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South Sudan — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of South Sudan, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

Proverbs

Moea uecha heavy hayen.

“A friend is someone you share the path with.”

True friendship is shown by walking life's journey together, not just by words.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

Source: Dinka (South Sudan) proverb, African Proverb of the Month (June 2022), African Proverbs Working Group / Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Agal hosi arik naboite.

“Two heads are better than one.”

A community that works together, as in hunting parties, succeeds where a lone individual cannot.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

Source: Lopit (South Sudan) proverb, African Proverb of the Month (March 2020), African Proverbs Working Group / Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Thilɛ dit tuɔ̱ŋ.

“There are not big horns, they are all horns.”

A person's worth should be judged by character and behavior, not by outward size or status — all are equal.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

Source: Nuer (South Sudan / Ethiopia) proverb, African Proverb of the Month (July 2020), African Proverbs Working Group / Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Labwor ma kok pe mako lee.

“A roaring lion does not catch any prey.”

Loud boasting without action achieves nothing; results come from deeds, not declarations.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

Source: Acholi (South Sudan / Uganda) proverb, African Proverb of the Month (November 2011), African Proverbs Working Group / Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Ɛ yak mi cɛ yaŋ cam la nyɔkε ni jɛn kɛ ɣɔɔk piny.

“The hyena that bit the cow will do it again.”

Wrongdoing left unaddressed will be repeated; a mistake must be corrected so it does not happen again.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

Source: Nuer (South Sudan) proverb, from "A Collection of 100 Nuer Proverbs and Wise Sayings" by Margaret Wambere Ireri with Daniel Chier and John Maker, African Proverbs Working Group, Tangaza University College, Nairobi

“The death of the father does not make the son an orphan.”

The extended family and community continue to raise and support a child even after a parent is gone.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

“A water hole is not dug in a place without water.”

Pursue your goals where the right conditions actually exist, not where success is impossible from the start.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom

“A man who does not possess cows cannot govern.”

Leadership is earned by first managing one's own responsibilities well; those who cannot govern their own affairs cannot be trusted to govern others.

Traditional South Sudan Wisdom