Today is the 51st birthday of the United Republic of Tanzania. On December 9, 1961, a child called Tanganyika was born, before this child was baptized in 1964 and adopted the new name of Tanzania -- a result of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar islands.
This child has grown amid political, economic and social storms. At 51 year old, Tanzania has weathered many challenges. From building a nation from zero to a point where we almost ruined it due to mismanagement of the economy, Tanzania has certainly seen its days.
As a young nation, having just recovered from the shackles of colonialism, Tanzania launched a war against poverty, diseases, illiteracy and hunger. On top of that the young Tanzania was forced to go to war with its neighbour to defend its borders as well as the security of our people. Not only that, the young Tanzania was also forced to fight the liberation war in Southern Africa---a war it fought bravely, but at great cost.
Back home, our four major enemies, namely, poverty, diseases, illiteracy and hunger continued to ravage our country. At the same time, another man-made enemy called corruption invaded our country, causing pain to millions but embarrassing wealth and other gains to a small group of greedy leaders and their allies.
As Tanzania celebrate its 51st birthday, it’s good to know that the very same major enemies it fought five decades ago are still alive and kicking -- with new vigour. The truth is that these enemies have also grown stronger than they once were fifty years ago -- reminding Tanzania that the war is still far from won.
That’s why the majority of Tanzanians are saying a skeptical “Happy Birthday Tanzania.”
SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY
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