Independence in the making

The South Sudan independence task force, mandated to prepare for the Independence Day, has invited the public to take part in designing symbols of authority of the soon to be independent country. Artists were requested to design the National Coat of Arms and medals to honour some of the great leaders of the 'struggle'.

Southern Sudanese celebrating after the referendum results were announced.The declaration of independence is scheduled for 9 July 2011 after the South has overwhelmingly voted for independence in a referendum on secession from the North of Sudan, which was part of the 2005 peace deal, ending decades of civil war in the country.

The Minister for Culture and Heritage Gabriel Changson Chang announced the erection of 42 meter monument, upon which the names of the heroes and heroines of South Sudan will be engraved.

The John Garang Mausoleum is expected to undergo serious renovations in order to host the celebrations on 9 July 2011. Hosting up to 10,000 people, the mausoleum will be the ground for celebrating the birth of the Republic of South Sudan. Marvis Birungi, in an interview with Changson, describes the preparations for the Independence Day: