Atong Kuol Manyang, Jonglei State Minister of Health.| Photo: Atong Kuol Facebook page.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Atong Kuol Manyang, has fired back at social media trolls mocking her hairstyle, saying those criticising her appearance are also linked to women who hide their own “heads” under wigs.

Speaking at the South Sudan National Youth Leadership, Peace and Security Forum in Juba on Monday, Atong recalled how online critics compared her head to a “Techno 50” mobile phone and even to Chinese martial arts star Jet Li, comments that left the audience laughing as she narrated the experience.

Rather than taking offense, the minister said she did her own investigation.

“Somebody was saying how my head is like Techno 50. Last time I went and I didn’t know there’s Techno 50; I only know Techno 20. I didn’t know it had reached to that level, so I went and googled it. Actually, it looks nice,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Just when she thought the internet had exhausted its creativity, another comparison arrived.

“They were saying my hair is like Jet Li. So, I’m Atong Li and Jet Li. But I used to know Jet Li. I had to go again and check. And the hair has actually reached that level. It’s true.”

But the minister was not done.

In a witty counterattack that had many in stitches, Atong argued that some online critics spend their time mocking others simply to feel better about themselves.

“Those people, when you look at them, they say sad things to feel good about themselves. But what they don’t know, at least you can see mine.”

Then came the punchline.

“They have girlfriends, they have sisters who wear wigs throughout. They don’t know how their heads look like. They go to even the houses; they cover their heads. So, I’m not alone.”

The remarks sparked laughter among participants, with some appearing amused by the minister’s unapologetic embrace of her hairstyle.
Beyond the jokes, however, Atong used the moment to make a serious point about the nature of public criticism.

She said public officials should be judged on their performance rather than their physical appearance.

“They should attack my work. If I’m not performing well at the ministry, you can attack me. If I’m not doing well as a politician, this is good. But don’t use those to demean people, to bring them down.”

The Youth and Sports Minister stressed that criticism is a normal part of political life and that she welcomes it when it is focused on issues that matter.

“It is good to be criticized. I can welcome that as a politician. But let us always bring the good side out of ourselves. If something good is done, you appreciate that so that the person does more. If the person doesn’t do well, do not sugarcoat either, you tell the person.”
She concluded with a message of unity and mutual support.

“Let us build each other.”

For now, however, one thing appears certain: whether she is “Atong Li,” “Jet Li,” or “Techno 50,” the minister has shown that sometimes the best way to defeat internet trolls is simply to laugh with them, and then roast them right back.