In a joint press statement dated April 27, UJOSS Head Office and its Central Equatoria State Branch said they were “deeply devastated” by the loss of their colleagues in the fatal aviation accident involving a CityLink Aviation aircraft.
The victims were identified as Vivian Nandeng Alfonse, Secretary of the UJOSS Central Equatoria State Branch, and Mama Hawa Adams, a prominent broadcaster with Spirit 99.9 FM in Yei.
On Monday, the aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan registered as SY-NOK, departed Yei Airfield at 9:15 a.m. en route to Juba International Airport. Communication with the plane was reportedly lost at around 9:43 a.m. before authorities later confirmed it had crashed about 20 kilometers southwest of Juba, with no survivors.
UJOSS described the deaths of the two journalists as a monumental loss to the country’s media community.
“Vivian was a dedicated leader and an advocate for journalists’ rights, while Mama Hawa was a veteran voice who served her community with distinction for many years,” the statement said.
“Their dedication to the truth and their commitment to informing the public will remain a lasting legacy in South Sudan.”
The union extended condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died in the crash, saying the media fraternity stood united in grief during the difficult moment.
UJOSS also called on the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport to launch a swift, thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash.
“It is vital that the circumstances leading to this tragedy are fully understood to ensure the safety of our aviation industry and to prevent such heart-wrenching losses in the future,” the union said.
The crash has sent shockwaves across the country, with tributes continuing to pour in for the victims, especially the two journalists remembered for their service and commitment to public information.
