July 9

th
Speech
July 9
th
Independence Speech by D. Makoi Majak
Your Excellency Ambassador Majok Guangdong, Honorable Chief Guest for the
occasion, Distinguished Guests of the day, Compatriots, Ladies and Gentlemen,
allow me to congratulate you for your patriotic acts ahead of Independence Day.
9
th
July
This day, 9
th
July of every year, is a day inscribed in the history of the world for
South Sudanese people. We achieved freedom on this day; it is a day worth a
celebrating and expressing joy. When we celebrate it, waving our colorful
National Flag, playing our National Anthem with excitement and distributing
sweets, we need to recall our humble past, remembering and paying homage to
the founders of our nation.
My dear friends, we are a privileged generation; we are the first class citizens of a
new and free South Sudan. Its a privilege our fallen heroes desired, fought and
died for. Today, we have an opportunity to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the
fruits of freedom that the Declaration of Independence bestowed upon us all.
If at all we want to know the pain of torture, slavery and marginalization under
Arab rule, we must ask our elders who were born before 1956 and the veterans of
two Sudanese Civil Wars. It was indeed a jeopardizing venture for the indigenous
Sudanese in those days to fight against ruthless aggressors and oppressors the
European Imperialists, followed by the Arab North. We must not allow those hard
times and struggles to vanish from our collective memories. Hence it is befitting
for us to celebrate such National Festivals and go back down Memory Lane to
honor and commemorate the war dead.
Tribute to the Martyrs, Wounded Heroes and African Soldiers
With this freedom, we remember them today, from the Principals of the First
Sudanese Civil War (or Anyanya I and II) Aggrey Jaden, William Deng Nhial,
Gordon Muortat Mayen, Samuel Gai Tut, Abbdulah William Chuol Deng, Joseph
Lagu to the Chief Architects of the Second Sudanese Civil War (or Anyanya II and
SPLA/M) Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, William Nyuon Bany, John Kulang, Kuach Kang,
July 9
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Speech
July 9
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Independence Speech by D. Makoi Majak
Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Our heartfelt remembrance includes local patriotic
leaders who we owe gratitude and respect.
When we consider those Martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives for our
freedom, it is imperative that we remember and appreciate the common citizens
who paid the ultimate price for our common good. Cattlekeepers, farmers,
businessmen, foreign journalists; writers, poets and African soldiers helped our
land attain the long prized freedom we now experience.
We have walked a long way down the path to free South Sudan. We fought for
our freedom and have proven ourselves worthy of selfrule. We are regarded as
brave fighters and the fiercest collective in Africa; we fought Africas and the
worlds longest civil war.
How proud we were when His Excellency, President Salva Kiir, his Vice President,
Dr. Riek Machar, by his side, along with international dignitaries, ushered in our
new nation. Our beautiful National Flag blew in the wind and our National
Anthem was sung in a spirited, vibrant and respectful manner. Juba was
transfixed; the wonderment of the day was indescribable! We remain proud of
our achievements; the positive aspects of independence continue to fuel the
happiness in our beating hearts.
Ongoing Political Struggle in the Country
But are we blind to the black clouds that have surrounded our country? Ladies and
gentlemen, it is shocking that as we celebrate our hardearned freedom today,
there are a few ethnic warlords who want to see this nation leveled to its
foundation. Have we lost the battle on politicized ethnicity? Have we succeeded
in using our freedom in the right fashion and manner? If so, why is there so much
destruction of property, killings and attacks on innocent civilians, political violence
and unstable political systems? Why must we kill ourselves over different political
ideologies? My dear friends, what should concerned students do at this juncture?
Should we go home and arrest those politicians? Should we fix the corrupt
elements? Or, should we take matters into our hands, waging another war for
freedom against the politicians? No, not for a second! Persons of our caliber are
July 9
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Speech
July 9
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Independence Speech by D. Makoi Majak
not expected to undertake the aforementioned actions. On a sound note, I urge
my fellow students to refrain from and avoid cheap politics at all costs. We will
have our time to do the right thing, in the right place.
Education
Let us venture forth, aggressively declaring war against illiteracy. Let us do our
duty, preparing ourselves to be welleducated citizens of today and tomorrow.
Let us redouble our efforts and use our genius in positive ways, building human
capacity that will lead our nation to prosperity.
Ladies and gentlemen, I firmly believe this quote from Nelson Mandela:
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world. Its very true! Let us do our duty meticulously; let us study hard to
achieve our states lofty goals. We must put in mind that todays societies require
youth with lots of energy, knowledge and intelligence. Illiteracy is the number one
enemy for a youthful and democratic nation. Conversely, a united and educated
population is a formidable combination for a prosperous nation. Our fore fathers
and mothers were deprived of this fundamental human right. We must not forget
that our country is still striving to overcome and reverse an injury of intellectual
poverty.
So let us commit to getting rid of illiteracy and take South Sudan to a bright
future!
Wish you all a jubilant day!

Daniel Makoi Majak