By Alfred Zacharia
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed that all funds allocated for the 63rd Independence Day celebrations of mainland Tanzania in 2024 be directed toward community services.
She further instructed that the preparations for the celebrations be carried out at the regional level, with the funds set aside by various institutions for the event to be used to provide community services.
President Dr. Samia emphasized that each region must ensure that its districts participate in community activities, including tree planting, and environmental clean-up in public spaces like markets, hospitals, and elderly and special needs care centers.
The activities will also include various sports competitions, conferences, and dialogues on sustainable development achieved in the 63 years since independence.
The directive was announced by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on behalf of the President during a work meeting for government ministers held at the Treasury Hall in Dodoma on December 4, 2024.
"This year’s celebrations will not include a parade or other national activities," the Prime Minister stated.
He urged citizens to participate in these activities to take pride in the unique achievements that have come from their independence.
"I urge all regional leaders to ensure that they fully adhere to the government's specific instructions to ensure the celebrations are held effectively to honor our independence," he added.
The activities for the 63rd anniversary of mainland Tanzania’s independence, which began on December 2, 2024, will continue until December 9, 2024, which marks the climax of the celebrations for Tanganyika’s independence, achieved on December 9, 1961.
During the celebrations, all government institutions and security forces are expected to decorate government buildings across mainland Tanzania with national flag-colored fabrics, as well as images of the founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, and the current President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is: "63 Years of Mainland Tanzania's Independence: Strong Leadership and Inclusive Development."