South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has awarded 10 journalists at the second edition of the 2024 excellence journalism awards.
Oyet Patrick Charles, President of UJOSS said on Friday at the gala that the awards were established with the intention to encourage journalists and ensure professionalism.
“We are really seeing that these awards are not just something that we are doing for the sake of doing it. We are encouraging colleagues to specialize. We are encouraging colleagues to get better, to do better,” said Charles during the awarding ceremony at Crown Hotel in Juba.
Julius Manda, Country Director of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said his organization recognizes and applauds the unwavering commitment, resilience and professionalism of journalists in the country.
“This annual event is the testament vital role that journalism plays in our society, shaping opinion holding power to account and inspiring positive change, UNESCO recognize vital role that free and independent press plays in shaping our society,” said Banda.
Atong Majok Kur, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the South Sudan Media Authority said journalists need to be mindful in ensuring professionalism in their reporting, adding that the next edition of the journalism excellence awards must include access to justice.
“As we are telling the truth we have to be very mindful of that story that we are giving, by not putting our own words to the story, I applaud UJOSS for choosing different categories for the awards and that will encourage journalists to specialize in different areas,” said Kur.
Tanaka Hiroyuki, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in South Sudan, said the role of the media becomes even more critical as the transition period nears it’s end in 2026.
“This media excellence award is not merely recognition of past achievements. It is an investment in the future of South Sudanese journalism. By honoring our most exceptional media professionals, we are sending a powerful message that we value your contributions and are committed to supporting your endeavors,” said Hiroyuki.
“We believe that a strong and independent media is vital for the growth and development of South Sudan. It is essential for creating a conductive environment for election, protecting civic space and promoting access to information,” he added.
The winners at the awards include Denis Logonyi of the Voice of America (VOA), Awan Achiek and Benjamin Takpiny of the Dawn Newspaper, Philip Buda of No.1 Citizen Newspaper and Ginaba Lino of the Catholic Radio Network among others.
The 2024 journalism excellence awards was given in 10 different categories including Education, Business and Economy, Democracy and Elections and Food security to 10 journalists working in online, print and broadcast media.
