Radio Miraya

3370: KALAM NESWAN | Women's Voices in Maban - Appeal for Strengthening of Livelihoods for Refugee Women

On Kalam Neswan this week, Mustafa Kur Lual speaks with women at Doro Refugee Camp in Maban County, where refugee camps shelter more than 220,000 people. As aid dwindles, the women, including leaders of women’s groups, call for greater support for locally led initiatives that help them develop skills, establish businesses and build sustainable livelihoods. They also highlight persistent gender-based violence and the need for stronger protection for women and girls.

3370: NATIONWIDE | South Sudan’s Teachers: Learning to Lead the Classroom

What happens when the teacher also needs to finish school? In South Sudan’s Wulu County, 60 teachers are receiving support to complete their secondary education. This World Teachers’ Day, Nationwide examines what it takes to strengthen teaching, from qualifications and classroom confidence to support for women in the profession. With donor funding uncertain, the discussion asks whether gains can survive beyond a project, and what children stand to lose when the people teaching them lack the support they themselves need. Guests: Shabnam Baloch, Oxfam Country Director, South Sudan Samora Makwach, teacher and Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa participant Namara Patrick, Roving Teacher Trainer

3369: WORLD TEACHERS DAY | Standing with South Sudan’s Teachers: What Needs to Change?

What does standing with teachers mean in South Sudan? On World Teachers’ Day, Radio Miraya speaks with education specialists Manuela Tiyu and Tawanda Madhangi about unpaid salaries, overcrowded classrooms and the challenges of keeping qualified teachers in rural schools. They discuss a three-year programme targeting more than 4,200 teachers, alongside practical support such as housing and training. The conversation examines what government, communities and businesses can do to help teachers stay in the profession and give children a better education.

3368: Maban Refugee Leaders Seek More Support for Secondary Education

Refugee leaders in Maban are calling for urgent investment in secondary education, citing a severe shortage of schools, classrooms and teachers in the camps. In an interview on Miraya Breakfast Show Radio, Gendrassa Refugee Camp Chairperson Waleed Hakim says the lack of a secondary school in the camp forces students to travel long distances to continue their studies. He appeals to the government and humanitarian partners to expand education facilities, support teachers and create better learning opportunities for refugee youth. Presenter: Mustafa Kur Lual Producer: Clayton Moyo Photo Credit: Jesuit Refugee Service

3368: NATIONWIDE | Progress and Challenges in Delivering Justice in Maban County

In Maban, the county court is now handling a wider range of cases, including serious criminal offences, following the granting of High Court powers to the county judge. County Judge Biar Matet says this development has significantly improved access to justice, particularly for vulnerable communities, including more than 220,000 refugees living in the area. However, he highlights limited access to legal aid as a major challenge, with many people unable to afford legal representation. He also points to challenges arising from the coexistence of customary and formal justice systems, noting that more people are appealing to the county court due to concerns about fairness and procedures in customary courts. Live from the newly refurbished courthouse in Maban, Judge Biar Matet joins lawyer Ajak Kwathi Ajang in conversation with Radio Miraya's Mustafa Kur Lual to discuss access to justice, legal aid and the challenges of strengthening the rule of law in Maban.

3367: NATIONWIDE: Outgoing UK Ambassador reflects on South Sudan’s peace, elections and development

3366: WORLD RABIES DAY: What to do after an animal bite or scratch

As the world marks World Rabies Day, we look at a deadly but preventable disease and what communities can do to protect themselves. Under this year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” the discussion focuses on preventing rabies through vaccination, responsible pet ownership and prompt medical care after an animal bite or scratch. Joining the conversation are Dr. Mary Joseph from MLF, Dr. David Martin from SMARFT CES, Aisha Saif Eldowla from SSVA, and Dr. Richard Sebit from VSF Suisse. They discuss rabies prevention, the One Health approach, and the steps people should take following possible exposure.

3365: ROUNDTABLE: Can South Sudan’s Inter-Party Dialogue build consensus for December elections?

With less than three months to South Sudan’s 22 December general elections, political parties are meeting through the newly launched Inter-Party Dialogue to seek consensus on the electoral process. On this edition of Round Table Discussion, Sani Martin speaks with 1. Hon. Albino Akol Atak, Deputy Rapporteur of the Inter-Party Dialogue representing the Other Political Parties (OPP), and a senior leader of the African National Congress (ANC). 2. Ambassador John Andruga Duku, SPLM National Secretary for Political Affairs, Mobilisation and Organisation. They discuss election readiness, political and civic space, security, trust among political parties, acceptance of election results, and whether the dialogue can resolve outstanding concerns and help deliver peaceful and credible elections.

3364: DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: Understanding social insurance payments in South Sudan

South Sudan’s National Social Insurance Fund is moving ahead with the implementation of social insurance contributions, including payments for the private sector from 1 October 2026. But how does the social insurance system work? How are contributions made, who is required to pay, and what benefits are workers entitled to? On Democracy in Action, host Gabriel Shadar speaks to Santo Daniel, Director of Research and Planning at the National Social Insurance Fund, and Utaz Ring Majok, Director of Administration and Finance at NSIF, about social insurance payments and what workers need to know about their contributions and benefits.

3363: THREE MONTHS TO ELECTIONS: Is South Sudan Ready for The Polls?

3363: CITIZENS TALK FOR PEACE: How can the voices of ordinary citizens help shape peace in South Sudan?

On Peacemakers this week, we speak to Hiroko Hirahara, Chief of the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division, about the Citizens’ Talk for Peace Forums, an initiative aimed at taking dialogue closer to communities and giving citizens a stronger voice in peacebuilding. We discuss how the forums will bring together communities, authorities, civil society, women, youth and other stakeholders to identify local concerns, build trust and develop practical solutions to conflict. We also look at how citizens’ recommendations can be translated into action and contribute to social cohesion, reconciliation and the protection of civilians.

3362: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: The role of communities in building lasting peace in South Sudan

As the world marks the International Day of Peace, we look at what this year’s theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” means for South Sudan. How can communities contribute to lasting peace? What role can locally led peacebuilding play alongside national peace efforts? David Vincent, Deputy Team Leader of the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund, joins Conflict Advisers Cosmas Ladu and Harry Stables from the British Embassy in Juba to discuss the role of communities and ordinary people in building peace.

3362: ROUNDTABLE: Youth representation and participation in South Sudan’s upcoming elections

As South Sudan prepares for elections, what role will young people play in the country’s political and electoral process? Proposed amendments to the National Elections Act provide for 50 percent of seats to be elected through geographical constituencies, 35 percent for women through proportional representation and 15 percent through party lists. But there is no specific allocation for youth. In this edition of Roundtable, we discuss how young people can participate in the elections as voters, candidates and decision-makers, the opportunities and barriers they face, and what can be done to strengthen youth representation in the political process. Guests: Juma Mabor Marial – Executive Director, ALARM David Deng’Kur Mading – Civil Society Stella Kitale Swaka – SPLM Youth League and Entrepreneur Rambang Tot Deng – Public Service/Youth in Government

3361: HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Vaccines Save Lives

In this episode of Health & Wellness, Dr. Bono Bol and Dr. Nyuon Biding discussed the importance of vaccines and immunization. They discuss how vaccines work, routine childhood immunization, vaccine safety, common misconceptions and misinformation, the importance of the vaccine cold chain, and the role pharmacists and communities can play in protecting public health.

3360: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | UN Rights Commission Warns South Sudan’s Transition at Risk

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has concluded a four-day visit, warning that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space and persistent impunity are putting civilians and the country’s democratic transition at risk. The three-member Commission engaged government officials, political and security actors, civil society, humanitarian partners, victims and other stakeholders, including survivors of recent violence in Jonglei. Its findings point to a fragile political environment ahead of the planned December elections, with concerns that continued insecurity and limited civic space could undermine a peaceful and credible transition. Commissioner Barney Afako spoke with Radio Miraya's Philip Wani at the end of the mission, outlining the conditions the Commission says are needed to protect the political process and civilians.

3359: INTERNATIONAL LITERACY WEEK | UNESCO backs literacy drive for women in South Sudan security forces

UNESCO is supporting a literacy programme targeting more than 800 women in South Sudan’s security sector. The initiative aims to strengthen reading, writing, communication and digital skills while opening pathways to professional development and leadership. UNESCO official James Muorwel says limited literacy has affected women’s promotions, assignments and ability to make meaningful contributions. The programme also seeks to strengthen women’s role in responding to sexual and gender-based violence and give female survivors greater confidence to report cases and seek support.

3358: WORLD LITERACY DAY | Literacy, opportunity and inclusion: Young voices on South Sudan’s education future

Literacy is more than reading and writing. UNICEF Young Reporters Esther Keji and Mark Habet discuss how literacy can help South Sudan’s young people make informed decisions, understand their rights, use technology responsibly and participate in their communities. They also examine barriers to education, including displacement, high school fees, child marriage, gender inequality and inadequate learning facilities, while sharing their hopes for a generation that can use education to build a more inclusive, resilient and peaceful South Sudan.

3357: INTERNATIONAL LITERACY WEEK: Why South Sudanese Children Need more than Reading and Writing

Teachers Without Borders is calling for a broader approach to literacy in South Sudan, one that also develops critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. In this interview, Executive Director Chol Philip Kuer discusses the role of debate, public speaking and other activities in helping children build confidence and analyse information. He also explains how listening to opposing views and disagreeing constructively can equip young people with skills that support peaceful participation in their communities.

3356: ROUNDTABLE: Implications of Constitutional Amendment No. 13

Constitutional Amendment No. 13 has removed key legal barriers to South Sudan's first post-independence elections, paving the way for polls planned for December 2026. But is the country truly ready? In this edition, we examine what the amendment means for the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, the state of preparedness by the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council, and the political, security and logistical challenges that still lie ahead. Guests: Hon. James Akol Zakayo, Chairperson, Political Parties Council Adv. Wol Deng Akech, Lecturer and Head, Social Legal Studies Centre, Dr John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology James Boboya Edimond, Executive Director, Institute of Social Policy and Research

3355: Bright Stars’ Tunisia Success Sparks Push for Sports Development

South Sudan’s Bright Stars have returned from Tunisia with three wins in the latest FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers. Central Equatoria Minister of Youth and Culture Hon. Bush Buse, who watched the games, says the team’s success shows sport's power to unite South Sudanese and project a positive image of the country. He also discusses plans for better sports facilities, including an indoor basketball court and a multi-sport complex in Juba.