At the heart of the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a recent announcement has shaken the administrative corridors. Indeed, through a ministerial decree dated October 11, 2024, Minister of State Raïssa Malu Dinanga made a decision that will mark a turning point in human resources management within this key department of the Congolese State.
The appointment of Boniface Mbaka Ngapembe as head of the National Directorate for Payroll Control and Preparation, Mastery of Teachers and Administrative Staff of Schools (known by the acronym DINACOPE, ex. SECOPE) to replace Papy Mangobe Moleka, has caused a stir and expectations within the Congolese educational community. This transfer of power was marked by a handover ceremony between the former and the new incumbent, a symbol of continuity and renewal.
The stakes associated with this appointment are crucial. The challenges of implementing rigorous staff management, improving the quality of payroll preparation and intensifying control will undoubtedly shape the daily lives of educational stakeholders in the DRC. Boniface Mbaka’s stated desire to work towards a transparent and fair payroll file suggests encouraging prospects for all teaching and administrative staff in schools.
This new configuration of DINACOPE under the leadership of Boniface Mbaka resonates as a strong signal sent by Minister of State Raïssa Malu. Indeed, this first major decision taken by the Minister demonstrates a strong desire to profoundly transform management practices within the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship. It could also pave the way for new appointments across the various educational provinces, affecting key positions such as Provincial Directors, Provincial Chief Inspectors and other stakeholders involved in the management of the education sector.
Within the educational community in Kinshasa, reactions are mixed. While some teachers express skepticism about the real impact of these changes, others see Boniface Mbaka’s appointment as an opportunity to resolve pending situations, including sometimes glaring payment delays. The prospects of resuming the payment process for unpaid teachers are seen as an encouraging sign for the entire profession.
The decision by Minister of State Raïssa Malu to freeze the identification of new units until the old cases contained in the database are regularized is seen as a pragmatic and fair measure, aimed at cleaning up the pending situations. By prioritizing an approach of resolving existing problems before considering new assignments, the Ministry is sending a strong signal of responsibility and commitment to its staff.
It is undeniable that this appointment to the National Directorate of DINACOPE marks a new chapter in the history of human resources management within the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship in the DRC. By emphasizing transparency, efficiency and control, this decision could well be the prelude to a series of reforms aimed at modernizing and professionalizing the Congolese educational administration. The road ahead promises to be strewn with challenges, but also opportunities for progress and renewal for all stakeholders involved in the noble mission of education in the DRC.