Jonglei discusses South Sudan need for professionals

By Philip Thon Aleu

September 14, 2009 (BOR) – Close to three thousand people attended a welcome ceremony for Prof. Arop Leek; the state secretary general, Sunday here where state chiefs debated on why South Sudan need professionals to manage the day-to-day affairs.

Though “a community product,” south Sudanese professors remain in exile “because we see them as people who want to rob our positions” but time is ripening to “benefit from them” as yearning for good administration overtakes political representation at this event’s speeches.

While Prof. Arop Leek appreciated the respect accorded to him, Prof. Mum Kou, representing professionals said they were ready “to lower themselves” and take any job at home.

“I was always acting. That was not satisfactory to me,” Prof. Arop says in reference to his fourteen years teaching period in Kenyan where he served as acting dean for various faculties. “This time, I’m not an acting capacity. I’m the secretariat general. Prof. Arop indicates that while in exile, “my heart was home because I’m a community product.” It’s a good day but marks a shift in my career,” Arop added that he becomes a bridge between civil and politicians in his new capacity. As teaching professor, Arop was purely an academician. Arop says he is currently a lecturer to 27 students of PhDs, Masters and others.

Secretariat General (SG) is the head of all civilian servants in the state. A person in this capacity is the secretary to the council of ministers and has direct link to running of the state affairs with the governor and monitors, evaluates and recommends director generals in all ministries.

Director Generals at the state levels are equivalents to undersecretary (deputy minister) for the case of South Sudan. Being a non political position, all staffs are expected to be professionals and handle technical management of the ministries.

This has not happen since 2005 when the Government of South Sudan was formed after peace with Khartoum. Instead, employment was based of accommodating former fighters of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), heads of some militias and other political parties.

The system had not worked in the last four years authorities explain. But political positions like a minister and others are for party disciples – only managerial, the professors ought to note.

And for an effective administration, education is important that there is peace in South Sudan that has never seen development in the history of Sudan though the country riches rest here.

“Let us not hate educated people,” said Maker Lual Kuol, the commissioner of Bor County, adding “because we see them as people who want to rob our positions. This is not good.”

‘STUCK IN THE PAST’

With ageing-under-educated government staffs occupying vital gateways to employment, youths are blocked out. Citing inexperience and ‘under-age’, young men are refused jobs despite having better academic papers.

Deputy Gov. Hussein Mar Nyuot and State minister of physical infrastructures Deng Aleir who both claim be labeled as ‘young men’ reject the old trend of keeping old people in offices in the name of experiences.

Mr. Deng says he is disappointed that his appointment as a minister was seen as deploying young people. He asked whether there is a child aged 52 in the world!

Deputy Gov. Mar Nyuot said “they are stuck in the past” when referencing to those calling them children. With energy and knowledge, Deputy Gov. Mar said youths have extra advantage and describes Prof. Arop’s appointment and presence as “a bonus.”

Gov. Kuol Manyang Juuk on the other hand maintained his position of getting as many educated youths employed as possible. While returning from the U.S. last month, Gov. Kuol brought Prof. James who takes on as Director General state ministry of Agriculture in a move to upgrade the ministry he says has being managed by people who do not have small okra garden when they are supposed to encourage farming. Minister Agip of Agriculture came in last month too.

Gov. Kuol said: “I want us to benefit from them (professors). These are scientists and we shall give ministerial management.”

Gov. Kuol said the war of liberation of the marginalized people of Sudan was fought for progress to come but through professional commitment because “development is not easy.”

The late afternoon ceremony was organized by Duk County Youth Association. A non partisan event as it was, all politicians attended at White Nile hotel Sunday late afternoon to early evening.

(ST)