A Community Forged Through Hardship: The Story of South Sudanese Australians
A Pathway of Discipline and Hope
The Longhorns basketball team was founded in 2003 by Manyang "Manny" Berberi to provide youth mentoring and discipline for South Sudanese Australian teenagers. Today, the team is coached by Emmanuel "Manny" Malou, a former professional basketballer who follows Berberi’s model of using sport as a tool for guidance.
“We know the challenges, and we know what the solutions are.” — Mamuch Chuol, community activist
Systemic Challenges and a Grim Reality
The South Sudanese community in Australia faces significant socioeconomic hurdles, including poverty, racism, and a stark over-representation in the justice system. Despite making up less than 0.5% of Victoria’s population aged 10-24, they account for 22% of those in youth detention.
The toll of violence is personal and devastating. In September 2023, two South Sudanese children—Chol Achiek, 12, and Dau Akueng, 15—were stabbed to death in Melbourne. Eight people aged 15-19 have since been charged. For Deng Atem, the pain is unthinkable: he lost both his sons, Atem (shot dead in 2023) and Lino (stabbed in 2024), in separate incidents.
The "African Gangs" Narrative
Between 2016 and 2018, a political controversy erupted after a brawl at Moomba festival. Media and political figures focused heavily on South Sudanese youth. Then federal minister Peter Dutton controversially linked the entire community to gang violence.
Community leaders fought back. Lawyer Maker Mayek and human rights advocate Nyadol Nyuon have spoken out against the negative stereotypes. Nyuon’s plea remains powerful:
“What I really want is for people to be curious about South Sudanese people.”
Chaplains on the Front Line
Deacon George Piech Meat works as a youth justice chaplain, visiting young offenders in prison. His presence offers a critical lifeline of connection and mentorship to those caught in the system.
Beacons of Success and Resilience
Despite the adversity, members of the South Sudanese community are achieving remarkable success across multiple fields:
- Mac Andrew, a Gold Coast Suns player, signed a potential $12 million contract in 2024, becoming the first top-five AFL draft pick from the South Sudanese community.
- Veronica Peter (Vv Pete) became the first Sudanese Australian nominated for an ARIA Award in 2025.
- Ayor Makur Chuot made history in 2021 by becoming the first person of South Sudanese descent elected to any Australian parliament (WA Legislative Council).
“If I can make it with my broken English in parliament, what excuse for our children to not make it anywhere in Australia?” — Ayor Makur Chuot, WA MP
A Community’s Roots and Future
The community began arriving in Australia in the 1990s as refugees fleeing the South Sudanese civil war. Official census data estimates 14,000 people claim South Sudanese ancestry, but community leaders believe the true number is roughly double that.
Many families carry deep trauma from war, resettlement challenges, and sustained economic hardship. Sport—particularly basketball and AFL—has emerged as one of the most powerful positive pathways for young people.
The message from within the community is clear: they are aware of the challenges they face, and they are actively building their own solutions.