A Warm Welcome - Siphamandla’s Experience at SAMEA 2024

On a quiet Sunday evening, we landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport, the clock striking 10:30 p.m. The city of Johannesburg was cloaked in darkness, but even in the late hours, there was a subtle energy in the air. Twende Mbele 's delegation from Uganda had arrived, eager for the days ahead. Our driver, a warm and gentle man, greeted us at the arrivals gate, effortlessly loading our luggage into the van. As we drove through the night, he kept us entertained with stories about Johannesburg, a city that never truly sleeps, and soon we arrived at Birchwood. Some of our colleagues disembarked, leaving us to continue toward the Holiday Inn, where we would be staying.

The hotel welcomed us with open arms. It was pristine, exuding a sense of calm that was exactly what we needed after a long day of travel. Mr. Twala, the night manager, greeted us with a smile so wide it lit up the room. His jovial spirit made us feel instantly at home, and within moments, we had checked in and were ready to rest for the busy days ahead.

Monday marked the beginning of the conference at Birchwood, and the air was charged with anticipation. The theme, ‘VUCA-VUKA! Catalyzing Change Through Monitoring and Evaluation,’ resonated deeply with everyone in the room. South African Monitoring Evaluation Association SAMEA Chair, Jennifer Norins , kicked things off, calling on us to embrace the challenges of a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. "In times like these," she said, "we need to put our skin in the game if we are to truly drive change."

On Tuesday, I had the distinct honor of facilitating the launch of "Equitable Evaluation: Voices from the Global South," a compelling book edited by Steven Masvaure Taku Chirau , PhD Tebogo Fish Dr Candice Morkel . The atmosphere was electric as other authors joined in to showcase their works, adding to the excitement of the evening. The event was a vibrant tapestry of literary celebration, enriched by musical interludes that introduced the local flavor, including the lively shaffle dance. Delegates were not just passive observers; they had the chance to win copies of the showcased books, making the experience interactive and memorable.

Throughout the conference, the discussions were rich and engaging. One particular moment stood out. On Wednesday, during the closing remarks, the Director-General of the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Robert Nkuna, PhD (Wits) , delivered a thought-provoking address. He highlighted a critical issue in measuring success, using a police station as an example. He explained that while reducing the number of killings from 20 to 10 might seem like progress, it is not an acceptable measure of success in the public eye. "The public," he emphasized, "expects complete safety—not a decrease in crime, but its eradication." His words resonated deeply, underscoring the importance of setting higher standards in evaluation.

The conference featured seven strands, each packed with insights: Just Transition, Made in Africa, Tech-Enabled MERL, Evidence for Continuous Adaptive Management, M&E for Investing in Impact, Evaluation for and by the Youth, and Competencies of M&E Practitioners. Over the three days, I attended five of them, gaining new knowledge and forging connections that would last well beyond the conference.

As I immersed myself in the vibrant discussions, I was delighted to receive a new name—Siphamandla. It felt like a beautiful connection to the South African culture, enriching my experience and reminding me of the friendships I was forging during this journey.

By Thursday, I needed a break from the conference hustle, so I ventured out to explore Johannesburg. My plan to see the city turned into a leisurely day spent at East Rand Mall. Once I stepped inside, the vibrant atmosphere kept me captivated, and before I knew it, the day had slipped away.

Friday brought a visit to Retail Park, where I discovered a store that would leave a lasting impression—Incredible. It lived up to its name, and I made a mental note to visit again next time I was in South Africa.

As the week came to a close, I was filled with gratitude. The conference had been a success, the city of Johannesburg had welcomed us with open arms, and the friendships and connections forged were invaluable. SAMEA had created something truly special in 2024.

Lastly, I offer my heartfelt thanks to Twende Mbele , Ayabulela Dlakavu, PhD my constant support throughout this journey. You have been my uMkhonto weSizwe, my spear of the nation. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I look forward to the work ahead. Let's keep the momentum going!

Parfait Kasongo Futhi Mazibuko Uganda Evaluation Association Young & Emerging Evaluators, Uganda Awuor PONGE, PhD Serge Eric Yakeu Djiam Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa Bagele Chilisa Mamphela Ramphele Thembukazi Mzilikazi Thembelihle Mpungose Thokozile Molaiwa Thembelihle (Lihle) Tshabalala Anniza de Wet (née Burnett)