South Sudan 2011 taskforce approves proposed national anthem

March 18, 2011 (JUBA) - The Southern Sudan 2011 Taskforce, which is charged with the responsibility to prepare the South Sudan government for post-independence governance, on Thursday approved the proposed national anthem for the emerging independent state after lengthy discussions.

This is in preparation for the anticipated independence of South Sudan by July 9, following its people's overwhelming vote for independence in January's referendum.

The initial national anthem has undergone several amendments and removal from it some words and wordings, among which included the word ‘Cush' which appeared in its initial presentation and had to be replaced with ‘South Sudan.'

Different sections of South Sudan society including the public contributed to the changes in the proposed anthem. The process to select and finalise the anthem has been ongoing for the last year and a half.

In the taskforce meeting on Thursday chaired by the Vice President, Riek Machar, the proposed national anthem was presented in its fifth revision by the chairman of the committee, Joseph Abuk, assisted by Brigadier General Malaak Ayuen, of the SPLA information department.

The anthem was sung by over 70 students of the University of Juba while the tune was played by the SPLA band.

The fourth revision of the proposed national anthem was presented last week to the council of ministers which referred it back to the committee with more recommended amendments. Machar said the fifth revision of the anthem will be presented to the cabinet next week for approval.

Below is the script of the fifth revision which was approved by the taskforce and will be presented to the council of ministers for further approval:

South Sudan!

Oh God!

We praise and glorify you For your grace on South Sudan The land of great abundance Uphold us united in peace and harmony

Oh motherland!

Arise! Raise your flag with the guiding star And sing songs of freedom with joy For peace, justice and liberty Shall forever more reign

Oh great warriors!

Let us stand up in silence and respect Saluting our martyrs whose blood Cemented our national foundation We vow to protect our nation

So Lord, bless South Sudan!

Source: http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-2011-taskforce,38325