The designer of South Sudan’s national coat of arms, Chol Anei, is calling on the government to honor its promised compensation for his iconic work.
The artist has been waiting for the payment and the awards that were pledged by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports back in 2011. These include two medals and a cash prize of $5,000.
On November 29, 2024, President Salva Kiir invited Anei to his office, where he signed a copy of the coat of arms in recognition of his work, marking a milestone in his long artistic journey.
“I’m really proud today [Saturday] for meeting the President, because for 13 years, four months, and eight days, I’ve been waiting to get my right,” Anei stated in an interview with state-run media.
“I didn’t get even a single pound for this great work. But I’m very proud because this coat of arms is a national symbol,” he said.
Anei expressed his gratitude for the long-awaited recognition, which he believes will open doors for him to compete internationally. However, he remains adamant that the government fulfills its promise to him for his contribution in creating the national symbol.
Anei was among the many global 2011 design competitors. Since then, he has designed several other notable logos, including those for the national broadcaster, SSBC, and various government ministries.
