Five South Sudanese Women Honored at Thamani Africa Awards in Kenya on Saturday, May 9, 2026 - courtesy

Five South Sudanese women received recognition during the second edition of the Thamani Africa Awards, a pan-African initiative honoring women for contributions across East, Central, West, Southern, and North Africa.

Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in leadership and nation-building.  Other recipients included Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, who emerged as first runner-up in the Voice of the People category, and Esther Ikere, who became first runner-up for the Outstanding Undersecretaries Award. Zabib Musa Loro won the Humanitarian Leadership Award, while artist Juna De Star also received recognition.

During the event, Vice President Nyandeng dedicated her award to the women of South Sudan.“I am grateful to Thamani Africa Awards for this honour,” she said. “But this award is not mine. I dedicate it to the great women of South Sudan, the ones who buried sons, tilled landmines, and still rose to build.”

Member of Parliament Rebecca Joshua Okwaci addressed supporters who voted for her nomination in the Voice of the People category. “Your belief in our mission to uplift our community and represent South Sudan on the continental stage means the world to me,” Okwaci said. “Tonight is not just a celebration of a nomination, but a celebration of the collective strength and solidarity you have shown.”

Zabib Musa Loro stated that the Humanitarian Leadership Award provides motivation to continue her work in advocacy and peacebuilding.“For me the award has given me more courage and confidence to continue working for humanity and empowering girls to grow into courageous women that will not allow their rights to be violated. We will continue to advocate for peace in our communities,” Loro stated.

The Thamani Africa Awards is an annual ceremony that recognizes achievements in leadership, governance, arts, sports, and humanitarian work across the continent.