VP Nyandeng Leads Tributes to Liberation Heroine Mary Akuch Panyang

(JUBA) – Relatives, friends, government officials and community members gathered on Saturday at the residence of South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, to honour the life and legacy of his late mother, Major General Mary Akuch Panyang, a veteran of the liberation struggle.

The event was marked by tributes from national leaders, including the Vice President for the Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, who paid her respects to the late officer, describing her as a symbol of courage and resilience.

Other high ranking officials in attendance included the Government Secretary General Abdon Agawu and the newly appointed SPLM Secretary General, Paul Dogali Jumi, all of whom joined the mourning family in offering their final prayers and words of support.

South African Ambassador to South Sudan, Advocate Maholdi Muofhe, also addressed the mourners, praising Major General Akuch for her contributions to South Sudan’s independence. He pledged that South Africa would continue to support South Sudan’s path to peace, noting that the Deputy President of South Africa is scheduled to visit Juba next week to reinforce collaboration with President Salva Kiir.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Information and affiliated institutions, the Undersecretary of Information expressed solidarity with Minister Makuei, promising full institutional support to help the family through their difficult period.

Former Minister of Telecommunications and ex-SPLM Chief Whip, Hon. Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, echoed this support, assuring Minister Makuei of the continued backing of the SPLM leadership and party structures.

In his remarks, Minister Makuei expressed gratitude to the attendees, thanking them for their support and prayers. He prayed for God’s blessings upon all who stood by him and his family during their time of grief.

Major General Mary Akuch Panyang was widely respected for her firm commitment to the liberation cause. Her service extended into the South Sudan Prisons Service, where she rose through the ranks to achieve the status of Major General, a rare and notable achievement for a woman in the country’s military and security institutions.