TZ@60: Tanganyika invites 65 C’wealth nations for Independence Day

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South Africa, which was under apartheid rule, was not invited, and invitations were sent to parties fighting for liberation

All commonwealth nations - with the exception of Nyasaland (now Malawi), Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) – were invited to participate in Tanganyika’s Independence Day celebrations on December 9, 1961,” the minister for Internal Affairs, George Kahama, said in Dar es Salaam.
At that time, the three countries were under single British rule which was known as the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
The federation of the self-governing British colony of Southern Rhodesia and the British protectorates of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland existed between 1953 and ended in 1963.
Also excluded in celebrations for the independence of Tanganyika was South Africa which by then was under apartheid rule. However, said Mr Kahama, Tangayika has also extended invitations to national parties from South Africa and other federations so they could send their representatives.
Journalists from countries that had not been invited were not allowed to cover the Independence Day celebrations.
“Anyone who knows politics would understand why the said nations were not invited. Our Policy and perception regarding these countries is well known. However, from South Africa, journalists who have maintained neutrality from their government will be allowed for coverage,” said Mr Kahama.
Mr Kahama said apart from international leaders, there were going to be another 130 guests who were invited.
[Source: Tanganyika Standard Newspaper].