Who was Emery Masunga Makanda?

A dedicated labor activist and vice president of the National Union of Teachers of the Congo (SYNECO), Emery Masunga Makanda, who was laid to rest on Saturday, July 12, 2023, devoted his entire life to defending teachers’ rights. He was laid to rest on the land of his ancestors before being taken to his final resting place in his native Kinshasa. Emery Masunga Makanda (56) was originally from the Madimba territory, Ngeba sector, in Kongo-Central. However, he was born in Kinshasa on May 4, 1967. He completed his primary and secondary education at the Mpese Catholic Mission in Kongo-Central, where, in 1985, he earned his state diploma in education. In 1997, he earned a degree in applied education, with a concentration in French and African languages, from the Higher Institute of Education in Mbandaka. That same year, he was hired to begin his teaching career as a French teacher at a Kimbanguist school. Through his work and remarkable dynamism, Emery Masunga Makanda gradually rose through the ranks until he reached the position of director within the National Directorate for Oversight, Payroll Preparation, and Management of Teaching and Administrative Staff in Educational Institutions (DINACOPE), formerly SECOPE. His commitment and pragmatic approach in dealing with employers, partners, and colleagues quickly led to his appointment as vice president of the National Union of Teachers of the Congo (SYECO). Emery Masunga was a staunch advocate for free education, a vision dear to the President of the Republic. He actively participated in the implementation of this policy and fought tirelessly against the negative forces that hindered its implementation. He is survived by three children, including two daughters. His passing leaves a great void in the education sector and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him. Dan Kayanda and Paulin Ngenda