders accountable,” he said.
“President Samia is continuing this legacy by appointing more women to high-level positions.” He encouraged youth to read books about Nyerere to better understand his vision and draw inspiration for national service.
On his part, Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Chairman Mr Paul Kimiti called on the government to continue supporting the Foundation’s efforts, particularly in promoting peaceful elections that reflect Nyerere’s values of unity and patriotism.
Deputy Minister for Nat ural Resources and Tourism Mr Dunstan Kitandula said that land has been secured in Mtumba, Dodoma, for the construction of a Presidential Museum, which will feature exhibits on Mwalimu Nyerere’s national and global contributions.
He also revealed that Kongwa has been declared a national heritage site for its role in supporting Southern Africa’s liberation movements.
Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma, reminded young people that although many never had the chance to meet Nyerere, they can still connect with his ideas through his extensive writ ings.
“Our elders who shared stories about Mwalimu are diminishing. But his books remain. They are a treasure trove for understanding his principles and the vision he had for Africa,” he said.
Several delegates also honoured Nyerere by urging Tanzanians to elect leaders who embody his values of peace, unity and development.
During a panel discus sion themed “Chagua Vion gozi Bora kwa Ustawi wa Jamii na Maendeleo Ende levu ya Taifa Letu” (Choose Visionary Leaders for Social National Development), Mwalimu Nyerere Founda tion Board Chair Mr Joseph Butiku said true leadership must be rooted in integrity and people-centred gover nance.
“Mwalimu always re minded us that leadership starts with preserving peace, unity and human dignity,” said Mr Butiku.
He noted that President Samia has followed in Nyerere’s diplomatic footsteps by strength ening internationalties, in cluding with countries like the United States and China.
Former cabinet minis ter and MP Mr John Chili gati urged leaders to adopt Mwalimu’s people-first philosophy as the nation heads toward elections. Chairperson (Mainland) Mr Philip Mangula also echoed the importance of leadership education, a principle Nyerere strongly believed in.
“You cannot assign leadership to someone without preparing them. Mwalimu insisted that every leader must undergo proper training to understand their responsibilities,” he said
