In a single week, Dr. John Garang has been both modeled into a statute and inked into the first currency note of the Republic of South Sudan – one step to cementing legacy into the minds of the future generations
MABIOR PHILIP MACH
Long after he perished in a helicopter crash in 2005, Sudan First Vice President John Garang left a legacy that now sees him placed on the first currency. In interviews with New Times, governors say that the portrait reflected both dignity and a respect for the martyrs who passed on in the course of decades of liberation struggle that culminated in a new Republic on July 9.
Garang’ efforts
“The presence of the portrait of Dr. John Garang in our currency is a way by which we have to appreciate the efforts he made for the liberation of the people of South Sudan. This liberation we are in now, much of it attributes to the work of Dr. John Garang de Mabior and this is how people honor their leader and founder of the liberation movement,” Jonglei State Governor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, told New Times. “We have got to honor him and it is like George Washington and other leaders in the world. For the other animals there in the currency, it also reflects the economy and tourism.”
Kuol also praised the new currency, saying the colors of the currency are good for people who cannot write. “It is a blessing for us to have the portrait of Dr. John on the notes. It is just an example of the U.S. and Kenya. I think that is a great achievement for us and I am thanking it seriously and I appreciate,” Western Equatoria State Governor, Bangasi Bakosoro said.
Lakes Governor Chol Tong Mayay said that it is a symbol of the sacrifices the martyrs made.
“The portrait of John Garang symbolizes the martyrs, those who have labored for this freedom. This freedom didn’t come just in a golden plate. People have fought for it and it has taken the life of our leader Dr. John Garang de Mabior. So it symbolizes all the two million plus, who have died for this, who have sacrificed their souls. His portrait being there is so great
— Chol Tong Mayai, the Governor of Lakes state.
Chol said the same thinking that went into drafting the national anthem was the same thinking that went into making the new currency. “If you go and see our national anthem, it has gone with the way the currency has been designed. In the national anthem, we started by glorifying the name of God, that is we first glorify God and then our martyrs,” he added.
“I think the currency has reflected our vision and how we have come to this new nation.”
Warrap Speaker Madut Dut Deng said Garang laid the bedrock that resulted into the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
“It is a very good that at least we are remembering his efforts because he set in motion everything we were doing in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. He deserves to be in our currency”
— Madut Dut Deng
A symbol of dignity
It’s not only the governors that approve of the portrait. The public also seems to be in agreement. “Dr. John Garang is not only a visionary leader; he is the founder of the new nation, which he viewed as the new Sudan where some of the old practices like marginalization, prosecution and persecution will not be tolerated,” said Prof. Isaac Cuir Riak, senior development consultant and Chief Executive Officer of African Development Consultancy Firm. “He is there in the currency as a symbol of dignity.”
