From the onset, it was clear that the preparation of a strategic plan, usually referred to as the CSO, should be among the priority tasks for ELCSA-DS for the year 2002. Following an external evaluation, ELCSA-DS prepared a detailed work plan stating the objective of the process and highlighting the respective duties and responsibilities at grass-roots, regional and national levels. The work plan was discussed both at the Management Committee and the Board Meetings.
After the progress report was submitted, at its meeting of 3rd September, the ELCSA-DS Board stated that the development programme should target both the poor rural and urban communities and that the package should, among others, include poverty alleviation, empowerment of people, and HIV & AIDS. In addition, the Board stated that, to the extent possible, emphasis of the programme should be on impact and that the distance factor between the projects areas should also be addressed.
At the regional workshops, smaller groups had sessions to analyze issues at great length and with active participation by all. Overall, it seemed that the steps taken by ELCSA-DS to openly share the successes and the challenges were greatly appreciated.
The final phase in the preparations process was the National CSO Workshop, held at Trichardt Mountain View Lodge in Limpopo Province, from 3 to 8 November 2002. Participants included ELCSA-DS Board members and the staff, representatives from the project groups, SACC, ELKSA-NT, the collaborating NGOs and the local government. Dr. Agnes Abuom who was also assisted by Ms. Maryssa Camaddo of LWS-WS Geneva facilitated the workshop.
The strategic planning exercise was the first of its kind for ELCSA-DS. After active participation by all, the direction for activities of the organisation during the years 2003 to 2007 was established.
VISION:
People in need and distress are empowered to live a quality life in a
just society.
MISSION:
Inspired by God’s love and compassion, ELCSA-DS enables people in need
and distress to acquire skills and knowledge resulting in sustainable development.
The workshop stated that Participation, Love & Compassion, Justice, Accountability and Non-Discrimination should be the Core Values of ELCSA Development Service. ELCSA-DS upholds development as holistic and people-centred, and aims at improving the quality of people’s lives ultimately leading to a state of self-reliance. In the process, ELCSA-DS renders its services to the needy irrespective of gender, racial, religious and political differences. Overall, guided by its vision/mission and inspired by the core values it upholds, ELCSA-DS has identified its priorities.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Major development activities of ELCSA-DS amongst the poor communities shall continue to include self help projects, water & sanitation, agriculture & environment, HIV & AIDS awareness, and capacity building. At times of disaster, depending on availability of funds, ELCSA-DS will participate in emergency response and rehabilitation activities.
ELCSA-DS recognizes the importance of communities to determine and develop their future. The role of ELCSA-DS is, by and large, facilitation and providing support to build the necessary capacity. In the process, in addition to material and technical support, the Development Service plays an important role in providing training opportunities.
The evaluation exercise of May/June 2002 was the first comprehensive assessment of the ELCSA-DS programme and formed the cornerstone of the CSO process. The evaluation results have been shared with all key stakeholders. ELCSA-DS has, in response to the evaluation, come up with an action plan to take the recommendations forward. Some of the major findings in the evaluation report included:
It was recommended that the program be re-designed with a view to revising the vision, mission, goals and objectives. It was further suggested to re-visit the programme delivery mechanisms, firm out a capacity development programme and enhance networking and linkages.
ELCSA-DS: The Transition Agenda
In 1994, LWF-WS was invited to support the rehabilitation and development efforts of ELCSA and help the rural poor who were experiencing challenges in a new era after the liberation. In 1997, ELCSA Development Service became a legal structure under Section 21 of the Company’s Act and with a Board of Directors accountable to the Church Council. The Board and LWF-WS were instrumental in facilitating the registration process of ELCSA-DS. Ever since the 1990’s, LWF-WS has been working together and helping ELCSA-DS in rehabilitation and development activities in parts of the provinces of Limpopo, Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Having come a long way together, the two organizations, are now taking steps towards programme transition which shall lead ELCSA-DS into a fully nationally managed programme. So far, some of the activities undertaken include experience-sharing tours abroad, preparations of basic management guidelines and manuals and the actual Transition Agenda. A National Fund Raising Committee was established to explore ways and means of mobilizing local resource for ELCSA-DS activities.
As far as the transition process is concerned, overall basic conditions and the prevailing reality are as shown on the summary table:
| Possible Considerations | Existing Situation |
| Need/Demand for programme continuity | Yes, in the areas where ELCSA-DS works, the situation of poverty, deprivation, income disparity, landlessness and the HIV & AIDS pandemic are concerns that still call for further attention. Need for continuity of the programme is evident. |
| Existence of an organization | ELCSA-DS is a legally recognized and registered structure. |
| Human Resource Capacity | ELCSA-DS has an organization structure with a total of 20 staff. |
| Resource at hand | For now, the contribution of the local partner, ELCSA, is only office space. |
| Mutual Understanding | Both ELCSA-DS and LWF-WS hold a view that the time is almost ripe for programme transition. |
| Availability of initial funding | No indications of own funding yet. The assumption is that as the National Fund Raising Committee continues exploring local revenue generation possibilities, support from, the two related agencies shall continue for sometime. |
| Strategy Direction | The CSO workshop has taken place and, now, ELCSA-DS has a Strategic Plan or the CSO for a five-years duration (2003 to 2007). The preparation process of the PMD for 2003 to 2005 is currently underway. A Round Table Consultation is planned for mid-September. |
It is evident that an appropriate programme transition must, among others, take into account crucial factors such as organizational capacity (human, financial and logistical), availability of vital guidelines and manuals and application of proper systems & procedures. A development organization such as ELCSA-DS needs to be strengthened in the knowledge and skills of administration, planning, monitoring and evaluation. In a competitive era, ability for proper project implementation, networking and fund raising are crucial for a development organisation.
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