Mr Shadrack Katuu, Dr Mothomang Diaho and Mr Verne Harris, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
(Image: Nelson Mandela Foundation)Oct 30, 2007 – Representatives from the Nelson Mandela Foundation recently visited Tanzania to share ideas and experiences with government officials on how to preserve the legacy of Tanzania’s founders of the nation.
In accordance with the “The Founders of The Nation Honouring Procedures Act”, promulgated in 2004, the government of Tanzania is planning to create a centre to commemorate the first president of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and the first president of Zanzibar, Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume.
Tanzania’s national archivist, Mr Peter Mlyansi, visited the Foundation earlier this year during Mr Nelson Mandela’s birthday programme. He reported back to Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Mr George Yambesi, who invited Memory Programme Head Mr Verne Harris, Dialogue Programme Head Dr Mothomang Diaho and Senior Programme Officer Mr Shadrack Katuu to meet government officials in Dar es Salaam to discuss the mechanics of establishing a similar organisation.
Foundation staff visiting the Mayor of Dar es Salaam and his wife, Mr and Mrs Kimbisa.
(Image: Nelson Mandela Foundation)“They have learnt some lessons from us and we will look for opportunities for joint projects down the line,” says Mr Harris. “We want to foster partnerships in Africa.”
Mr Harris is impressed that the Nelson Mandela Foundation is held in such high esteem. “We’re only just starting, yet we are seen as a site of excellence.”