By Majak Kuany Alier
In a world filled with noise, few take the time to truly listen.
Yet, listening is one of the most powerful skills in nurturing understanding, connection, and meaningful dialogue. That is the essence of Listening Ear. It is a column dedicated to thoughtful reflections on social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting South Sudanese at home and to those in the diaspora by extension.
This column is not new. It began in 2019 when I served as the Managing Editor of The Witness Newspaper, offering a space for critical engagement with the issues shaping our society. Now, I am bringing it to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, continuing my mission to inform, inspire, and educate through insightful analysis and open conversations. Thanks to Kiden Stela Mandela, the Editor-in-chief of this noble English daily for granting me an opportunity to share my views with the readership of this paper.
As the author of Listening Ear, I bring a wealth of experience from my time as a reporter, editor, and managing editor with some of South Sudan’s most respected English dailies, including Nation Mirror Newspaper, The Christian Times, The Witness, and The Stance. Beyond local journalism, I have worked as a stringer for international news agencies, including Xinhua News Agency and The Washington Times, covering South Sudan’s evolving countryside for a global audience.
My transition from active journalism came when I took on administrative responsibilities as Secretary General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), where I have been deeply involved in advocating for press freedom, journalist safety, and professional media development. Academically, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Juba and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Transformational Leadership, specializing in Conflict Management and Peacebuilding at the National Transformational Leadership Institute, University of Juba.
So why name the column Listening Ear? The name Listening Ear is intentional because I personally believe that true listening goes beyond hearing words. To me, it requires empathy, patience, and the willingness to understand. As South Sudanese who are grappling with complex challenges, we need more spaces for open, non-judgmental dialogue where people can express their thoughts without interruption or prejudice. This column will serve as that space, a platform for introspection, critical thinking, and interactive engagement.
As a communication professional, I believe feedback is the key to meaningful conversations. That’s why Listening Ear is not just a monologue. it’s an interactive space where readers will have the opportunity to share their thoughts or even ask questions through this space, and engage with the issues raised. I will be providing my email and direct phone number so that we can create a true dialogue because communication is only complete when both sides are heard.
Through Listening Ear, I invite you to join me in exploring ideas, and challenging perspectives, and encouraging a culture of listening in our everyday lives. Starting today onward, let’s build a society where voices are valued, and where understanding takes precedence over division.
Majak Daniel Kuany is a Secretary General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan. He is currently pursuing a master of transformation leadership, specializing on Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, at the Institute of National Transformational Leadership, at the University of University.
He can be reached via kuanyalier@gmail.com or call: +211925848660