IMAGINE a vibrant center full of life – that is the essence of Mnazi Mmoja. Garden, once a cornerstone of community life in Dar es Salaam, a place where various gatherings flourished, nurturing camaraderie and promoting social interactions.
At the time, walking through the garden revealed its historical significance, with monuments and statues telling of Tanzania’s past, its struggle for independence and the place where national heroes held crucial political rallies. Beyond being a simple park, it also serves as a living history lesson, a conclusion one would draw while exploring its gardens – if you are lucky enough to be allowed to do so.
Keep reading, in a short time you will know what I am talking about… Some may not know that the Mnazi Mmoja garden hosted the first rally of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), the ancestor of the ruling Chama party Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in 1954, marking a watershed event.
This was no ordinary meeting; he inspired transformation, fueling the struggle for statehood that forever altered the course of the nation. Think back to the year 1961, when the Uhuru torch was first lit here, symbolizing Tanzania’s struggle for freedom. Fast forward to 1969 and Mnazi Mmoja became the heart of Mashujaa Momentum, the venue for recognizing national heroes on July 25 – at least until 2016, when the event was moved to the capital Dodoma, where it still stands today.
The launch of the Arusha Declaration in 1967 was another watershed moment in Mnazi Mmoja’s chronicles. This declaration, issued for the first time at this very location, outlined the destiny of Tanzania, advocating socialism and self-reliance as its guiding principles.
Beyond its serene garden-like façade, this tranquil space surely harbors the secrets of a bygone era when it served as a symbolic demarcation zone during colonial rule and a clandestine meeting place for our freedom-seeking ancestors .
During the colonial era, the Mnazi Mmoja Gardens, then a simple open space, played a key role as a physical boundary, separating the Indian inhabitants to the East from the Africans and Arabs to the West.
This demarcation was a stark reminder of the divisions imposed by colonial powers, testifying that the region also bore witness to the challenges faced by different communities as they navigated the intricacies of life under colonial rule. A remarkable aspect of the history of the Mnazi Mmoja Garden is its role as a clandestine gathering place for those who yearned for political change.
Under strict colonial laws that prohibited political assemblies, our ancestors ingeniously turned to traditional dances to conceal their secret meetings. This ingenious trick allowed them to come together, share ideas, and strategize for a better future while escaping the watchful eye of colonial authorities.
The focal point of the garden, the famous drummer statue standing in the middle of the peaceful pond, is an enduring symbol of this period of history.
It embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity and unity that characterized these clandestine gatherings, reminding us of the courage and determination of those who sought to shape a better future for themselves and their descendants.
Therefore, as you enter Mnazi Mmoja Garden, remember that you are not just entering a place but a living narrative. This urban oasis, often referred to by its dual name, once served as an escape where residents and visitors immersed themselves in a harmonious blend of nature, culture and history.
Indeed, the Mnazi Mmoja Gardens carry a heritage deeply linked to Tanzanian history.
However, if you ask me, it seems the importance ends there. Start at the Uhuru Torch Monument which stands prominently in the middle of the park, where a solitary coconut tree once stood, giving it its Swahili name “Mnazi Mmoja” meaning “a coconut tree”; But unfortunately! this historic landmark, which would later become the site of National Heroes Day, is inaccessible to the very audience it aims to inspire.
Ironically, even after Heroes’ Days were moved to Dodoma, the entire central and southern end of the garden is now off-limits, rendering the historical and cultural significance of the garden inaccessible. Every day, the doors remain closed, causing doubts and perplexity.
This confusing contradiction, juxtaposed with the park’s intended role as a public space, casts a shadow over its identity.
Mnazi Mmoja’s importance extends well beyond political events. In 1952, Greek entrepreneur George Anautoglou made a notable contribution to its history by establishing The Anautoglou Hall, an entertainment complex.
This addition greatly increased its cultural influence and solidified its status as a focal point of various influences. Moreover, next to the Anautoglu Hall, which today is no longer a hall but the headquarters of the Ilala District Council, is the Amtulabhai Clinic, entrusted by the Karimjee family to provide health care and the Mnazi Mmoja dispensary nearby.
They have all contributed consistently to the garden’s reputation for public service. A stone’s throw from the doors of the Mnazi Mmoja dispensary (now elevated to the rank of hospital), is a police station which, while contributing to the maintenance of public order in the region, has unfortunately contributed to neglecting the Independence Creek, located nearby. just behind the bus stop.
This once magnificent monument, adorned with the coat of arms, was once a popular venue in its heyday. It shot a hissing jet of water into the air every time you tossed a coin into the well-lit pond, much to everyone’s delight. Today, this declining spectacle is also a no-go zone.
Furthermore, the strong disparity between the garden’s potential and its current state further highlights this dilemma.
Originally intended as a green oasis offering a respite from urban bustle, a significant portion of the northern end of the park has been repurposed to serve as a festive gathering place. During formal events, this once pristine expanse of green transforms into a cacophony of exhibition stands and tents, where people and vehicles trample the delicate foliage.
Adding to the list of challenges was the ill-advised decision to erect a stand facing east, subjecting the VIPs to the incessant fire of the sun. This confusing choice stands in stark contrast to the conveniently placed booth on the south side of the park, where attendees can enjoy the events in comfort.
This transformation not only compromises the natural beauty of the garden, but also raises questions about its purpose as a serene public space. The conflict between its historical significance and its current use reflects the broader struggle to balance heritage preservation with the changing needs of a dynamic and growing society.
As the garden grapples with these complexities, it serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing many of the country’s urban public spaces, where history and modernity are often at odds.
The story of Mnazi Mmoja Garden highlights the delicate balance between historic preservation, community connections and ecological harmony within urban green spaces. It stands as a sentinel, reminding us of the promises and challenges inherent in creating and preserving urban sanctuaries.
And as the city continues to evolve, the fate of the garden speaks to the urgent need to maintain these green havens. It encapsulates the essence of a city while providing comfort to its inhabitants.
The legend of the Mnazi Mmoja Garden accentuates the delicate balance necessary to protect historical heritage, foster community connections and maintain the ecological well-being of urban green spaces. Its historical importance and its ability to improve the quality of urban life should not be underestimated.
A comprehensive strategy is imperative to truly honor its heritage and unlock its potential. This strategy should prioritize accessibility, sustainability and achieving its original objective. Dear fathers of the City, are you reading this?
