John Madol Panther, a veteran journalist who rose through the ranks of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), has officially taken the helm as its new Managing Director.
He assumes leadership at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for its first general elections in December 2026, that would end the lengthy transitional period.
Panther’s appointment, made by presidential decree last Thursday, was formalized in a handover ceremony on Monday at SSBC’s headquarters in Juba. Panther takes over from James Magok Chilim Chok, who led the state broadcaster for a decade and will now serve as the Secretary to the SSBC Board of Directors.
In his address to staff, Mr. Panther acknowledged the weight of expectations, promising a renewed focus on both staff welfare and the technical capacity of the broadcaster.
He pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and drive improvements across the institution.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Managing Director, James Magok Chilim Chok, promised his full support to Panther in achieving SSBC’s strategic goals.
Panther’s appointment comes at a crucial time for South Sudan. The upcoming general elections are a cornerstone of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The national broadcaster’s role in conducting voter education, disseminating information, and providing equitable airtime to all political parties will be under intense scrutiny.
He inherits an institution struggling with significant challenges, including outdated equipment and budgetary constraints.
However, his rise from within the organization is seen by many staff members as a positive step, bringing a leader who intimately understands their operational realities.
