Joint Government - EPST Trade Union Commission: Tony Mwaba launches work in Kisantu under the seal of respect for commitments

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Minister of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPST), Professor Tony Mwaba Kazadi, launched the process to evaluate the addendum to the Bibwa Memorandum of Understanding, signed on November 21, 2021, between the Congolese government and the Trade Union Federation. The ceremony took place in the meeting room of Mbuela Lodge in Kisantu, in the province of Kongo-Central.

This meeting, which is part of the ongoing dialogue established by Minister Tony Mwaba to preserve peace between the national government and the EPST unions, brought together union delegates from all provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

United as one, these union members insist on strict adherence to the commitments made by the government of the republic. This was emphasized by the spokesperson for the inter-union group, Godefroid Matondo, in his remarks. This reflects a genuine determination on the part of the teachers’ representatives, signaling that very intense discussions with government representatives are on the horizon.

The head of the EPST, who spoke last, called on the union members to participate responsibly and, above all, to avoid jumping to conclusions before the facts are clear. Professor Tony Mwaba promised the union members satisfactory resolutions by the end of the meeting, a guarantee of a better start to the school year.

"Until we have reached a conclusion, it is not wise to start sending messages to the outside world. I know there are string-pullers who are not here to defend the teachers’ cause but for their own interests. Let me assure you that we will not leave here until you are satisfied. The government will honor its commitments. I therefore urge you to participate responsibly," the minister said.

The head of the EPST also thanked the union leaders on behalf of all the country’s teachers for their efforts and responsible attitude, which have fostered a peaceful 2022–2023 school year. He urged them to continue on this path to ensure a better start to the new school year, as the Sama Lukonde government always keeps its promises.

Christian BELLA