(JUBA) – The Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, has pledged to prioritise services in education, health, tourism and hospitality, saying these sectors are essential to strengthening trust between government and citizens.
She made the remarks on Friday after taking her oath of office at the State House in Juba. Envoy Adut was sworn in alongside two newly appointed finance officials and Joseph Mum Majak, who now serves as the Minister of Investment.
Speaking on State television, Adut said she was committed to working with integrity, professionalism, and respect, while focusing on improving key services that affect the daily lives of citizens.
“Being born in the movement and having moved around, I am able to identify with the struggles of vulnerable communities,” she said. “We shall provide services in education, health, tourism, and hospitality. These are the sectors that can bridge the gap between leadership and the people.”
She further emphasised her determination to work with humility and openness. “This is also a promise I will make. I will work with respect, with integrity, with professionalism, and with utmost worthiness,” she said.
Adut explained that she sees her new position as an opportunity to represent women, youth, vulnerable communities, and those who rarely get a platform to voice their concerns.
“I am representing women, I am representing the youth, I am representing those who serve the nation. I am representing the vulnerable and those whose voices are not often heard, because you can speak through me,” she said.
Acknowledging the challenges of her role, she noted that policy decisions will not always be easy and pledged to seek advice and wisdom from a wide range of people.
“I understand the pressure that I am in. Policy making will not be easy. I will be seeking advice and consulting with networks that I have — our uncles, our aunties, our mothers. One of the things I would like to do is to remain open to criticism. I may not always like it, but I will take it in,” she said.
During the ceremony, Adut thanked those who had stayed for the long proceedings and apologised for the hours they had spent waiting.
“I appreciate the fact that you wanted to be with me and to celebrate with me,” she said. “But the real celebration will only come when our promises are fulfilled.”
She explained that true success will be measured by tangible results, such as new schools, clinics, and hospitals.
“The celebration will come when we open a 450 bed hospital. The celebration will come when we establish schools, dispensaries, and clinics. That is when we will know that progress has been achieved,” she said.
