Dar es Salaam. In the heart of East Africa lies a nation built on unity, hard work, and a shared dream—and that nation is Tanzania.
For decades, it has drawn strength from its people and its principles, shaped by the legacy of visionary leadership.
That legacy came into sharp focus during the Union Anniversary celebrations on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Chamwino, Dodoma, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan stood before a gathering of dignitaries, elders, and citizens to launch a special book titled Mwalimu Julius Nyerere: A Photographic Journey.
But this was more than just the unveiling of a collection of historic images—it was a moment of reflection, a celebration of nationhood, and a call to action.
The book stood as a living tribute to the ideals of Tanzania’s founding father, and a reminder that the work of building the nation is far from over.
President Samia used the occasion not only to honor the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, but also to remind Tanzanians that true progress lies in doing the very things Nyerere stood for: working hard, staying united, and believing in our own capacity to build.
“Let’s build this country together,” she urged, “just like Mwalimu taught us.”
This book launch was part of the 61st Union Anniversary celebrations—marking more than six decades of unity between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
The President noted that the book captures many significant aspects of Mwalimu’s life, and showcases how he left an indelible mark on the country’s history by consistently urging Tanzanians to be one people, to stand together, and to work diligently for the development of their nation.
She shared that when she was asked to write the foreword and concluding remarks for the book, she did not hesitate.
“It was an honor to be part of something that preserves the values and vision of a leader who stood at the forefront of the philosophy of ujamaa, self-reliance, and inclusive development,” asserted President Samia.
These values, she said, continue to guide the country’s leadership to this day.
In line with Nyerere’s belief in self-reliance, the President highlighted the government’s newly enhanced education policy—focused not just on graduating students but on empowering them to find or create work, to innovate, and to lead.
She emphasized that this policy aims to equip graduates with skills to be employed or self-employed, continuing Mwalimu’s vision of economic independence at the grassroots level.
She also stressed that Mwalimu Nyerere believed that Tanzania’s strength lay in its unity and in the solidarity of its people.
He lived and led with deep conviction in the principles he stood for.
The book, she added, is a reminder of how he built an inclusive nation—free from racial, ethnic, or regional discrimination—enabling people from diverse backgrounds to work together for a common future.
Notably, the President pointed out Mwalimu’s belief in the potential of women, at a time when they were undervalued in many spheres.
He trusted that when women were given opportunities, they could achieve great things and significantly impact their communities.
This, she emphasized, is a legacy the current government continues to champion.
The President also touched on the importance of preserving historical records and the legacies of past leaders, especially in strengthening the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar—a union founded by Mwalimu Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume.
She noted that even challenges within the Union have been addressed through respecting the founding principles of unity and cohesion.
That sense of unity and national pride was underscored when President Samia presented medals to honor leaders who had dedicated their lives to preserving the Union—a bond that has held strong for over six decades.
As part of the celebrations, President Samia presented the Union Commemoration Medals to eight leaders who have played a vital role in upholding and strengthening the Union—some receiving the Second Class honor, while others were awarded the Third Class medal.
Among those honored with the Union Commemoration Medal, Second Class, were Dr Mohamed Ali Shein, former Vice President of Tanzania, and Ambassador Seif Ali Idd, former Second Vice President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
Also recognized for their enduring service were the late Edward Lowassa and Mizengo Pinda, both of whom served as Prime Ministers, Zanzibar’s former Speaker Pandu Kificho, Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Juma, and the late Ambassador John William Kijazi, former Chief Secretary.
Meanwhile, Mr Philip Mangula, the former Vice Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for Mainland Tanzania, received the Union Commemoration Medal, Third Class, in recognition of his long-standing commitment to the ideals of the Union.
These men, drawn from both Zanzibar and the Mainland, represented what Mwalimu Nyerere always believed in: that the power of Tanzania lies in its people, working together, across differences, toward one shared future.
But growth cannot exist without peace, the President cautioned.
In a moment of clarity, she called on Tanzanians to guard their harmony fiercely, because without unity, development falters.
Conflict, she warned, will never bring real progress. Peace is the foundation of prosperity.
In the end, the event was more than just a book launch.
It was a celebration of legacy, a reflection on progress, and a reminder that the dream Mwalimu Nyerere planted lives on—not just in the pages of history, but in the hands of those building the nation today.
