The government announced a contest for a new name for the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar on 31st July 1964. It said the new name should give the sense of unity and be easy to pronounce. The deadline was 31st August. The prize for the winner was 10 pounds equivalent to Shs 200. There were 1,534 entries from all over Africa as well as Italy, Australia, Germany, Poland, China, India, Sweden and Russia. The new name was announced by Mwalimu Nyerere at a Press Conference on 31st October 1964.
I was among the 16 participants who won the contest. I got a letter from Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Tourism that the actual name selected was United Republic of Tanzania and although I had submitted only 'Tanzania' I was included among the winners. The total of 16 winners shared Shs 200 and I got a cheque of Sh 12.50. At that time I was in Std 8 in Lindi.
I was among the 16 participants who won the contest. I got a letter from Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Tourism that the actual name selected was United Republic of Tanzania and although I had submitted only 'Tanzania' I was included among the winners. The total of 16 winners shared Shs 200 and I got a cheque of Sh 12.50. At that time I was in Std 8 in Lindi.
