Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government on Monday raised the curtain for a number of independence-related activities as it unveiled 60th Independence celebrations’ logo and theme that gives this year’s anniversary uniqueness.
“Due to the importance of celebrations this year, the government has intended to hold activities in various places countrywide for Tanzanians to reflect and recall where we come from, where we are and where we are heading to,” the Minister of State in the Prime Minister Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Youth, Employment and the Disbaled Ms Jenista Mhagama told a press conference in the capital city, Dodoma on Monday.
In the lead up to Uhuru Day, December 9th, sectoral ministers will parade the country’s real achievements during the 60 years of independence, stated Minister Mhagama as officially blowing up the whistle for nationwide pre-Independence Day festivities.
During the press conference, the minister introduced the official logo of this year’s Uhuru celebrations. The logo bears the picture of the founding father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere who guided the nation to independence 60 years ago.
“This logo shows respect and how we value his huge contribution to the history of our country,” the minister said of Nyerere’s depiction on the logo, which also portrays Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro Mountain.
It was at the world’s tallest free-standing Mount Kilimanjaro where the Uhuru torch was first lit on December 9, 1961 by Alexander Donald Gwebe-Nyirenda.
The Government has also unveiled the celebrations’ theme which reads: ‘MIAKA 60 YA UHURU; TANZANIA IMARA, KAZI IENDELEE” which loosely translates as ’60 Years of Independence; Stable Tanzania, Let Work Continue.’
According to Ms Mhagama, this year’s celebrations will be staged in style as the country reflects on the 60th independence journey.
A number of activities have been lined up in the lead up to the climax of Independence Day celebrations on 9th December, involving ministries, public departments and institutions that would be parading their achievements and challenges during the 60 years period.
She said the government has organised essay competitions for primary and secondary school students as well as sports activities.
Apart from that there would be special media interviews with former and incumbent leaders as well as prominent figures in the public and private sectors.
Ordinary citizens will also get a chance to ask questions to leaders from both Mainland and Zanzibar.
The minister pointed out that the government will also organise regional and national forums and will provide the youth a platform to showcase innovation skills in different sectors.
According to the timetable issued by Minister Mhagama, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa will officially launch the 60th Independence Anniversary week on December 2. The launching will be followed by the launching of development projects in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. These activities will be graced by national leaders from both sides of the Union as well as heads of Legislative and Judiciary organs.
The government will also organise an investors’ forum which would be followed by the national trade fair to involve traders from both parties of the Union.
The investors’ forum and trade fair will be held in Zanzibar from December 3, this year with President Hussein Mwinyi lined up as the chief guest.
On December 6, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango will officiate a national forum on the contribution of founders of the nation toward the country’s independence.
The forum, to be held in Dar es Salaam, will also discuss the contribution of Tanzania to liberation struggles of various African countries.
According to Minister Mhagama, President Samia will be the chief guest on Independence Day, an event that is expected to attract various leaders from the East African Community and SADC.
The independence celebration climax will be staged at the historic Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
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