Julius Nyerere

Today In History (October 14, 1999) 

Former Tanzanian President Julius Kambarage Nyerere, one of Africa's most charismatic and influential post-colonial leaders, died of leukaemia in London's St. Thomas' hospital aged 77. Nyerere stepped down as leader of his nation but remained one of the continent's elder statesmen up to his death and was widely revered at home and abroad. Nyerere led his country to independence from Britain in 1961 and served as president from 1962 to 1985, when he became one of the first post-colonial leaders to leave office voluntarily. Across Africa, he was best known as "Mwalimu" Kiswahili for "Teacher".