A CHAT FROM LONDON: Lessons from Mwinyi’s 90th birth anniversary interview

Humble and strong:  traits of great, fulfilled humans.

Last week we looked at the contrasting characters of boxers, Manny Pacquiao (humble, rich and loved) and Floyd Mayweather, Jr (cocky, rich and disliked). Actually, a news item reported Mayweather had snubbed giving cash to charity and Africa.

Giving to Africa

He was quoted asking: “People say, he got all this money, why is he not giving it to Africa? Well, what has Africa given to us? What has Africa come and given to my children and my family? Things work two ways!”

The talented millionaire boxer was allegedly speaking to Kelly Mac of Radio 107.3 in the US, last year. Fair enough.  Spending his own money buying things he loves i.e. cars, clothes and jets is what this flamboyant black American champion prefers.

And retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi (pictured) was interviewed on his 90th birthday by two young bloggers, Mubelwa Bandio and Luke Joe of the Vijimambo online channel. In  an honest, candid, light hearted, conversation the former CCM leader who ran the country for ten years after Mwalimu Nyerere’s retirement in 1985, was asked personal questions as befits a wise man. True to African tradition, Bandio’s line of questioning was very educational.

 How, you may ask?

 We sit with elders to learn and chew wisdom. We expect them to pass on their knowledge. We call them wazee (elders), respect them; say shikamoo (my full respect to you) and are grateful for their presence, experience and spirit.

It was indeed a pleasure to watch the 20 minute clip where the old man is still alert, humorous, articulate and sharp. At such an age, most wazee would be drooling and dragging their sentences. Nicknamed “Mzee Ruhksa”(all allowed or everything goes ) in his heyday,  Mzee Mwinyi presided over the transitional period following the strict Ujamaa policies of 1967- 1985.  Mzee Mwinyi is a rare story in a continent where the life span of the poor averages 40 years and elites may manage 50 to 65 years, if lucky. 

First began the comparisons. Which part of his life was better or worse? Mzee Mwinyi divided his experiences into three sections: colonial times where we were bossed around by fingers and gestures. Then the postcolonial period when the adjustment was not easy, and the new generation of leaders inherited colonial etiquette and values. For example, he recounted a story of a subordinate citizen shocked to hear him saying “please” instead of dishing neo-colonial commands. “That was regarded as too soft and humble...”

Third phase is now. The young talk as they please to their elders. Times have indeed changed.

Then there was the sensitive issue of being president.

As the build up to October elections heats up, Mzee Mwinyi’s subtle advice to those wanting to become political leaders is worth digesting. He reveals he was relieved after his tenure was over in 1995.

“It was like taking away a heavy load off my body and mind. For those wanting to be president, I wish them the best. Let them win and see what it means to be president!”

Such remarks bring memory of Mwalimu Nyerere’s famous line. That being in the State House is not an easy job. One deals with national problems twenty-four hours, seven days a week. “Whoever buys his way to the State House should be feared like a leper.” The first president warned.

Winning elections is hard work, anyhow.

 This year many nations are electing new leaders.

 Zambia, Lesotho, Nigeria and Togo have done it already. Burundi’s serious turmoil spilled to our borders; now we have a refugee problem. By last weekend 50,000 runaways, almost quarter of them in Tanzania.

 Out of the continent Sri Lanka, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom had elections too. Here in the UK, a Conservative party win (via incumbent Prime Minister David Cameron) was shocking.  Immigrant’s favourites, Labour, unfortunately lost due to the politics of volatile Scotland. Traditionally Scots used to vote for the Labour party. In 2015 elections, Scotland had their star leader, Nicola Sturgeon (dubbed the most dangerous woman in the UK by some newspapers) who won 56 seats. “The government cannot ignore what happened in Scotland...,” she declared on the day after.

The “day after” was coincidentally, Ali Hassan Mwinyi’s 90th birthday.

Little kids

He was born on May 8, 1925, at a period when other African leaders (Kenneth Kaunda, Nelson Mandela, Mwalimu Nyerere) were little kids too. Blogger Bandio wanted to know the secret of such a long and enriching life.  Mzee Mwinyi cited not getting angry easily, exercising daily, watching what goes into his mouth. Sound advice. Let us repeat. Watch your temper, keep fit, eat well, drink less, do not smoke. Wise tips of an unassuming, popular former president.

 May God bless him.