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It`s a low key Saba Saba Day
2005-07-08 08:09:36
By Lusekelo Philemon
Saba Saba Day passed yesterday without many Tanzanians taking part in activities to mark it because of the economic difficulties they face.
An on spot check by The Guardian revealed that most Tanzanians chose to go on with their daily activities unconcerned about the significance of the day.
Although many people in Dar es Salaam are still aware of the importance of Saba Saba, those interviewed said they were unable to take part in the activities marking the day because of financial constraints.
Richard Joel, a resident of Ubungo estate, said Saba Saba is still an important day in the history of the country and should not be ignored regardless of the economic difficulties the country is facing.
He said the day commemorates an important turning point the country’s struggle for self-determination because it is on this day that the Tanganyika African National Union (Tanu) was born – July 7, 1954. Tanu led the country to independence in 1961.
Jennifer Mathias, 21, a trader said the day is important regardless of the economic hard times most people were experiencing.
Goma Lugomola suggested a lower entrance fee to the Saba Saba Grounds on Kilwa Road to enable low-income earners to participate in Saba Saba activities.
Hilda Rweyemamu said the day must remain a national holiday to give room to the future generation to celebrate the start of the struggle to self-rule.
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