Strategic Planning Workshop for the SADC

International IDEA organized a 5-day BRIDGE Capacity-Building Training for 23 staff of Election Management Bodies from the SADC region, on the topic “Strategic and Financial Planning”.
The training conducted in English under the African Union and International IDEA Joint Activity Plan was funded by AusAID and took place in Johannesburg from Monday 4th March – Friday 8th March 2013.
 The Strategic and Financial Planning Module explored the general principles of strategic and financial planning with respect to electoral events and the electoral cycle. The participants were taken through an intensive programme, which encompassed content on Introduction to Planning, Introduction to Funding, Introduction to Management Tools, Financial and Management Implications of the Electoral Cycle, Structure of EMBs, Human Resources, Strategic Planning-Make it Happen, Transparency and Accuracy in Governance
Participation in all the training activities was full of enthusiasm and participant evaluations applauded the BRIDGE methodology and the module curriculum.
Sibongile Zimemo was the lead BRIDGE Facilitator and was supported by Kofi Kye-Duodu (Ghana Electoral Commission), Ibrahim Kakembo (Uganda Electoral Commission) and Thandokuhle Mathenjwa (South Africa Independent Electoral Commission).
The training was enriched by the participation of Guy Tapoko of the African Union Commission and Frank Kayitare of International IDEA, who generously shared their experiences with their fellow participants.

A few comments from the Participants…

 “It has been avery fruitful week for me. I will go back home with usefull instrunments which i will apply when working on my actions. The facilitaors have been great. Thank all” Jenny, Seychelles
 “Courses of this nature are very relevant to enhancing democracy through equiping EMB staff with knowledge and tools to effectively manage electoral matters in thier respective countries” Anna,Zambia
 “Talk to EMB’s to see this innitiative as deloping a pool of experts and allow staff to go and expand to other countries- that will add more value to the success of the Organisation” Nozuko, South Africa
 “This course has really been an eye opener to me and has broaden my horizon in the field of elections.much appreciation to all the facilitators for the job wonderfully accomplished” Ayaja, Malawi

Thank you very much to the funders, the organisers, the facilitators and participants. We wish you everthing of the best in all your endeavours.

By Sibongile Zimemo and Kofi Kye Duodu