Tribute to Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere by Benjamin William Mkapa

The Late Mwl. J.K. Nyerere

By Benjamin William Mkapa,

As Managing Editor of then ruling Party and Government Newspapers, I used to post a column regularly, entitled: What they say about US. In this I reproduce features or news analysis, both favourable and critical of Tanzania, written by journalists from all sort of local and International newspapers.

This year we celebrate fifty years of the independence of mainland Tanzania. And to-day we commemorate the passing on of its Founding Father, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere. Having worked with him I have been reflecting on what I could say about him. I have decided that the best tribute I can pay to his life and work is to recall the Eulogy I made on the occasion of the State Funeral at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam on 21^st October 1999. Here it is. 

State Funeral for Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere

One of the legacies of President Mkapa is his handling of the illness, death and subsequent funeral of the Founding President of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. On Mwalimu’s State Funeral on Thursday, 21^st October 1999 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, President Mkapa delivered the following eulogy.

      This is the saddest day in the history of our country.  It marks a life ceased and a service ended.

      But, let me first thank the doctors, nurses and staff that day and night struggled to save the life of our beloved Founding Father of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

      I thank everyone who stood by us, and helped us, and all those that sent messages of support and encouragement during Mwalimu’s illness, and condolences on his demise.

      I thank British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Her Majesty’s Government for being so helpful and supportive throughout the illness and death of Mwalimu Nyerere.

      I thank most sincerely all of you, the leaders and other distinguished people from Africa and beyond that are here to support and comfort us.  We really appreciate your coming.

      I ask everyone who helped us and the bereaved family to accept the gratitude of the family, the gratitude of my Government, and the gratitude of the entire people of Tanzania to whom Mwalimu has always been, and will always be, much more than a Founding Father.

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