We are also celebrating the Top 20 South Sudanese who have risen above adversity to inspire change, drive progress, and create a brighter future for their communities and the nation at large.
Hot in Juba and its sister publication Talk of Juba have annually been celebrating these remarkable individuals through the Top 20 South Sudanese listicle. This year’s list is a continuation of our commitment to shining a light on those who, through their work and dedication, have transformed lives and changed narratives. From humanitarians and activists to politicians, entertainers, journalists, and more, these changemakers have become a beacon of hope and progress despite the challenges engulfing the country.

The achievements of these 20 individuals represent the heart and soul of South Sudan—a nation that refuses to let its struggles define its future. Their stories serve as an inspiration to all South Sudanese and as a testament to the power of perseverance, unity, and the unwavering desire to make a difference.
As we celebrate their accomplishments, we are reminded that every act of leadership, innovation, and compassion is a step toward building a brighter future for South Sudan. These are not just the leaders of today but the torchbearers of a better tomorrow.

We celebrate their work and dedication which has transformed lives and narratives across various sectors. From humanitarians and activists to politicians, entertainers, and journalists, these leaders and changemakers have left an indelible mark on South Sudan and beyond.

These 20 individuals represent the spirit of South Sudan—undaunted, creative, and determined to shape a better future. Their work is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability of ordinary people to do extraordinary things. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded that despite the challenges, hope and progress are always within reach.

The list:

𝟏. 𝐋𝐮𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠 — 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫/𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥
After an illustrious NBA career, Luol Deng chose to forgo a life of luxury in his multimillion-dollar properties abroad to return home with a purpose: to transform basketball in South Sudan and redefine the country’s global image.
Thanks to Luol’s leadership, South Sudan has become synonymous with basketball excellence. A quick search online now reveals images of the national basketball team and their historic achievements, a stark contrast to the country’s past associations with conflict, calamity, and hunger.
As the president of South Sudan Basketball, Luol has been the driving force behind South Sudan’s meteoric rise in the sport, from historic qualifications for the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics to nurturing young talent. Through his Luol Deng Foundation, he continues to support basketball development both in South Sudan and globally, fostering opportunities for the next generation.
Luol Deng’s unparalleled contributions to South Sudanese sports and his dedication to uplifting the nation through basketball secure his well-deserved spot on our 2024 list of the Top 20 South Sudanese.

𝟐. 𝐍𝐮𝐧𝐢 𝐎𝐦𝐨𝐭 — 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫
Anunwa “Nuni” Omot has been an instrumental figure in South Sudan’s basketball success. As a key player on the national team, he helped propel South Sudan to the global stage, culminating in the historic qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the nation’s debut in the world’s biggest sporting event.
Beyond his contributions to the national team, Nuni achieved individual greatness in 2023 when he was named the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) while playing for Al Ahly, one of Egypt’s top basketball clubs. His exceptional performance cemented his status as one of the brightest stars in African basketball.
Nuni Omot’s achievements in 2023 and 2024 exemplify his talent, dedication, and impact on South Sudanese sports. For his remarkable contributions, he earns a place on our 2024 list of the Top 20 South Sudanese.

𝟑. 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 — 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫
Wenyen Gabriel, a former Los Angeles Lakers player, has been a key figure in South Sudanese basketball. In 2023, he joined the South Sudan national team for the FIBA World Cup, helping the team make history by qualifying for the tournament for the first time. In 2024, he continued his journey with the team, leading South Sudan to another historic milestone: qualifying for the Paris Olympics as the sole African representative in men’s basketball.
Throughout these achievements, Wenyen has proven himself to be one of the standout players on the national team, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. His contributions have been instrumental in putting South Sudan on the global basketball map.
We honor Wenyen Gabriel for his dedication, hard work, and for proudly representing South Sudan on the world stage. His accomplishments in 2023 and 2024 have earned him a well-deserved place on our 2024 list of the Top 20 South Sudanese.

𝟒. 𝐄𝐳𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 – 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫
Ezibon Malish Wajo is a rising star in South Sudanese football, currently just two goals away from becoming the all-time top scorer for the national team. Despite the challenges facing football in the country, Ezibon’s talent and determination make him a beacon of hope for the sport.
With five goals to his name, Ezibon is just one goal behind the joint all-time top scorers, James Joseph Moga and Tito Okello Odong. At such a young age, his skills and performances on the pitch clearly mark him as a player destined for greatness.
For his remarkable contribution to the nation’s sports sector and his inspiring journey in football, Ezibon Malish secures his place among our Top 20 South Sudanese for 2024. He represents the future of South Sudanese football and continues to bring pride to the nation.

𝟓. 𝐄𝐝𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐢 – 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭
Edmond Yakani is a renowned civil society activist who has dedicated his life to being a voice for the voiceless. A fearless advocate for good governance, he consistently speaks out on issues affecting South Sudan, even in the face of limited freedom of expression.
Edmond’s unwavering commitment to justice and accountability has made him a cornerstone of activism in the country. His courage and determination have earned him numerous international awards, highlighting his impactful fight for the rights and well-being of the South Sudanese people.
Today, we proudly recognize Edmond Yakani as one of our Top 20 South Sudanese for 2024. His work continues to inspire change and give hope to countless citizens.

𝟔. 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐣𝐞 — 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞
Nelson Kwaje is a trailblazing entrepreneur and digital rights advocate, with over seven years of experience in the fields of ICT and digital rights advocacy. His unwavering commitment to empowering young people and safeguarding digital spaces has cemented his place as one of South Sudan’s most influential figures.
As the founder of Scenius Hub, Nelson has created a vibrant creative workspace in Juba, offering a haven for young creatives and professionals to collaborate and innovate. The Hub has not only provided space for individual growth but has also hosted numerous events focused on technology, creativity, and innovation, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the creative community in South Sudan.
Nelson’s passion for combating misinformation and disinformation is evident through his work with 211 Check, South Sudan’s pioneering fact-checking platform. By establishing this critical outlet, Nelson has helped address the spread of false information, promoting truth and accountability in the digital sphere.
In addition, he is a co-founder of SafetyComm South Sudan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cybersecurity education and advocacy. Through campaigns and training programs, the organization equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
For his selfless contributions to the tech and creative industries and his steadfast advocacy for digital rights, Nelson Kwaje has earned a well-deserved spot on our Top 20 South Sudanese list. His work continues to inspire a new generation of South Sudanese changemakers.

𝟕. 𝐆𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 — 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫/𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐧, 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐬
Dr. Gum Marial, a dedicated surgeon at the SSPDF-owned Gieda Military Hospital, has earned his place among the top 20 South Sudanese of 2024. After graduating from a university in Ethiopia, he chose to return home and devote himself to saving lives at a hospital grappling with a chronic lack of medical supplies.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Gum has performed life-saving surgeries on patients who had lost hope due to the unavailability of specialized treatment abroad. In one remarkable case, he successfully removed a bullet lodged in a patient’s head. In another groundbreaking achievement, he made history by performing South Sudan’s first-ever brain tumor surgery—an incredible milestone for the country’s medical sector.
Dr. Gum’s unwavering commitment to his patients and his pioneering efforts at Gieda Military Hospital stand as a testament to his skill, resilience, and love for his country. Today, we recognize and honor him for his extraordinary contributions to South Sudan’s healthcare.

𝟖. 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 — 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥/𝐌𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧
Amac Mathiang, popularly known as Amac Ricky, proudly represented South Sudan at this year’s Mr. World beauty pageant.
Although he didn’t bring home the title, Amac made a significant impact by putting South Sudan on the global map in a positive light. His outstanding achievement was winning the Best Costume Award for his stunning attire inspired by the South Sudanese flag, which captured the attention and admiration of audiences worldwide.
Amac’s participation highlights the growing presence of South Sudan in international pageants. His dedication, charisma, and cultural pride serve as an inspiration to young South Sudanese aspiring to represent their nation on global platforms.

𝟗. 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧 – 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭
Richard Sultan, a founding member and senior editor at Hot in Juba, played an instrumental role in shaping the platform into South Sudan’s leading digital news outlet. His passing in October 2024 marked the loss of a remarkable journalist whose work and dedication left an indelible mark on the country’s media landscape.
A self-taught journalist, Richard’s journey was defined by hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. He believed in the power of journalism to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to hold the powerful accountable. His writing was not just about reporting the news—it was about seeking solutions and fostering meaningful conversations that could drive change.
Richard’s passion for his craft was matched only by his generosity of spirit. He was always willing to share insights, offer advice, and support his colleagues with encouragement and kindness. His warm smile and approachable nature made him a source of inspiration to many, both within Hot in Juba and the broader journalism community.
Throughout his career, Richard went above and beyond to highlight underreported stories, providing a platform for those whose voices were often ignored. He approached these stories with empathy, humanity, and a deep sense of responsibility, ensuring they were told with dignity and respect.
As we reflect on his life and legacy, Hot in Juba is honored to include Richard Sultan in our list of the Top 20 South Sudanese of 2024. This recognition celebrates his unparalleled contribution to journalism in South Sudan and his enduring impact on the lives of those he sought to serve through his work.
Richard’s absence is deeply felt, but his legacy continues to inspire us to pursue excellence, compassion, and truth in all that we do. Rest in peace, Richard Sultan. Your voice and vision will forever resonate in the stories you helped bring to light.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐤 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 – 𝐂𝐄𝐎 & 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰
Chirbek John is a dynamic and influential public figure, serving as the CEO and host of the Beledna Talkshow, where he engages audiences with insightful conversations that shape society and culture. A passionate public speaker, lecturer, and corporate MC, Chirbek has earned a reputation for his exceptional communication skills and his ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Beyond media and entertainment, Chirbek is a staunch advocate for positive change in South Sudan. In recognition of his efforts to promote a positive image of the country and shift the narrative surrounding South Sudan, he received the prestigious 2024 Special Award from the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. He was also honored with the Traces of Formation Award at the 2024 South Sudan Fashion Week, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation’s cultural and fashion landscape.
With a deep commitment to social change and public engagement, Chirbek John continues to be a driving force in shaping meaningful conversations and fostering growth in South Sudan and beyond.
The above profiles capture the resilience, innovation, and dedication of South Sudanese leaders in their respective fields, showcasing their impact in shaping a brighter future for the nation.

𝟏𝟏. 𝐑𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 – 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧/𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞
Rin Tueny Mabor has transformed Lakes State from a hotbed of lawlessness into a symbol of peace and stability. Under his leadership, revenge attacks, cattle raids, and insecurity have significantly declined. Rin has also championed progressive causes, including the eradication of child and forced marriages, while instituting compulsory education laws for children. His leadership continues to inspire hope and progress in a previously volatile region.

𝟏𝟐. 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐮 – 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐭
Ajak, a founding member of the Dinka-language radio station SBS Dinka in Australia, has been a beacon for the South Sudanese refugee community. Leaving his job abroad, he returned to South Sudan to document stories of hope and celebrate the country’s rich cultural diversity. Through his journeys across various communities, Ajak highlights South Sudan’s heritage and the unity within its diversity.

𝟏𝟑. 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐢 – 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧/𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚
Kalisto Wani is a name synonymous with bold leadership in Juba City. Despite his brief tenure as mayor, his radical approach to city governance left an enduring impact. Though initially met with resistance, his transformative policies earned him the admiration of Juba residents. Following a mysterious detention by the National Security, his resilience and commitment to change make him a figure worth celebrating.

𝟏𝟒. 𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐤 𝐁𝐢𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐩 – 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧/𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞
Riek Bim Top’s governorship has been defined by a mission to unite Unity State. Unlike his predecessor, who avoided opposition strongholds, Bim courageously visited all counties in the state, including those affiliated with the SPLM-IO. His peace advocacy has fostered a sense of unity among communities that were previously divided.

𝟏𝟓. 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐭𝐨𝐣 𝐍𝐲𝐨𝐤 – 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭
Sarah Atoj Nyok is a trailblazer in South Sudan’s media landscape, carving a space for herself in a male-dominated field. Her eloquence and charm have made her one of Juba’s most sought-after event hosts. Sarah’s rising profile is a testament to her talent and a reflection of women’s empowerment in South Sudan.

𝟏𝟔. 𝐀𝐝𝐢𝐣𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐮𝐢𝐥 – 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭
Adija Acuil’s thought-provoking and relatable cartoons resonate deeply with everyday South Sudanese. His work, often shared widely on social media and published in prominent newspapers, blends humor, critique, and education, sparking important conversations across the nation.

𝟏𝟕. 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 – 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭
Ajak Maura has made waves in environmental journalism, becoming the first South Sudanese journalist to have her documentary featured on BBC Africa Eye. Her film sheds light on the devastating impacts of climate change and oil mining in South Sudan, particularly in Unity State. Ajak’s work is a call to action for environmental justice.

𝟏𝟖. 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐢 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫/𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬
A prominent academic and former researcher at the Sudd Institute, Augustino Ting Mayai is now tasked with leading South Sudan’s National Bureau of Statistics. His leadership is critical in conducting the nation’s first post-independence population census, a key milestone for the 2018 R-ARCSS and South Sudan’s future elections.

𝟏𝟗. 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐥 (𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐞) – 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫
Mabor Bol, popularly known as Papa Lee, uses his music to amplify the voices of ordinary South Sudanese. His lyrics tackle issues like poor governance, lack of clean water, and economic challenges. Recently recognized with multiple awards, including Male Artist of the Year at the STA Awards, Papa Lee continues to be a voice of accountability and inspiration.

𝟐𝟎. 𝐀𝐣𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥 – 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫-𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝-𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫
In a country battling food insecurity, Ajo Noel has set an example by trading his legal career for farming. Establishing Egele Farms in Eastern Equatoria, he cultivates vast hectares of land, supplying fresh produce to Juba and other towns. Ajo’s dedication to agriculture embodies the potential of self-reliance and food security for South Sudan.
The above profiles capture the resilience, innovation, and dedication of South Sudanese leaders in their respective fields, showcasing their impact in shaping a brighter future for the nation.