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Critically discuss how Mobutu Sese Seko (the Congo) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) promoted economic and cultural developments in their respective countries after the attainment of independence in the 1960s - NSC History - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 5
Critically discuss how Mobutu Sese Seko (the Congo) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) promoted economic and cultural developments in their respective countries after the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Critically discuss how Mobutu Sese Seko (the Congo) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) promoted economic and cultural developments in their respective countries after the attainment of independence in the 1960s - NSC History - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Economic Developments
Answer
Both Mobutu Sese Seko and Julius Nyerere pursued distinct economic policies following independence.
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Mobutu Sese Seko in the Congo:
- Nationalized key industries and emphasized the export of natural resources, relying heavily on foreign aid and investments. The economic strategy initially brought growth but increasingly led to corruption and mismanagement.
- In the early 1960s, he attempted to establish self-sufficiency but struggled due to misaligned policies and a focus on mineral exports.
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Julius Nyerere in Tanzania:
- Nyerere introduced the Ujamaa policy, promoting cooperative farming and rural development. His vision aimed to elevate agricultural productivity through collective villages.
- While intended to uplift the rural economy, the approach faced challenges, particularly in implementation and resistance from farmers, leading to economic difficulties in later years.
Step 2
Social and Cultural Developments
Answer
Socially and culturally, both leaders sought to reshape their nations:
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In the Congo:
- Education was a major focus; however, at independence, there were few graduates to lead the new nation. Mobutu sought to improve educational infrastructures but faced significant challenges.
- The promotion of African culture was emphasized, often through the establishment of a 'Leaders' Code' to foster nationalism and unity.
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In Tanzania:
- Nyerere's government promoted Kiswahili as a national language, enhancing national identity but also creating divisions as English had historically been the language of higher education.
- The emphasis on Africanization aimed to re-establish cultural pride, but it was met with resistance from those linked to colonial structures.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, Mobutu and Nyerere's approaches to economic and cultural development reflect their respective national contexts and challenges. While both leaders aimed to uplift their countries, their methods varied greatly, resulting in differing outcomes. A fair assessment requires consideration of both the successes and failures of their policies.