Introduction

Every 14th October, declared a public holiday (Nyerere Day), official ceremonies are held nationally to commemorate the death of the first President of Tanzania, Julius Kambarage Nyerere. In the main cities of the country, local, regional and national politicians from across the political spectrum pay tribute to Nyerere in hagiographic speeches praising his personal qualities and highlighting the moral values upon which he built his political vision and the nation's destiny. That same day, the media is instrumental in propagating a laudatory official memory of Nyerere as special TV and radio programmes as well as extensive supplements in the national newspapers recall his personal trajectory, moral convictions and political choices; broadcast or reprint archives of his speeches and interviews; discuss his political philosophy and legacy; and applaud his role and influence in nation-building to better brandish him as an acclaimed symbol of humility, integrity and incorruptibility in the face of today's corrupt economic and political elite.

In Butiama and in the neighbouring hamlet of Mwitongo, Nyerere's birthplace and resting place, the anniversary of Nyerere's death is devoted to a series of commemorative ceremonies imbued with religious and nationalist overtones. Since he died of leukaemia in London on October, 14 1999 at the age of 77, Nyerere's family, especially his widow Maria Nyerere and one of his sons, Madaraka Nyerere, both settled in Mwitongo, organize yearly memorial celebrations. Starting with a special mass gathering Nyerere's family members, government or administrative officials and ordinary citizens; followed with deferring prayers at his grave, situated in the mausoleum built in the family property at a walking distance from the church; punctuated by visits to the nearby Mwalimu Nyerere Museum which displays portraits of Nyerere such as sculptures, photos, printed fabric or paintings, as well as exhibits official presents bestowed upon him together with personal objects, notably his favourite radio, pair of shoes and tea set; and finally closing with a late lunch graciously provided to the crowd assembled in the family gardens, the day-long commemoration celebrates both the man and the politician, merging Nyerere's religious convictions with his personal qualities and his political vision and commitment.

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