Shepparton’s Congolese community gears up for key election

By Caleb Francis

Jun 14, 2023

Election time: Muisha Sarah, Sehaltiel Rama, 2, Fikiri Dieu Donne, Bahati Nyangela holding Shekinah Rama, 1, Rama Bwenge and Leopold Mpolo at St Paul’s African House. Photo by Megan Fisher

Members of the Congolese community in Shepparton are gearing up for an important event.

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On June 17, they will meet at St Paul’s African House at 5:30pm to elect a new community committee.

“The committee consists of a chairperson, vice chair, treasurer, secretary and an advisor,” committee chair and community president Rama Bwenge said.

He highlighted that these committee roles were not just titles but pivotal positions in the community, and that the advisor played a particularly crucial role as a mediator within the community.

“The advisor would deal with community issues before it goes to the police, such as family disputes,” Mr Bwenge said.

“We want to solve the issues among ourselves, but if need be, we’ll pass it on to the authorities.”

Community spirit: Muisha Sarah, Sehaltiel Rama, 2, Fikiri Dieu Donne, Bahati Nyangela holding Shekinah Rama, 1, Rama Bwenge and Leopold Mpolo. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mr Bwenge said the importance of the election extended far beyond the selection of these roles, but that the committee served as the community’s backbone, representing its interests and needs.

“The election is important because when we have the committee that represents us, it advocates on behalf of the community,” he said.

To be eligible to vote or stand for election, one must be of Congolese descent and be at least 18 years old.

Yet, Mr Bwenge highlighted that the election was not just about ethnicity or age but about dedication to the community and leadership.

“We’re looking for people who are passionate to lead, a person who has the heart of leading, and a person who is committed to the Congolese people,” he said.

Mr Bwenge said the election process was facilitated by a group of elders, who received and processed applications.

Interested candidates can contact them via phone or WhatsApp on 0470 291 246.

While the elections are inherently a Congolese community event, Mr Bwenge said the process was open to observation and assistance from outside the community.

“We encourage everyone to attend. You don’t need to be Congolese to observe or assist,” he said.

After the voting, the community plans to gather for dinner and a general meeting.

This will be an opportunity for community members to present new ideas and for the committee members to report on their activities over the past year.