By Kiden Stela Mandela
Paying civil servants their salaries on the 24th of every month, as promised, is more than a simple administrative task—it’s a critical move for the well-being of our citizens and the integrity of our nation. A reliable, timely salary schedule is essential for enhancing working conditions in public offices and, crucially, for reducing corruption.
Public institutions are the centers of wisdom and discipline that shape our society. They are vital to this country, conducting research, developing skilled workforces, and serving as cultural and intellectual anchors in our communities. If the people serving our nation are well-paid and on time, we can realistically expect less corruption and a tangible reduction in the severe economic hardship faced by thousands of families.
We remember well when the Head of State directed the Ministry of Finance to pay civil servant salaries last year, a directive that followed the promising resumption of oil flow after Sudan lifted its force majeure. Such announcements are positive, but when they become statements that only “delight the hearts of civil servants” without subsequent action, they are simply an alert that a promise has been made without the commitment to follow through. The pain is felt, but the action is missing.
The question remains: If the government leadership could be directed to act, why were the same directives not sustained? Why must civil servants suffer for months on end?
The dangerous economic inflation in our country, where the cost of bread increases daily due to the rising dollar against the South Sudanese Pound, is a situation that cannot afford any interruption in salaries. Citizens across the country are severely affected, struggling to sustain themselves, with many dying of hunger. The government must do better to fight for their rights and improve this disastrous situation.
It has been promised that civil servants would be paid every 24th of the month and on time. The government must not take advantage of innocent people—it is morally unacceptable to eat and drink knowing the people who provide essential services are struggling and hungry.
The Economic Cluster and the Ministry of Finance and Planning must ensure that action follows words. There is no need for a situation where promises are made, only for the subsequent action to wither away.
If the delay in payment was genuinely due to administrative issues, The continuation of these delays suggests a deep-seated administrative failure.
I appeal to the authorities to prioritize the timely payment of civil servants’ salaries to alleviate the immense economic suffering they are enduring. We must act now, before citizens become utterly fed up with this economic hardship and lack of responsiveness.
Thanks to the civil servants. Despite months of delayed pay, your commitment to work for this country remains strong. That commitment, that Nationalism, is the spirit that will continue to build South Sudan.
God Protect South Sudan.
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