Hon. Rebecca Joshua Okwaci [second from left] celebrates her achievement at the Thamani Africa Awards on May 9, 2026, where five South Sudanese women were recognized for their exceptional leadership. | Photo: Courtesy

Hon. Rebecca Joshua has traveled a long road, one that began in the trenches of the liberation struggle and led eventually to the halls of Parliament. Known once as SPLA’s “Voice of the Revolution,” she has now become a continental symbol of leadership.

Following her recognition at the Thamani Africa Awards, the Member of Parliament sat down to pen a detailed account of her life’s work. In a moving tribute titled “From the Bush to the Podium: A Journey of Sacrifice and Service,” she reflects on the moments and the people who turned a freedom fighter into a national lawmaker.

Her story is built on the idea that no one succeeds in isolation. Even as she stood on the podium to accept her award, Rebecca was quick to remind her audience that her name is simply a placeholder for the community that supported her.

“Allow me to express my profound gratitude to Thamani Africa for according me this prestigious award. I accept this honor with deep humility. While this award recognizes my individual efforts, I am acutely aware that no one walks this path alone. I stand here today because of a host of incredible people who walked beside me.”

Rebecca believes her character was forged long before she became a public figure. She traces her resilience back to her family home and the early lessons she learned from her parents. “The journey has been long, but I wish to honor those who shaped my story: My Parents: I thank you for your nurturing spirit and for mentoring me into the woman I am today.”

For Rebecca, the fight for South Sudan’s independence was never just a political abstract. It was a lived reality she shared with her husband, navigating the hardships of the forest during what she calls their “bush honeymoon.” “My Husband: We walked the ‘Bush of Liberation’ together. From our ‘Bush Honeymoon’ to the heat of the struggle, we fought side-by-side for the independence our country enjoys today.”

In the thick of the war, Rebecca was handed a microphone instead of a rifle. Under the leadership of the revolution, she used the airwaves to reach the most humble and marginalized citizens of the country. “The Late Dr. John Garang de Mabior: Our liberation commander, who assigned me to Radio SPLA. He gave me the platform to become the ‘Voice of the Revolution’; speaking for the grassroots, the rural, and the humble. It is that very voice you recognize today.”

When independence finally arrived, Rebecca’s mission shifted from the radio booth to the cabinet. She moved into high-level governance, serving as a National Minister and working to turn the dreams of the revolution into actual government policy. “H.E. the President Cde. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit: Thank you for your trust and for the opportunity to serve in three ministries, allowing me to transition from a voice of the people to a policymaker for the nation.”

Her path eventually led her to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. There, Rebecca took on the heavy responsibility of Government Chief Whip and Chairperson of the SPLM Caucus, guiding her party’s legislative efforts through a critical era. “The Mighty SPLM Party: For appointing me to Parliament and assigning me as Government Chief Whip, where I honed my skills in legislation and leadership.”

Rebecca’s professional approach was shaped by international mentors who taught her that journalism and diplomacy are not just jobs, but essential tools for maintaining peace and community stability. “My Mentors: To the late Kenyan Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat, who taught me the art of preventative diplomacy; Hon. Raphael Tuju, who refined my journalism; and Amb. Dr. Yusuf Nzibo, who taught me the value of mentoring and the beauty of staying ‘down to earth,’ from the suburbs to the heart of Kibera.”

While she was out serving the nation, Rebecca’s sister remained the silent pillar of her household. It was this domestic support that allowed her the freedom to focus on her public duties. “My Sister, Gano Joshua: Who stepped in as a nurse and caregiver for my children, allowing me the freedom to amplify the voices of our people.”

But leadership in a time of war always comes with a price. Rebecca speaks candidly about the heartache of a mother who had to sacrifice the everyday joys of raising her children to ensure a future for all the children of South Sudan. “My Children: To the apples of my eye my son Ajawin and my daughter Nyadak. Thank you for your patience during your infancy, even when the struggle meant missing those precious moments of motherhood.”

The moral compass she uses in her leadership today was set during Rebecca’s university years, where she learned that the true purpose of power is to serve others. “Daystar University: Where I truly learned the essence of Servant Leadership.”

As she looks toward the road ahead, Rebecca sees this continental award not as a trophy to be shelved, but as a source of energy for the work that still remains to be done. “To all my family, friends, and supporters who mentored, encouraged, and voted for me, this belongs to you. Thamani Africa, thank you for placing me on this pedestal and making my journey a part of history. This award does more than recognize the past; it rejuvenates and inspires my future. I will continue to soldier on.”