Freight Forwarders Association swears in Deng as new president

By Matik Kueth

On Saturday, the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA) inaugurated its new president, Deng Daniel, in Juba. The event, officiated by the Minister of Roads and Bridges Simon Mijok Mijak, also saw the swearing-in of key SSFFA executives. Marial Jacob  was appointed as Vice President, Mawa Moses as Executive Officer, Justin Majok Malou as Finance Secretary, and Kuot Hassan as Deputy Finance Secretary.

Minister Mijak highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in leadership, urging President Deng to prioritize these values during his tenure.

“To do right things is not easy. Because wrong things are also there to have in front itself. And to be uprooted, as you have heard from brother Simon Akuei, is not an easy job. You must do right things so that the rights will keep you together. But if right things are not done, differences will be there. Then the offices, everyone will be just talking against one another. And then will defeat the world’s comradeship. Betrayal will be there, and a lot of disappointment will be there.” Mijak said.

Simon Akuei Deng, Commissioner General of South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), noted that the event is a watershed moment in the business, emphasizing that any sector must undergo reforms for good leadership.

“This is a milestone in the industry that you have manage today for this wonderful inauguration of your chairman and executives. Any sector goes through reforms and this the start of putting things right in the Freight Forwarders industry. You need to raise the bar, to radiate your right in both organizing yourself and become professional associations. It is good for South Sudan, it is good for South Sudan Revenue Authority, and also it is good for yourself to be professional in your sector.” he stated.

He urged SSFFA members to uphold their association and constitution while continuing to focus on their activities.

“So, it is high time you organize yourself and also respect the association. One of the issues that you’ll face quickly, your team will start to accusing the leaders and start trashing them, they have done this, they have done that. You have to respect this young man because you are the ones who elected him. And you have to respect your constitution, the constitution that brought these executives to power.” he stressed.

However, Charles Mwembembezi, Chairperson of the Federation for the East African Freight Forwarders Association (FEAFFA), applauded the SSFFA for the milestone, characterizing it as a watershed moment for the federation.

“It is my pleasure to address you on this very important occasion of inaugurating the new President and the executives of SSFFA. This is indeed a historic moment, not just for you, but also for the Federation.” he emphasized.

On his part, Deng Daniel, President of the SSFFA, expressed his deep gratitude for the SSFFA’s remarkable historic achievement thus far.

“Without your efforts, we would not have achieved what we are celebrating today. And I wanted to say, it is your work that today we are witnessing this, and I wanted to ask your continuous support so that we transform the industry together.” he stated.

He appealed to the clearance agents to band together, emphasizing that their strength lies in their joint capability.

“We must remain united and forward-thinking. Our strength lies in our collective ability to adopt, collaborate, and innovate. I am hereby requesting that we should unite so that we move together.” he urged.

Daniel promised to actively engage with legislators, the industry, stakeholders, and international organizations to lobby for policies that promote the industry’s growth and resilience.

The SSFFA president further pointed out that, “We must leverage the technologies to enhance efficiencies, transparency and customer experience. I will work to ensure that our members are equipped with the knowledge, tools for digital age.”

The SSFFA, which was legally registered in 2018, now employs over 200 customs clearing agents, making a substantial contribution to South Sudan’s economy by improving logistics and lowering costs for key imports.

Deng Daniel was elected as the president on December 16th, 2024, succeeding Mr. Deng Deng, the former SSFFA president, who held the position for nearly a decade since 2018. The election was the association’s first ever democratic election since its inception in 2018.