### Tribute to Joachim Mayenda Makuala: a reflection on the inheritance of a committed tax
On April 13, 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo paid tribute to Joachim Mayenda Makuala, Inspector General of Finance, whose death aroused a significant influx of colleagues, friends and family members at the fiftieth century. This event, marking a deep loss for the Congolese public sector, invites reflection on the inheritance of a man whose professional career has left a notorious footprint in the country’s tax legislation.
### An accomplished professional career
Joachim Mayenda has been described by his peers as a seasoned and competent taxman. His contributions to the Ministry of Finance, particularly in matters of tax reforms, raise questions about the continuity and evolution of strategies in matters of taxation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of his colleagues, the Inspector General of Finance Chief Brigadier, underlined his commitment and his availability, of essential qualities in a field as complex as taxation.
This recognition by his peers and his superiors testifies to the respect he had been able to attract over the years. He is thus unclear not only as a seasoned professional, but also as a person worthy of esteem, bringing a human dimension to his role. This raises the question of the value we give to interpersonal skills and qualities in positions of responsibility.
### An inheritance to assess
Joachim Mayenda’s commitment to the tax legislation of the Democratic Republic of Congo is a central aspect of its inheritance. The latter, according to testimonies, has had a significant role in the development of laws favorable to more equitable taxation. But what about the implementation of these reforms within a bureaucratic system often criticized for its ineffectiveness? The effectiveness of tax reforms is not based solely on their conception, but also on their integration into a complex administrative and political context. How can the Congolese state perpetuate and strengthen the progress made thanks to the efforts of Joachim Mayenda?
Testimonies during the tribute ceremony refer to an image of dedication and sacrifice. His daughter shared a poignant memory, evoking the importance that his father gave to work and education. It is a reality shared by many Congolese families, where personal effort is often considered an engine of individual and collective progress. What lessons can we learn from this commitment to invigorate the country’s socio-economic potential?
### The void left by a leader
The void left by Joachim Mayenda is already feeling in his professional entourage. The declarations written during tributes indicate a strong cohesion and a collective spirit that it would have been able to cultivate. This observation raises questions about the organizational structure of tax services in the Democratic Republic of Congo. What impact will the start of a leader also respected on the internal dynamics and the efficiency of the team in place? It is essential that the institution becomes aware of these issues and put in place adequate measures to ensure the continuity of the tax missions and the well-being of its agents.
### Regards on the future
The tributes paid to Joachim Mayenda are not only a recognition of a personal journey, but also an opportunity to reassess the priorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo in matters of tax governance. The celebration of his contributions must go beyond simple emotion. This is the need to build an environment conducive to the construction of resilient and transparent tax systems.
State’s commitment to a sustainable development trajectory will require leaders capable of carrying this vision with determination and clarity. What mechanisms can be implemented to promote the skills rise of future managers in tax and financial management?
In conclusion, the tribute to Joachim Mayenda reflects a moment of meditation but also an opportunity for introspection for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The legacy of a man does not only reside in his career, but in the way in which his contributions can illuminate the path to come. How to integrate this memory into current practices to build a tax system at the service of the entire population? This is a fundamental issue for the future of the country.