Govt honours Julius Nyerere with street naming

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob yesterday renamed Lazarett Street in Windhoek’s Ausspanplatz area to Julius Nyerere Street.

The street was renamed after Tanzanian political activist Nyerere, whom Geingob said assisted Namibia in its struggle for independence.

The renaming ceremony was attended by Tanzanian president John Magufuli, during his two-day state visit.

Geingob said the renaming of Lazarett Street to Julius Nyerere Street will help Namibians honour a man who was instrumental in the liberation struggle.

“The invaluable support and training offered to Swapo by Julius Nyerere and the people of Tanzania, played a critical role in helping Swapo and its armed wing PLAN to overcome the apartheid regime,” he said.

The president further said Nyerere was also an ardent defender of the downtrodden and forgotten people of the world, who faced injustice at the hands of capitalist exploitation.

“Namibia’s affection for Mwalimu [Nyerere] runs deep. It is an affection that is tied to our most defining period as a people and as a nation – the long and bitter struggle for independence,” Geingob said.

He added: “It is no surprise that his legacy has left an indelible mark on the political and social history of our continent.”

The street renaming was also attended by Tanzanian ministers, governor of the Khomas region Laura McLeod-Katjirua, Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua, city chief executive Robert Kahimise, and Makongoro Nyerere, the son of Julius Nyerere.

Tanzanians who reside in Namibia also attended the event, clad in traditional attire and waving flags as the delegates entered.

Nyerere was a Tanzanian anti-colonial activist, politician, and political theorist. He governed Tanganyika as Prime Minister from 1961 to 1962 and then as President from 1963 to 1964. He led its successor state, Tanzania, as President from 1964 to 1985.

Magufuli and Makongoro Nyerere expressed gratitude over the street renaming. They commended Nyerere for his achievements done for Namibia and Tanzania alike.