Critically discuss the social and economic policies that Mobutu Sese Seko (the Congo) and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) implemented in their respective countries after attaining independence in the 1960s. - NSC History - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1

Education

Congo: At the time of independence, the Congo faced challenges in its education sector, with only 14,000 graduates available to meet the educational demands of the nation. Between 1960 and 1974, primary school enrollment increased from 1.6 million to 4.6 million, but French remained the primary language of instruction, limiting broader access.

Tanzania: Conversely, Nyerere emphasized the promotion of the Swahili language over English, aiming to foster national unity. The literacy rate in Tanzania dropped from 80% to 20% between 1961 and 1981, as resources for education were stretched thin. Nyerere’s 1967 pamphlet, "Education for Self-Reliance," advocated for community education and emphasized adult education to improve literacy in rural areas.

Clothing and Culture

Congo: Mobutu adopted Kwame Nkrumah's and Maoist styles of dress, promoting a distinctive Congolese identity through clothing that symbolized African pride. He promoted local culture and music in the face of foreign influence, aiming to instill a sense of national identity.

Tanzania: Nyerere also embraced similar cultural policies, adopting traditional African dress styles to reinforce identity. He recognized the importance of heritage in nation-building.

Economic Landscape

Congo: Mobutu relied heavily on a one-product economy, primarily centered on mineral extraction, which led to exploitation and significant impacts on local farmers. His policy of Zaireanisation aimed at replacing foreign businesses with local entrepreneurs but resulted in widespread nepotism.

Tanzania: In contrast, Nyerere embraced an African socialist economy by implementing the Arusha Declaration, which aimed to reduce the gap between the rich and poor. His government focused on villagization, encouraging community-based agriculture, but faced challenges when Tanzanians failed to adapt to agricultural transformation. As a result, productivity declined, putting strain on the economy.

In conclusion, while both leaders sought to implement policies aimed at transforming their societies, their approaches highlighted differing priorities and outcomes. Mobutu’s policies often led to elitism and corruption, whereas Nyerere’s vision focused on community and nation-building. Despite the differing paths taken, both faced significant challenges that affected their long-term viability.