Historical Liberation Heritage and Education Coexist at Masonya in Tunduru

According to the Ruvuma Regional Secretariat news, a 100-acre area in Masonya, located a few kilometres from Tunduru town in Ruvuma Region, holds significant history from the Southern African liberation struggle. It is reported as the place where the late Father of the Nation Julius Nyerere and the late President of Mozambique Samora Machel once lived and carried out liberation activities.

Dr Philipo Maligisu, Senior Researcher at the National Museum, stated that Tanzania received Mozambican freedom fighters in 1966, with Masonya serving as a key operational base until Mozambique attained independence in 1975. Surviving infrastructure at the site includes two houses used by the leaders, Machel's communications building, a seminar hall, bunkers, the FRELIMO flag area, and a monument commemorating an Organisation of Mozambican Women (OMM) meeting held on 17 March 1973.

Tito Mboma, a teacher at Masonya Girls Secondary School and an expert on the area, reported that former Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi attended FRELIMO Primary School at Masonya in 1970 at the age of eight.

The report notes that this history continues alongside education today through Masonya Girls Secondary School, which educates students from Form One to Form Six, standing as a living reminder of Tanzania's role in African liberation.

This article highlights Tunduru's unique historic role in regional liberation struggles as well as its continuing educational role through Masonya Girls Secondary School. This is TCDI context, not a statement by the source, and does not mean TCDI took part in what is reported.