DAR ES SALAAM: THE ruling party, CCM Secretary General Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, has urged leaders and citizens across the country to follow the example of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, whose leadership was characterised by
unwavering patriotism, integrity, and advocacy for democracy.Dr Nchimbi described Mwalimu Nyerere as an exceptional leader in the country’s history who truly acted in the best interest of all citizens and the nation as a whole.
He made the call yesterday in his opening remarks at the Mwalimu Nyerere Remembrance Symposium organised by the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy in Dar es Salaam. The symposium also aimed to commemorate the late father of the nation’s birthday.
Highlighting Nyerere’s leadership, Dr Nchimbi said he was a man of integrity, dedicated to collective responsibility and the improvement of citizens’ welfare.
He noted that Mwalimu Nyerere was a staunch advocate for democracy who used reasoning and arguments to advance various national interests, both within the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and later in CCM.
Moreover, he emphasised Mwalimu’s integrity and accountability, which were not motivated by a desire for material wealth accumulation but by a commitment to creating lasting joy for citizens.
“Despite his popularity, Mwalimu Nyerere maintained a low profile. If he had been a corrupt leader, he would have embezzled a huge amount of money, considering the time he spent in the country’s top office,” he said.
“Work is a measure of humanity. Mwalimu served tirelessly for our nation. Nyerere had an unshakable love for our country,” he insisted.
In that regard, he urged citizens to refrain from viewing public leadership as a source of wealth.
Dr Nchimbi explained that by recognising the importance of good leadership in all aspects of the country’s development, Mr Nyerere nurtured leaders through counselling and supporting the establishment of Kivukoni College in 1958 (now the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy).
He pointed out that since its inception, the renowned leadership academy has produced over 2,000 leaders who have served in various government positions.
To meet the current leadership requirements, he called on the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy to update its curriculum to reflect the late Mwalimu Nyerere’s philosophy of liberating the country in all areas of life while adapting to the technological revolution.
Furthermore, Dr Nchimbi said the preparation of accountable, patriotic, and ethical citizens should begin at the family level by ensuring all children receive appropriate parenting.
In another statement, he urged all Tanzanians to embrace love and unity among themselves, emphasising that national development relies on the contribution of all citizens.
“You cannot consider yourself a patriotic citizen if you do not love your fellow citizens,” he said.
He mentioned that Mwalimu Nyerere championed development through initiatives such as the Arusha Declaration of 1967, which emphasised brotherhood, self-reliance, self-denial, and villagisation.
He highlighted that the declaration improved Tanzanians’ well-being by enhancing the provision of social services, including education.
Under TANU, Mwalimu Nyerere led Tanganyika to independence in 1961 after about 80 years of consecutive colonisation by Germany and Britain.
Just three years after Tanganyika’s independence, he initiated the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania with his counterpart, Zanzibar President Abeid Aman Karume, on April 26, 1964.
He served as Tanzania’s President from 1964 to 1985 when he retired.
Mwalimu Nyerere, born in 1922, passed away in 1999 at the age of 77.
Earlier, the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy’s Board of Directors Chairman, Mr Stephen Wasira, praised Mwalimu Nyerere for promoting Africa’s unity and leading decolonisation efforts in various countries on the continent, including Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.
Mr Wasira also highlighted Mr Nyerere’s role in the establishment of political and economic blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC).
The symposium, which brought together key Tanzanian academicians, scholars, diplomats, as well as government and party leaders, aimed to reflect on Mwalimu Nyerere’s leadership, which restored the country’s sovereignty and the freedom of all citizens.
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