How Nyerere’s leadership, oratorical skills guided Tanganyika to independence in only 7 years

This skill convinced the leadership of Tanu [Tanganyika African National Union] to entrust him with presenting the country’s case to the United Nations Trusteeship Council in New York in March 1955 and November 1956.

In 1954, when UN Trusteeship Council members had visited Tanganyika, they proposed a 20-25 year timeline for the country’s independence.

At the time, Nyerere was a teacher at St Francis College, Pugu (now Pugu Secondary School).

Tanu leaders, however, rejected this proposal, considering it a delay in the nation’s progress.

They tasked Nyerere with lobbying for a faster timetable.

Nyerere's persuasive arguments ultimately reduced the independence timeline to just seven years—from 1954 to 1961.

This success elevated Nyerere’s reputation as a leader of both national and international stature.

Nyerere’s political involvement came with sacrifices.

Upon returning from his first presentation to the UN, he received an ultimatum from the head of St Francis College, Father Walsh, to choose between teaching and politics.

Tanu’s Central Committee, after deliberating at Clement Mtamila’s residence, advised Nyerere to resign from teaching.

On March 23, 1955, Nyerere left his teaching role to dedicate himself fully to the independence movement.

This marked the beginning of Nyerere’s journey as a full-time political leader, symbolising his commitment to Tanganyika’s liberation.

Funding Nyerere’s historic trip

The preparations for Nyerere’s UN mission were not without challenges.

Historian Mohammed Said recounts a meeting at Tanu Treasurer Iddi Faiz Mafungo’s residence, where financial difficulties were discussed.

Despite limited resources, Tanu members rallied together, with Mafungo travelling to Tanga to collect contributions organised by Tanu’s grassroots members.

Faced with surveillance by British colonial intelligence, Mafungo devised a clever plan to secure the funds.

On his return trip to Dar es Salaam, he entrusted the money to a young girl on the bus, avoiding detection during a police search.

The funds were safely delivered to Tanu headquarters, enabling Nyerere’s critical trip to the UN.

The independence struggle was driven by collective efforts, with contributions from grassroots activists, community leaders and women like Mwamtoro binti Chuma, who hosted secret Tanu meetings.

Youth leaders, including Tanu Youth Commander Rajabu Diwani, also played a role.

Diwani even enlisted notorious street youths to maintain order during independence celebrations, turning potential troublemakers into guardians of peace.

Sixty-three years later, the spirit of unity and sacrifice that characterised Tanganyika’s independence movement remains a source of inspiration.

Historian Said observes that the sense of communal solidarity has diminished over time, even as the nation progresses in infrastructure and other sectors.

The story of Tanganyika’s independence serves as a reminder of the power of visionary leadership and collective action in overcoming challenges.

It calls on Tanzanians today to rekindle the spirit of togetherness that brought freedom and to work toward sustainable national development grounded in unity.

(This article is based on historical accounts from the book Tanganyika’s Independence Struggle by Pius Msekwa and contributions from historian Mohammed Said.)