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E-mails tell of Nyerere's honesty and humility

The messages began appearing almost from the moment the death of Tanzania's former president was announced.

All express sorrow at the death of a great statesman - a man known as the father of Tanzania - and many references are made to his honesty, humility and vision.

Mziwakhe John Tsabedze, of Swaziland, says Julius Nyerere was a true leader. He writes: "He taught us integrity and he taught us to serve our fellow citizens.

Noble and edifying

"He taught us to know that the measure of a leader is not how many Mercedes Benz cars he has or how many wives he has. He taught us that a leader can relinquish power and still remain influential."

There were many other words of praise for the former president's frugal lifestyle and lack of hypocrisy.

Efosa Aruede, of Nigeria writes: "The simple and ascetic lifestyle of Mwalimu was always a reference point for Tanzanians.

"It is hoped that despite the embracing of market economics by the present rulers of Tanzania, they will not jettison all that is noble and edifying in the teachings of Mwalimu."

He preached water and drank water

Joshua Odeny, of Kenya, writes: "He was still popular 14 years since he left power, because he led by example.

"He preached Ujama and practised it. In other words he preached water and drank water. He remains the most honest leader East Africa has ever produced."

There are also many international tributes to Julius Nyerere's determination to pursue his ideals and his ability to admit when he had made mistakes.

"Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere has gone down this day as a true and admirable citizen of the world," writes George Were, from Sudan.

"If he erred, that was only because he was human, not because he meant any harm to humanity."

'A true humanist'

Christian Sorenson, from Denmark, writes: "A true humanist, a great communicator and unifier. An African of the highest intellect.

"He made mistakes, but who doesn't? I admire him."

Many of the electronic eulogies praise 'Mwalimu' for knowing when to step down.

"He showed true leadership when he stepped down to make way for Ali Hassan Mwinyi", writes Hansel Ramathal, from India and the USA.

"This was a single act of mature leadership and it is something rarely seen in many of the worlds governments especially in Africa and Asia."

Bobana Badisang, from Botswana, sums up the affection and emotion many people felt for Julius Nyerere.

"In the desert wastelands of Botswana Mwalimu was an icon, a motivator and mentor. Farewell Mwalimu. Dusk has approached too soon."

Relevant Stories

Text of President Mkapa's address to the nation (14 Oct 99 | Africa)
Nyerere: A personal recollection (14 Oct 99 | Africa)
Julius Nyerere: The conscience of Africa (14 Oct 99 | Africa)
Tanzania's Nyerere dies (14 Oct 99 | Africa)
Songs of grief for Tanzania's founder (14 Oct 99 | Africa)

Internet Links

Government of Tanzania

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