State backs community broadcaster in South Sudan
At a gathering in Juba, Central Equatoria’s Information Minister Nyarsuk Patrick underlined that Terekaka Radio belongs to citizens, not power brokers, and vowed government support that stops short of editorial intrusion.
Donor partnership strengthens rural information flow
He praised contributions from JICA, UNESCO and local NGO Salaam Junubi, saying their equipment and training give remote cattle camps the same access to verified news as towns along the Nile.
Safeguarding editorial freedom and sustainability
“Community radios stitch society together,” Patrick told attendees, describing plans to use programmes on culture, reconciliation and markets to accelerate grass-roots development.
Yet he cautioned that independence will last only if finances and governance remain transparent, urging managers to publish budgets and rotate leadership posts.
Training locals to tell their own stories
County Commissioner Emmanuel Loku challenged 15 newly trained volunteers to file daily stories, arguing that even small events, from school debates to market prices, deserve airtime.
Women’s voices and education at the microphone
Women’s Association chair Asunta Paul welcomed the microphone, convinced that regular programmes in Bari and Arabic will persuade hesitant girls to stay in class and help Terekaka achieve its ambition of becoming South Sudan’s second city.
Salaam Junubi’s Deborah Yar urged villagers to “serve one another with respect,” promising more workshops in broadcast ethics next quarter.