The Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, Hon. Sarah Nyanath, addresses the media on Thursday, April 30, 2026 regarding the upcoming 43rd anniversary of SPLA Day - Courtesy

The Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, Hon. Sarah Nyanath, has announced a decentralized, people-centered approach for the 43rd anniversary of SPLA Day on May 16.

During a press conference yesterday, the Ministry urged citizens to take ownership of the festivities through community-led contributions, reflecting the spirit of the liberation struggle.

Hon. Nyanath emphasized that May 16 represents the resilience of South Sudanese people across all phases of liberation—from the Anya-Nya movements to the 1983–2005 war that led to independence in 2011.

The Minister cited Articles 6, 9, 32, and 113 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011, which mandate the state to promote national identity, unity, and the preservation of heritage.

While a memo concerning the national commemoration is currently awaiting consideration by the Council of Ministers, the Ministry is moving forward with preparatory measures that carry no financial implication for the government.

“In recognition of current fiscal realities, the Ministry has adopted a decentralized, grassroots approach,” Hon. Nyanath stated. “This is not only a practical response to resource constraints but a deliberate effort to revive the historical spirit of the struggle.”

The Minister noted that during the liberation years, commemorations were not dependent on centralized funding. Instead, communities, fighters, and civilians observed the day through shared stories, songs, and remembrance.

“The government is the government of the people. Because of that, let the people be the ones taking ownership of this day, because it is their day,” she said.

Hon. Nyanath pointed out that even with an approved budget, the state cannot reach all 2,500 Bomas across the ten states and three administrative areas. Consequently, the Ministry has issued directives to establish coordination focal points cascading from the state level down to the Boma level.

At this stage, no central government funding has been approved. All activities are intended to be community-driven and voluntary, utilizing locally available resources.

The Minister called upon all stakeholders—including political leadership, civil society, youth and women’s groups, and veterans—to participate.

“Let us remember and revive the spirit of comradeship—how food was collected, shared, and eaten together,” the Minister concluded. “If this day’s importance is not celebrated and the history shared, the importance of it is going to die.”

The Ministry remains committed to providing coordination and guidance while awaiting the formal outcome of the Council of Ministers’ deliberations.