The fifth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival will celebrate four pioneering South Sudanese women whose contributions have shaped the country’s education, diplomacy, arts, and media, organizers said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference in Juba, Mathiang Cirilo, who spoke on behalf of the organising committee, said the festival will commence on 15 November and run until 22 November at the University of Juba.
He described the festival as a tribute to the late Derrick Oya Alfred, a cultural icon remembered for promoting unity and reconciliation through the arts. He said the event continues Oya’s vision of fostering cultural renaissance through humanity, unity, and recognition of women’s central role in society.
This year’s theme, “Women of South Sudan: A Legacy of Struggle and Inspiration,” honours Professor Julia Aker, a trailblazer in education; Selwa Gabriel, a pioneering diplomat; Viviana Nyachan, a leading figure in contemporary music; and Majori Elinana, a groundbreaking artist in drama and broadcasting.
“Derik Cultural Festival is an annual event which honors the memory of the late Derik Oya Alfred, who passed away after a life dedicated to cultural work in Sudan and South Sudan,” Cirilo said. “He is one of the prominent figures who left a lasting mark on our nation. He left behind a celebrated legacy that everyone should aspire to follow as he devoted his life to promoting culture as a vital part of nation-building.”
For her part, Maura Ajak, a member of the organising committee, said the festival aims to unite South Sudanese communities by celebrating women as custodians of culture and agents of progress through storytelling, arts, and advocacy for girls’ education.
“The Derik Cultural Festival is a weeklong national celebration dedicated to honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our cultural sphere,” she said. “Its core mission is to unite all South Sudanese communities by providing a platform to explore our cultural heritage, address challenges, and celebrate our shared identity.”
Meanwhile, Francis Paulino, the representative of Digitel, one of the event’s main sponsors, expressed pride in supporting the celebration, describing it as an important platform for promoting South Sudan’s cultural identity. He said Digitel’s involvement reflects its commitment to uplifting indigenous initiatives that preserve national heritage.
“The idea behind this festival and the legacy of the late Derrick Oya Alfred align with our vision as an indigenous company,” he stated. “We believe the Derik Cultural Festival is growing and, in the next five years, it will become one of South Sudan’s biggest cultural events, capable of reaching the regional and international stage.”
Paulino added that supporting cultural activities is part of how the private sector contributes to writing the nation’s history and honouring those who have shaped its communities. Digitel pledged to continue sponsoring the festival in future editions, emphasising that recognising women’s roles in society helps create “a new chapter in appreciating their efforts.”
The 2025 edition is supported by Digital Telecommunications Company, the University of Juba, ZAK Media, ZAK Print and Design, Fair Multimedia, Fair Pharma, and the Centre for Strategies and Policy Studies.