By. Thomas Makorou.
In South Sudan, patriotism runs deep in our hearts. It’s a bond that unites us, that drives us to dream big, and that inspires us to create a legacy of progress.
But patriotism is not just about pointing fingers or casting blame. True love for our country means respecting those who came before us, acknowledging their sacrifices, and taking responsibility to build on their efforts through hard work and respect.
Our elders are the foundation of our nation. They have fought for this country through trials and sacrifices that many of us may never fully understand.
South Sudan’s independence and peace came at a cost, and these leaders were willing to pay it. Criticizing them with disrespect or attacking their personalities destroyed the spirit of unity and undermines the sacrifices they made to bring our country to where it is today.
Respecting our elders and honoring their contributions doesn’t mean we can’t identify areas for improvement, but there is a way to approach these conversations with integrity.
Constructive criticism, offered in a spirit of cooperation, can help us address challenges while still upholding the dignity of those who paved the way for us.
This approach allows us to draw upon their wisdom, while bringing our own generation’s energy and innovation to the table.
As young South Sudanese, it is our time to shine. We can show our patriotism not just through words, but through action. In recent times, our national basketball players have given us an example to be proud of, achieving victories that made our nation smile.
They brought joy and pride to our country, not by attacking others, but by dedicating themselves to a positive pursuit and representing South Sudan on the world stage.
In the same way, we should channel our passion for South Sudan into business, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Our elders fought for our freedom; now it’s our responsibility to turn that freedom into opportunities.
By building successful businesses, creating job opportunities, and uplifting our economy, we can make our nation stronger. Instead of criticizing our leaders, we should work to make them proud by showing them that we are dedicated to carrying forward the torch they have passed on to us.
As we continue to progress, let’s also invite our leaders to be part of our journey. By asking for their support in areas like business development and innovation, we can foster a collaborative relationship that benefits everyone.
Leaders, elders, and young people working together will give us a South Sudan that stands strong and united.
Let us remember, South Sudan is our country. Criticism alone will not move us forward, It is our actions, our contributions, and our respect for each other that will drive our nation toward a brighter future.
We must honor our heroes by making them proud, working hard to build a legacy of prosperity, and respecting the wisdom they bring.
Together, we can create a future that will make all South Sudanese smile and inspire future generations to do the same.
