Organ strategic planning retreat: ‘Improving Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Organ Directorate’

he Directorate of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security organised their Strategic Planning Retreat in Mafikeng, South Africa from 8-11 April 2015, under the theme of “Improving Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Organ Directorate”. The overall objective of the Retreat was to improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Directorate, vis-à-vis the 5 Year Operational Plan, the 2015/16 Annual Plan and consequently the assessment and review of the SIPO.

The Retreat was attended by Dr Stergomena Tax, SADC Executive Secretary, who delivered the keynote address Remarks by SADC Executive Secretary on the occasion of the Strategic Planning Workshop and Retreat of the Directorate of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, preceded by the Director’s presentation of the purpose and deliverables of the retreat. Also in attendance was the Director of PPRM, SADC Organ Directorate staff and facilitators as well as representatives from the Directorates of Budget & Finance, Policy Planning and Resource Mobilisation, Procurement and Human Resources and Administration. General (retired) Ambassador Louis Fisher and Professor Anthoni van Nieuwkerk, two highly experienced facilitators, provided support to the Organ directorate throughout this strategic planning process.

The main objectives of the Retreat were as follows:

1. To review the mandate and institutional framework of the Directorate
2. To review the planning and execution processes  and evaluate the  performance of the Directorate during the 2014-15 financial year
3. To review and discuss the implementation of MCO decisions and recommendations 2010-2014
4. To consider the process towards assessment of the Organ’s performance with special reference to the implementation of SIPO II
5. To review the structure of the Directorate of the Organ and reflect on  and  propose scenarios on the best organizational structure  and levels of responsibilities  in the context of the contemporary demands
6. To discuss possible mechanisms to enhance sustainability of the Organ's coordination operations and substantive programmes.

The key recommendations coming out of the discussions and exercises at the Retreat will be captured in a report which will then be shared with the appropriate structures for further consideration and implementation. Ultimately, the expected outcome of this process is an Organ with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency in its operations and service provision, contributing to the broader regional integration Agenda in line with SADC’s mandate.