By Sunday de John, M.D.
HAVING long established itself as the conduit linking Yirol with regions surrounding the Nile and onto Jonglei State offshore, Malek Payam of Yirol East County is recovering its reputation as a welcoming hub for the entire Yirol in what might be considered the early phases of the festive season.
Malek is a hub for youth activities because of its location between the Cirkou and Gok rangelands, particularly in the fall and winter. Malek experienced an influx of youth from various communities in Yirol during the first week of November, and it will continue to welcome more, particularly the youth from Yirol West who are destined to take part in a series of wrestling matches that will take place in Malek and that began a day ago.
Malek has and still possesses the capacity to extend an open invitation to all South Sudanese people in general and Yirolese citizens in particular to join in the delight that cultural activities, particularly wrestling seasons like the current one, bring. Crossing into adjacent regions is the only surefire method to enjoy peaceful cooperation. Malek needs to play a part in helping Harmony succeed.
While the entire world is focused on Qatar as it holds one of the most significant athletic events, the “World Cup,” the people of South Sudan, notably the wrestling communities, will focus on Malek due to the scheduled wrestling matches.
In the cultures of the Dinka and Mundari of South Sudan, wrestling is flawless and, like dance, it takes center stage. It may also make a big contribution to the cultures of other wrestling communities.
To reiterate, I can say with confidence that wrestling among the Mundari and Dinka communities is symbolic, a source of pride, and a way to uphold one’s dignity. But most significantly, wrestling is a crucial component in the promotion of peace and harmony. Wrestlers are peace ambassadors, especially the best champions.
Malek is lucky to be the host Payam for the wrestling competitions this season, and one of Malek’s sons, businessman Deng Makuak Barech, is of course the flame that fires this. On this, I can candidly expressed that entrepreneur Deng Makuak Barech has assumed control of one of the top enterprises after making extensive observations over the past few years, particularly on social media. Deng has played a significant role in the cultivation, irrigating, and propagation of peace among the South Sudanese people.
Following a consistent focus on fostering harmony among wrestlers, their leaders, and their supporters, Deng Makuak emerged among his peers as a peacemaker and a fan of the sport. It is because of this that he devotedly engaged himself, along with Makur Telar and other leaders who follow the wrestling practice, in letting the people of South Sudan experience the harmony that is being felt and that is steadily growing with the practice.
Deng Makuak and Makur Telar, among others, are offering the government of Lakes State uninvited supplementary support with their phrase, “peace through wrestling.” It goes without saying, that peace in the Lakes signifies relative peace in South Sudan. If the center is dynamic, the disruption is sensed farther and more widely. Therefore, Matthew’s beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” is firmly rooted in their good deed (Matthew 5:9).
The dedication of their brother entrepreneur Deng Makuak, particularly as a peace ambassador who pursues his passion for the sport of wrestling, has made many sons and daughters of Malek happy around the world. I believe the majority of them, myself included, are happy to see Malek giving its best to our people.
The current gathering in Malek is noble and worthy of recognition. Deng Makuak, who purchased a first-class bull from a man who is from the Aliap community in the interest of making Yirol radiant, is solely responsible for the presence of Aliap youth in Malek, as evidenced by the wrestling match that was organized between them and the youth of the Ajak community of Yali Payam. If the bull is endowed with strong health and genetic supremacy to pass on to its progeny the necessary distinctive colors for a handsome bull, this will occur throughout Yirol and beyond (Yirol shall then be endowed with prestigious bulls with colors such as Makur, Makuei, Majok, Mangar, Marial, Mariaak, Makuach, etc.).
While wrestling for peace has spread throughout the nation, I would like to send a message to Hoc-Thoon Deng Makuak and Martin Makur Telar asking them to take into account making the scheduled wrestling between brothers, the main characters, Marial Anyuon and Majur Ayangyou, even more colorful by allowing wrestlers from Central Equatoria and Jonglei states to participate as either audience members or participants, giving them plenty of time to get to know people of Yirol. Since there are just a few weeks left and there are likely five wrestlers from each state that need to be mapped, I am aware that it is a difficult task.
Having said that, I’m also happy to express my opinions about the gathering in Malek as a son of Yirol and Malek in particular, and I’m telling the people of Malek that your typical stance remains unaltered because of this. Our forefathers, Reech Anyieth Reech and all of our chiefs, former and current have built you into a strong society. I have faith in our Payam’s ability to maintain order and kindness, and I am confident that everyone will be amused by our visitors and that no one will walk on anyone else’s foot except by pure mistake.
Additionally, I would want to urge my brothers, Amou Lep Adhieu, Mabor Ater Reech, Mayor Bok, Chol Direct, and William Deng Alier, to attend these functions if their schedules permit. You should help in instilling in our youth, civic life, a sense of belonging, I know a quality you all possess, and you should be present to make sure that our home continues to be a place to remember and yearn to return to. As individuals I know very well, I am sure that Matueny Butic, Taban Agutbuoc, Makuei Wel, and Loi Makuak would give it their all and manage the visitors with wonderful sagacity.
The gentlemen who created the social media pages Malith Mou Adhor Dit, aka Mc Anyarjur Wrestling Page, Pato Kuoi Beny Achiek, aka Pato Kuoi Wrestling and Social Events Page, Pesahiko South Sudan Media, and Muor-Ager Wrestling and Cultural Exhibitions’ Page, take note that your efforts have long been recognized as being not only rooted in entertainment but also that you are essentially the henchmen in peace promotion.
The live events you cover are instructive because they deliver messages that convey cultural values to youngsters in the diaspora who, absent your efforts, would not have the opportunity to learn about their cultures and customs. You are also physicians in your own right since the information you provide offers psychological healing, particularly to those who are traveling in unfamiliar environments and may be experiencing culture shock, boredom, or are completely despondent due to the difficulties of life. Keep your head up; you’re one of the greatest in this game. I am aware that every duty has its difficulties; do not allow these to hinder your progress.
To the diaspora community, in particular the honorable and illustrious brothers Chien Yong aka Adongthiaar Yong Averhooc, Matur Maker Maweltung, John Nhial Makur, Kueric Nhial, and Matot Benjamin, keep motivating our wrestlers and the young people who cover their wrestling and bring it to the public. Your contribution is substantial and you have a tremendous affection for your people and the cultural practices they engage in. Carry on.
Fans of wrestling in South Sudan, including Amos Makuei Thon, Makuach Wut Thong, Matur Di Majok, Ring Majok Madol, Barnaba Madeu Angong, Kalany Telar, Deng Marial Agok, Madet Cuor, Makuei Dewar, Deng Kon, Makur Madit, Mayor Kot Atool, Mayor Mou, Jesus Thon Aban and a long list of others, continue to support the sport and provide insightful analysis. You are major contributors as well. The next generation will be motivated by your example to enjoy this activity for promoting peace. Like we did when we grew to love European football, we can motivate a new generation.
Finally, as a legendary wrestler and longtime fan of this sport, I will be offering my analytical opinions as soon as the wrestling match approaches.
Yours truly, Mr. Teetotaler, till then.
