The new state of South Sudan needs to embrace its peoples’ diverse experiences to create a sense of belonging and national identity.
Undersecretary in GoSS Ministry of Culture and Heritage Jok Madut Jok told the attendants at yesterday’s public lecture in the University of Juba that South Sudan enjoys various cultural experiences that need to be respected as Independence approaches.He explained that the people of South Sudan have a great variety of livelihoods but collectively they belong to the Republic of South Sudan.
Dr. Jok added that History, Geography and 50 years of war against Khartoum’s domination united the people in the struggle.
He said as the country is five weeks away to the Independence, the people are asking how these different cultures, traditions and languages are going to be represented in this new nation.
Dr. Jok added that national culture is the result of different ethnical experiences together.
He said nation building has to accommodate the various experiences for the citizens to have a strong sense of loyalty to the state and identify with the nation’s politics.
Dr. Jok concluded that nation building has to be people friendly and people oriented to keep South Sudan together after independence.