(JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN) – The Bank of South Sudan on Monday honoured 11 staff members who have reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, in line with the Bank of South Sudan Act, 2011, as amended in 2023.
The retirees include the Director General for Finance and the Director General for Financial Markets and Payment Systems, marking the departure of senior officials who managed key areas of the central bank’s operations.
Governor Dr. Addis Ababa Othow praised the retirees for their professionalism, dedication and contribution to the development of the Bank and the country.
“On behalf of the Bank, I want to extend my appreciation to you for your great contribution to the Bank, the responsibilities you have fulfilled, the colleagues you have mentored and your true commitment to this nation,” Dr. Othow said.
He said the institution’s progress, including the construction of its headquarters, reflects the collective efforts of generations of staff.
“Because of your contribution, that is why we have made achievements, including the biggest central bank building in the region. It is our collective contribution,” he said.
Dr. Othow described retirement as the beginning of a new chapter, urging the retirees to focus on their families and explore new opportunities.
“Retirement is not an end; it is the beginning of a new chapter,” he said.
He also urged staff to learn from the retirees’ dedication and uphold the Bank’s core values of professionalism, teamwork, accountability, transparency and excellence.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, top management and staff, I thank you for your contribution, sacrifice and for being part of this great institution, the Bank of South Sudan,” he said.
Deputy Governor Weituy Luony described the retirement ceremony as an important occasion to recognise the retirees for their years of dedicated service and contribution to the development of the Bank of South Sudan.
He said retirement should be seen as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of a career, while congratulating the retirees and wishing them success in their future endeavours.
“On behalf of the Bank of South Sudan, I appreciate and congratulate you, and I wish you success in your new journey,” Hon. Weituy said.
“Thank you for your legacy, thank you for your service, and thank you for your achievements,” he added.
Director General for Administration, People and Culture, Dr. Majok Kuol Mading, congratulated the retirees and encouraged them to use the knowledge and experience gained during their years at the Bank for continued professional development.
Dr. Majok told the retirees that their departure marked the completion of their service, not a loss of their value or experience.
“You are going home because you retired, not because you are tired,” Dr. Majok said.
“We are happy for all of you, and I urge you to use the knowledge you acquired here to engage in professional self-development,” he added.
Barac Deng Aguer, the retiring Director General for Financial Market and Payment Systems at the Bank of South Sudan, expressed pride in the contribution made by retiring staff to the Bank before and after South Sudan’s independence.
Speaking during the ceremony, Deng said the retirees were happy and prepared to enter a new chapter after years of service.
“We are happy to have reached this stage. As we retire today, we are prepared for it and we are joyful,” Deng said.
He added that the retirees would leave the Bank carrying not only the pride of their contribution and service, but also the friendship, teamwork and shared experiences built throughout their careers.
“We carry with us not only the pride of our contribution and service to the Bank, but also the friendship we built, the teamwork and the journey we made together,” he said.
Member of the Board of Directors, Hon. Benjamin Gabriel Apai, said the Bank had continued to uphold its retirement policy while recognising the valuable service of its retiring staff.
He encouraged the retirees to take pride in their years of dedication to the institution and to embrace new opportunities as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Director of People and Culture, Marnas Paul Ngundeng, recognised the retirees for their significant contribution to the Bank, saying their retirement from active service should not be seen as the end of their purpose or ability to make a difference.
He urged them to embrace retirement as a new chapter in life, drawing on the knowledge, skills and experience they gained during their years of service.
The Chairperson of the Trade Workers Union at the bank, William Madut Akol, commended the retirees for their years of dedicated service to the Bank, saying their contributions and legacy would continue to be recognised.
He also called for continued attention to staff welfare, emphasising the importance of supporting employees throughout their service and beyond retirement.
