The 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:
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.