TANZANIA

Julius Nyerere (1922-1999)

Assessment of his role

• Truly played role of "Mwalimu" (Teacher)
• Revered as a visionary and an honest man
• Created great unity in mainland Tanzania -- use of Swahili, and widespread acceptance of Ujamaa principles
• Lived modestly, never enriched himself through office (a rare happening in Africa)
• Stepped down from office voluntarily in 1985, devoting himself to farming and statesmanship
• A man of strong principle:
  • sacrificed British aid rather than support UK's Rhodesia policy
  • provided home in exile for ANC freedom fighters, made Tanzania a "frontline state"
  • invaded Uganda to rid the country of Idi Amin, then promptly left
• But used coercion too readily for villagization
• May have sacrificed some Tanzanian material interests for his principles

Oct 14, 1999 Nyerere dies at 77 from leukemia
Obituary statements:

• From ANC upon Nyerere's death: "Julius Kambarage 'Mwalimu' Nyerere was an outstanding leader, a brilliant philosopher and a people's hero - a champion for the entire African continent. He shall always be remembered as one of Africa's greatest and most respected sons and the father of the Tanzanian nation." [more]
• U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called Nyerere "one of the giants of the 20th century African liberation movement," and a lifelong friend of the United Nations. [more]
• James Wolfensohn, President, World Bank: "For the men and women who have served the great cause of development in the world, one of the lights of our lives went out today. Mr. Julius Nyerere was one of the founding fathers of modern Africa. He was also one of the few world leaders whose high ideals, moral integrity, and personal modesty inspired people right around the globe."
• "Our world is composed of givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better. In death, as in life, Mwalimu sleeps better. For his entire life was a life of giving, not taking." From Address by The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Benjamin William Mkapa, at the state funeral for Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Thursday, 21st October, 1999. [Full address here]