More than 20 staff members from the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) have successfully completed a comprehensive 10-day capacity-building training program.
The training focused on ISO 9001 lead auditor and ISO 17021 certification standards, which are globally recognized credentials validating expertise in auditing quality management systems. The goal of the training was to enhance the institution’s capabilities and reinforce its commitment to maintaining high standards.
The training program, organized by the SSNBS in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the European Union, primarily targeted SSNBS personnel.
During the closing ceremony held in Juba on Friday, Majak Deng, the acting Chief Executive Officer of SSNBS, spoke to Radio Tamazuj, emphasizing that the purpose of the training was to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge to ensure that goods entering South Sudan, particularly fruits and vegetables, meet stringent quality standards.
Deng stated, “The training encompassed both the private and public sectors to ensure that our products adhere to the required standards. We are delighted to see a significant number of young participants, as quality is of utmost importance.”
He expressed his gratitude to the ITC and EU for their ongoing support, highlighting that this training program is not the first collaboration between the organizations. They have consistently provided short-term capacity-building initiatives, foster job creation, and promoted trade development in South Sudan.
Deng added, “We expect the trainees to implement the knowledge they have gained and create awareness among their colleagues about the importance of quality. South Sudan is blessed with abundant resources, and it is imperative that we provide goods of high quality and standards, not only for the local market but also for regional trade.”
Aklile Habtamariam, the ITC country manager for South Sudan, emphasized the significance of the training program for the National Bureau of Standards, particularly its role in the food value chain, focusing on fruits and vegetables. “Food safety and quality are paramount when it comes to foodstuffs,” he asserted. The ITC has been actively supporting the national bureau for the past three years, building the capacity of auditors to ensure the highest standards are met.
Habtamariam explained, “We have one year remaining in our current project, and during this time, we will continue to intensify our support to ensure that both individuals and the Bureau of Standards have the necessary capacity.”
Suzan George, one of the trainees, expressed her gratitude for the valuable knowledge gained during the training and committed to applying it to improve her work. She stated, “We received training on ISO 17021 to ISO 19001, which deals with internal auditing. This knowledge can be applied within our organization to streamline processes and ensure compliance with audit requirements.” Suzan also expressed her willingness to share the training with her colleagues for their mutual benefit.
Kenyi John Michael, another trainee, shared his positive experience of the group work and exercises provided during the training, emphasizing the practical applications of the knowledge gained. He said, “We had numerous sessions, training, and group discussions. The training has been highly informative, particularly in the areas of auditing, lead auditing, and certification bodies. We believe that this training will have a significant impact in South Sudan, as we currently have a shortage of auditors.”
The completion of this certification training program marks an important milestone for the SSNBS, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring high-quality standards in South Sudan. With a well-equipped and knowledgeable staff, the bureau is better positioned to oversee and regulate the quality of goods in the country, fostering confidence in both local and regional markets.