Vision: Vision: Partner Partner of choice of choice in alleviating in alleviating human human suffering suffering in Eswatini in Swaziland

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Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society 2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT

Mission: Saving lives, changing minds Mission: Saving lives, changing minds ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... II PRESIDENT’S REMARKS ...... 1 SECRETARY GENERAL’S SUMMARY ...... 4 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 ACHIEVEMENTS ...... 5 1.0 HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES ...... 5 1.1 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: MOTHER, INFANT, CHILD HEALTH, CURATIVE, AND HIV/TB .. 5 2.0 FIRST AID ...... 9 3.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT ...... 11 3.1 FIRE AND WINDSTORMS ...... 11 3.2 WINDSTORM INCIDENCES ...... 12 3.3 CONSTRUCTION OF TWO-ROOMED HOUSES ...... 12 3.4 FORMATION DRR COMMITTEES AT CHIEFDOM LEVEL ...... 13 3.5 RESTORING FAMILY LINKS ...... 14 3.6.2 CASH TRANSFERS ...... 15 3.7 FOOD SECURITY ...... 15 4.0 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 17 4.1 BRANCH DEVELOPMENT...... 17 5.0. CORPORATE COMMUNICATION - INFORMATION DISSEMINATION ...... 19 6. CONCLUSION ...... 20

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

It is with greatest honour and privilege that on behalf of the National Executive Committee, I may present highlights on achievements made by the National Society in the year 2019/20 to the respected Annual General meeting. I’m happy that as we discharge our services, we continue to uphold the seven Fundamental Principles which always guide the way we do things as Red Cross.

The humanitarian sector and the world over has been facing the COVID-19 pandemic which has negatively influenced our operations. Though this pandemic came towards the end of this reporting period, but its impact made the National Society to shift its focus and respond to the pandemic facing the country. It cannot be overemphasized that apart from COVID-19, the country is faced with a number of challenges which include recurrent drought, poor performing economies, HIV/AIDS and others. All these challenges have pushed to National Society to sometimes take hard decisions which then influenced our work as Baphalali.

As we reflect on our work, I marvel to note that the Red Cross volunteers play a major role in ensuring that the Red Cross is always available whenever it is need in the different corners of the country. This is because the National Society has volunteers in most communities of the country. However, I’m concerned about the reduction in the number of volunteers who are subscribing to become members in the different branches. My request is that we all participate in recruitment of members and encourage old members to pay their subscriptions so that they may participate in all activities of the Society, while assisting the National Society generate some income. May I again request the entire National Society, the Divisions in particular to strengthen their focus on widening the network of young people to join the National Society and be part of first responders in humanitarian needs.

Resources are key in sustaining all good programmes and activities. All the achievements the National Society has realized in 2019/20 have been made possible through the support by Partners including the Government of kingdom of Eswatini. Special thanks go to the Deputy Prime Minister’s office and all the Red Cross movement Partner who consistently provided guidance and support. The NS has also enjoyed the collaboration we had with other organizations like NDMA, UN Agencies (WFP, FAO and UNICEF) and others. Such collaboration has a potential for more efficient and effective handling of disaster situations in the country. Currently the Red Cross gets subvention from the Government of the kingdom of Eswatini, but the NS is not yet financially sustainable that it can comfortably implement its programmes and meet the needs of the vulnerable people of Eswatini. There is need for a major fundraising drive if the NS is to survive in this very competitive environment, and continue to adequately provide humanitarian services.

Even in 2019 /20, the National Society worked very hard and under challenging conditions but managed to achieve quite a lot which include the following:

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1. Courtesy call to the Deputy Prime Minister The National Society had scheduled that immediately after the Board induction, a courtesy call would be arranged for the Board to meet the Deputy Prime Minister. However, due to challenges of COVID-19 which was experienced during after the Board induction, the arrangement for the courtesy call were not pursued during this reporting period.

2. National Elections Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society was able to successfully conduct its national elections, a process which started at Branch level, Division level and then at National level. The elections produced a new leadership in the National Society, right from Branches up to the National Executive Committee (the Board). At National level, the elections had new Board members: Vice President, five Chairpersons from Divisions, and two additional members. The NS also the Honorary Treasurer who was introduced in the previous annual General Assembly. The elections were done smoothly and without challenges.

3. Board Induction In an effort to ensure the Board members are at the same level of understanding their responsibility in the governance function, and to reinforce the leadership skills in the newly elected leadership, the National Society conducted a Board Induction course for Board. This workshop was done on three separate days with Facilitators from both outside and inside the National Society. The workshop was attended by the all the Board members.

4. Statutory, Regional and Governance meetings 4.1 Governance Meetings The Board also had a total of four Board meetings and the attendance was very good in all the meetings. Though not all Board Sub-committees held their meetings as planned, but the Finance Committee was able to meet regularly to provide their oversight responsibility. These are the meetings where the Board discuss policy issues and also monitor progress. The five Divisions also held their Divisional Committee meeting as per the plan.

4.2 Southern Africa Partnership meeting for Red Cross Societies (SAPRCS) meetings The President and the Secretary General were able to attend three SAPRCS meetings in Lesotho in May 2019, Eswatini in November 2019 and South Africa in in February 2020. The SAPRCS meeting is where the IFRC, ICRC and the 10 National Societies within Southern Africa meet to discuss progress and other movement issues. The 10 National Societies are: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Angola and Eswatini. Major issues discussed in this conference include: integrity, resource mobilizations, preparations for international conference, PAC indicators and main issues from statutory meetings. In November 2019, Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society hosted this important meeting (SAPRCS), which was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister.

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The November meeting was also used to discuss preparations for the Red Cross statutory meetings which was held in Geneva in December 2019. Generally, the SAPRCS meeting was a huge success and the meeting delegates also reported to have learnt a lot as they visited Baphalali projects while in the country.

4.3 IFRC Statutory Meetings Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society attended a Red Cross General Assembly and Council of Delegates meetings which were held in Geneva in December 2019. This was an important meeting because not only movement resolutions were made, but elections of Governance Sub-committees, signing of pledges and resource mobilization meetings were conducted. In this meeting, Baphalali were represented by the President (Ms. Happy Dlamini), Secretary General (Mr Danger Nhlabatsi) and Youth representative (Mr Ntokozo Vilane).

Appreciation As I conclude, may I once again thank everyone who contributed in the success of the National Society as it delivers services to the public. On behalf of the Baphalali Board, I want to pass our sincere thanks and appreciations to the Government of Eswatini, all our partners, companies, individuals, volunteers and staff for the support and commitment in helping the vulnerable people of Eswatini. It is gratifying to note that some individual people and friend of Baphalali have been consistently making donations to the Red Cross even during the challenging times when economies are not performing well in the country. I also wish to sincerely thank the Board members for their dedication and diligence in execution their oversight responsibility in the operations of this organization. I cannot recall even one Board meeting that was called off because a quorum was not formed. Finally, I want to thank the staff and volunteers who made ensured that the Red Cross is always available to provide the necessary services needed by the vulnerable people in all different parts of the country.

Thank you

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SECRETARY GENERAL’S SUMMARY

It is an honour for me to once again present the 2019/20 annual report for Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society. The year under review was characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic which hit the country in the last quarter of the year. This pandemic added a burden to the several challenges the country has been facing, which then forced the NS to shift focus and start prioritizing the pandemic.

The country continued to face a number of challenges which include drought, hailstorm, financial challenges and others, but with guidance from the Board, the NS responded accordingly and managed to provide all the necessary services to the vulnerable communities and individuals. Our services reached to over 261,791 people during the year 2019 /20. These are people who were affected by disasters, food insecurity, epidemics, HIV/AIDS, fires, and others served on capacity building. The services rendered to the communities were delivered through the NS Programmes which are Health and Social Services, Disaster Management, First Aid, Organizational Development and Communication. The main activities under the Disaster Management were disaster preparedness, response, and risk reduction, including food security. Main activities in the Health Programme included: Primary Health care, Community-Based Health Services, TB treatment, HIV/AIDS prevention, care, support, treatment and OVC services. Realizing that issues of disasters will continue to be a challenge in the country, Baphalali intensified training of communities on disaster risk reduction and also strengthen the Disaster Risk Reduction committees. Red Cross branches in disaster prone areas were also given training so that they would be able to respond as expected when a disaster strike.

Even in the year under review, Baphalali continued to strengthen partnerships with local and international organizations. This was evident in that the NS has been working in close collaboration with Government Ministries, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the UN Agencies, The Red Cross Movement, and others. Baphalali continued to worked hard in strengthening its relationship with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini in order to enhance the auxiliary role of Baphalali to the Government.

On behalf of Baphalali staff and Management I would like to sincerely thank the Board for the support and guidance they provided to Management when executing all the management responsibilities of the National Society. The Board has provided all the support we needed to make 2019/20 a successful year for Baphalali. Finally, I would like to thank all our partners for the trust they have shown to the National Society, leading to the smooth and good cooperation and successfully carrying out of our mandate in the country. It is the support we received from these partners that enabled BERCS to fulfil its mandate and achieve the great results realized in 2019/20.

Thank You

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INTRODUCTION

The 2019/20 Annual report tries to provide highlights of achievements by the National Society during this reporting period. This report covers five programmes of the National Society (NS) which are: Health & Social Services, First Aid Services, Disaster Management, Organizational Development and Communications. All the programmes implemented were in line with the 2018-2019 Operational Plan which is also based on the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) Strategic Plan 2016 – 2020.

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society continued to play its major role of being auxiliary to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. During the period under review the NS provided services to the public especially the most vulnerable people of Eswatini through eight structures, coordinated through the Head Office in Mbabane. The structures are five divisions (Manzini, Mbabane, Nhlangano, Pigg’s Peak and Siteki), and three clinics (Sigombeni under Manzini region, Silele under Shiselweni region, and Mahwalala under Hhohho region). The five Divisions have a total of over 5000 volunteers, of which 3542 are active and subscribing Red Cross members coming from 107 branches across the country. The Activities of each branch are coordinated at Divisional level while those of divisions are coordinated at Head Office in Mbabane. The National Society had a staff complement of 54 with 14 from Divisions, 28 from the clinics, and 12 at the Head Office.

ACHIEVEMENTS

1.0 HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

1.1 Primary Health Care: Mother, Infant, Child Health, Curative, and HIV/TB

The Health and Social Services Programme aims at providing quality essential health care and social services to the public in a more efficient and effective manner through three Red Cross Clinics which are; Mahwalala, Sigombeni and Silele. In this reporting period, services provided by the three clinics include: health education, Tuberculosis (TB) screening and TB case management, curative, condom distribution, Human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) Counselling and Testing (VCT)/Health Provider Initiated HIV Testing (HTC), family planning, antiretroviral therapy, child welfare, antenatal care, immunizations, and post-natal care.

The three clinics have been able to discharge their services, with financial support mainly from the Government of the kingdom of Eswatini. The clinics were also getting support from other partners which include: International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), Japanese Red Cross, MFS, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP), MFS, URC, and others. The total number of people who received consultation services in the three clinics is 134 252. This number exclude those who were reached by the clinics for other services. Details of the services provided and the number of people assisted are shown in table 1.

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Table 1: The number of People reached with health care services since April 2019 to March 2020 through Red Cross Clinics (Mahwalala, Sigombeni and Silele)

Programme 2018/19 2019 /20 Antiretroviral therapy 26046 29 571 Child Welfare Consultations 10034 6 849 Curative 33102 25 944 Family Planning 3720 2 809 HTC/VCT 4990 4 440 PMTCT (Antenatal Care) 1128 1 189 Post Natal Care 619 382 TB- Number of patients Screened for TB 66136 62 126 937 TB-Number of patients who screen Positive 551 TB-Number of patients confirmed with TB 54 49 TB-Initiated and ongoing TB treatment 157 178 Total Consultations & people reached 141889 134 252 Immunisations 19594 12 494 Health education (sessions or people reached) 27221 29 845 Condom (Female) 8 766 10 597 Condom (Male) 80394 65 200 Cancer Screening – VIA 228 1 454 Cancer Screening-positive results to VIA 43 348

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1.2 Reaching out to Communities Eighteen teachers (6 males: 12 female) from 11 schools around Sigombeni, attended a one and half days residential training organized by BERCS in Manzini, George Hotel in February 2020. Topics discussed include: pediatric HIV, adherence, support for children when they need to go to the clinic, fight stigma and discrimination of children living with HIV by their peers and teachers, good communication skill and educational skills when teaching about HIV, developmental stages for children living with HIV, low esteem for children with HIV. Teachers requested that such knowledge must be shared with their colleagues as it is so crucial.

1.3 Distribution of food packs and sanitary packs Baphalali through its clinics has procured and distributed food packs and sanitary packs to orphaned and vulnerable children. Food packs were procured and distributed to 48 vulnerable children around Sigombeni, 33 of them were OVC who are on ARV (21 males: 12 females) in January 2020, where each pack contained 48 of (10 kg mealie-meal, 2-liter cooking oil, 5 kb beans, 5 kg sugar, & 410-gram tinned fish). The collection of the food pack was done by the guardians of the OVCs since the children were in school. Overall, the number of indirect beneficiaries, other than the 48 children is 152.

The NS also procured 48 sanitary packs and distributed them to the OVCs. Each pack consisted of the following items: sunlight bar soap 500g, sanitary pads, face towel, tooth brush, and tooth paste.

1.4 Reaching out to Communities and schools The Sigombeni clinic reached 1200 children through school visits where three high schools and one primary school participated. Health talks were conducted and topics treated include: Sexual Reproductive Health and burden of HIV and T.B in the country, prevention, stigma and discrimination.

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FIGURE 2: VUSWENI PRIMARY SCHOOL FIGURE 1: SIGOMBENI HIGH SCHOOL BAZZING GROUP DISCUSSION

In addition, the clinic also held three parents’ meetings in the schools where about 250 parents were reached with health information. Some of the topics discussed with parents were: sexual Reproductive Health and burden of HIV and T.B in the country and communities, prevention, stigma and discrimination. On the same, Silele clinic organized a half day workshop for 30 (27 female and 3 males) guardians of children and adolescents living with HIV from the communities served by the clinic. Topics discussed include: basic facts on HIV/AIDS & TB, prevention, treatment, care, support, adherence to treatment and psychosocial support. Workshop facilitators came from the Nazarene Compassionate. The guardians appreciated the workshop because they were allowed to share experiences and learn from each other.

Silele clinic also organized a similar training which was attended by 35 participants (20 females and 15 Males) comprised of Health Committee Members (13), Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Volunteers (10), Rural Health Motivators (3) and Bucopho (9). The workshop sessions were facilitated by the Ministry of Health ART Pediatric Programme Manager, and the Nazarene Compassionate. Topics discussed included the stages of the child development, HIV/AIDS & TB basic facts, pediatric HIV prevention, care, support and treatment, gender protection and inclusion, role of NS in the reduction of the impact of HIV/AIDS, and TB among the children and those taking care of the children in Eswatini.

1.5 Rural Health Motivators (RHM) Training The NS through its Silele clinic in the Shiselweni region, organized and facilitated a one and half day residential training of 47 RHM at Phumula guest house. Topics covered include report writing, hygiene, distribution of information, household visits, filling the journal and reports. RHMs were also reminded about the role that each one has to play in the improvement of health outcomes such as being committed, volunteering and observing the leadership structures of their communities all the time so that they remain relevant.

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1.6 Guidance and Counselling training Baphalali organized a training for 10 (8 females; 2 males) Guidance and Counselling teachers from schools around Silele clinic. This was a one and half days residential training at Lugogo hotel in February 2020 on how to establish and retain school-based teen clubs. Facilitators for this workshop were Mpumelelo Mavimbela and Zandile Masangane (MoH). Topics discussed included: the role of teachers in mobilizing learners to take part in the school-based teen clubs, training of clubs, maintenance and challenges that both teachers and clubs may encounter. .

RHM training participants (left) and Career guidance training participants (right)

2.0 FIRST AID

In the year under review the National Society provided First Aid services to a total of 54,786 people through first aid posts which were done in different parts of the country. These people were provided with the first aid services during national events (Incwala, Buganu, Umhlanga, Good Friday, and others) as reflected in table 2 below. The assistance given to the people include: providing ORS, panado, cough medication, mayo gel, water, referrals, etc.

Table 2: Statistics for First Aid Posts conducted in 2019/20

EVENT People Assisted Buganu ceremony: Buhleni and Hlane 5 736 Eswatini Schools Sports Association (Ntfonjeni High School) 522 Jericho cleansing at Manganganeni 236 King’s Birthday rehearsals (Nhlangano) 23 PLE Football matches 1 488 Incwala 17,277 Civil Servants March/Strike action 90 Community health day (Hospice at Home, Mahwalala, 204 Shiselweni1 Wellness Day)

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Butimba 287 Umhlanga 12 378 Eswatini International Trade Fair 2019 2 376 Shiselweni Clean-up campaign 12 Public Sector Associations Workers Strike 902 Ngwane College Graduation 29 Biggest Braai 875 King’s Birth Day 10 644 Mlawula, Mahamba Gorge & Gobolondlo hiking 265 Good Friday 764 Pots Construction sports day 76 Harvesting king’s fields 396 Eswatini Skin foundation walk 74 Rugby tournament 78 National Army Day 54 Total 54 786

In addition to the first aid services, Baphalali also provided first aid training to a total of 598 people from 36 training sessions which were conducted during this reporting period. The training was done both at community level and in different Red Cross centers. This training was conducted by Red Cross First Aid Instructors and Master trainers. Details of the training are shown in table 3 below.

The table 3: Statistics for First Aid Trainings and First Aid Posts in 2019 / 20.

DIVISION COMMERCIAL FIRST AID COMMUNIT Y FA No. of People First Aid TRAININGS People Trainings Trained Drills Trained Manzini 7 73 0 0 Mbabane 7 132 0 1 7 Nhlangano 3 12 26 1 1 Siteki 14 292 47 3 49 Pigg’s Peak 5 89 0 1 10 Totals 36 598 19 6 67

It is believed that all the trained people will contribute in reducing loss of lives due to injuries or sickness in their respective communities. Participants expressed their appreciation for gaining such a vital life-saving skill.

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3.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The Kingdom of Eswatini is prone to different forms of disasters which include hailstorm, windstorm, fires, and others. The main activities carried out under Disaster Management (DM) include: responding to emergencies (drought, fires and windstorms), distribution of relief commodities to people affected by the emergencies, strengthening of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Committees in disaster prone areas, and involvement in food security activities. In addition, the National Society continued to assist in Restoring Family Links (RFL) activities especially in Malindza refugee camp.

3.1 Fire Incidences

Fire continues to be one of the maj0or challenges faced by the country which also destroy houses and assets at household level. In this reporting period, Baphalali responded to fire incidences in 190 households where their assets within the houses were reduced to ashes, affecting a total of 932 people. All the four regions of the country experienced the fire incidences. The burnt down houses had many of the items inside the houses destroyed and these items include: furniture, clothing, food items, books, money and many other items. BERCS responded to all these cases by conducting assessments and provided response material which included: tents, food items, clothing and blankets. The response materials were distributed based on the needs in the affected families. Some of the response material were sourced from NDMA.

Table 4: Number of Fire Incidences disaggregated by regions Affected People Region households affected Material distributed Hhohho 22 102 6 tents, blankets, mixed clothing and food items Lubombo 32 175 3 tent, blankets, mixed clothing, and food items Manzini 69 375 3 tents, blankets and mixed clothing, 2 beds, food items Shiselweni 67 280 5 tents, food items, blankets and mixed clothing Total 190 932 17 Tents, blankets, mixed clothing & food items

3.2 Windstorm Incidences The country experienced strong windstorms which affected all the regions of the country. The damage caused by the windstorm was mainly blowing-off some rooftops in many of the affected households, which resulted in having many of the items inside the affected house being spoiled. Items spoiled included: furniture, clothing, food items, books and many other items. Details on the number of households affected by the windstorm are shown in table 5.

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Table 5: Windstorm Incidences experienced in 2019/20 Affected People Region households affected Material distributed Hhohho 16 68 4 tents, blankets, Lubombo 134 210 6 tents, food items, Manzini 176 799 10 tents, 3 tarpaulin,Mixed clothes, blankets & food items Shiselweni 95 471 9 tents, clothing, food items Total 421 1548 29 tents, food and non-food items

The affected households were assisted with various response material which include: tents, food items (maize, mealie meal, beans, and vegetable oil), mixed clothing, and blankets. Manzini and Lubombo regions were severely affected by windstorms in 2019/20, while Hhohho was the least affected.

3.3 Social Services In the reporting period of 2019 /20, Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society has assisted seven vulnerable families to have decent shelter for accommodation purposes. The NS constructed seven houses for these families, with much assistance from the volunteers, providing skilled and unskilled labour. These houses were constructed in all the four regions of the country and they benefited. Table 6 provides details on the houses constructed.

Table 6: Two Room House Construction Region: Comments: Hhohho BERCS mobilized volunteers to assist in the construction of two houses for vulnerable families at Kupheleni and Ndvwabangeni. The houses will benefit 12 people mainly orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). By the time of reporting, the house at Kupheleni was at roofing stage while the one at Ndvwabangeni had been completed. Manzini There were two houses (two room houses) that were constructed by BERCS in the Manzini region. One was constructed for a vulnerable family (old couple) at Sigcineni under Mahlangatsha Inkhundla while the other one was constructed in partnership with the International Police Association (IPA) for a mentally challenged woman who has six (6) children at Malutha. All the houses were completed and are already in use. In addition to the house, the NS also constructed a pit latrine toilet. Shiselweni The National Society has also constructed a two-room house for a Tsabedze family at Ndunayithini, under Sigwe Inkhundla. The family has four school going children and they (parents) are disabled. Lubombo The NS has assisted two families in the construction of two stick and mud houses to improve their accommodation structures. These houses were constructed at Ekupheleni and Mtsambati, benefiting a total of

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seven OVCs. The Red Cross volunteers are the ones who constructed these houses using their available resources.

One of the houses constructed by the NS for vulnerable families

3.4 Strengthening of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Committees at Chiefdom level

Baphalali did not establish much DRR committees in the year under review, however, more focus was on strengthening the Red Cross branches who also act as DRR committees in many communities. There was only one DRR committee that was formed during this reporting period (2019/20), at Mabeleni in the Hhohho Region. The committee was established through the assistance of community leadership under Maphalaleni Umphakatsi. In the process of forming the DRR committee, Baphalali disseminated on the importance of having the committee and the roles of the committee, then the community elected seven people to be in the committee. The committee members were then given an orientation on their responsibilities. In addition to the Maphalaleni DRR committee, the National Society also had a campaign where all Red Cross branches, located in disaster prone areas were visited for purposes of dissemination information about disasters and their responsibilities when there is a disaster. A total of 63 branches with a total of 1,621 volunteers were visited and provided with basic training on disasters. Table 7 shows the branches covered with disaster messages and the number of people who attended.

Table 7: Red Cross branches that received basic training on disasters. Hhohho Lubombo Manzini Shiselweni Madlangempisi 28 Maphungwane 31 Lesibovu 26 Lilambu 18 Madadeni 46 Mampempeni 23 kaNdinda 25 Mahhashini 21 Elukhalweni 33 Gegebini 42 kaZulu 28 Ncubekela phambili 16 Msaweni 38 Mankonkonkwane 37 Mbekelweni 17 Nshamanti 16 Mzimnene 23 Magwanyane 46 Mpolonjeni 21 Mzila 33 Ndvwabangeni 34 Mabondvweni 26 Nkanjini 25 Etjeni 17 Sihhoye 33 Mtsambati 25 Kwaluseni 25 Luhlekweni 49 Zibonele 21 Lawini 32 Nhlulweni 15 Nsingizini 23

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Zandondo 38 Gegebini 21 Mahlabatsini 28 Silele 16 Mabeleni 12 Bucocantfombi 10 Ncifi 21 Nhlokomeni 38 Mangwenya 22 Ligcabho 15 Mbuluzi 6 Maphiveni 25 Ludziweni 18 Nkalangeni 52 Mankonkonkwane 30 Lomfa 19 Mguleni 14 Mayenjane 22 Mvundleni 17 Makhwane 21 Siteki 50 Mkhulekweni 20 Maphalaleni 15 Magomba 23 Lilambu 18 Ntsintsa 41 Magwanyane 37 Mahhashini 21 Ncubekela phambili 16 Nshamanti 16 Shisizwe 26 TOTALS 493 502 210 416

3.5 Restoring Family links The National Society has also been able to provide assistance to the migrants in the country by linking them with their families back home. Baphalali provided a telephone service for migrants at Malindza refugee camp, where each migrant is allowed to use the Red Cross telephone facility at most once a month, having a phone call that takes a maximum of three (3) minutes per person. This service assisted the refugees to reconnect with their family members back home in the different countries. The migrants at Malindza refugee camp were able to make a total of 4276 calls to their relatives back home. Details on the number of migrants and calls made are shown in table 8.

Table 8: Statistics on calls made by the migrants in April 2019 – March 2020 Nationality Male Female Total Burundi 323 324 647 Ruanda 251 247 498 Tanzania 288 228 516 Somalia 187 197 384 Cameron 192 218 410 DRC Congo 351 355 706 Malawi 154 159 313 Kenya 156 123 279 Ethiopia 174 123 297 Sudan 108 92 200 South Africa 8 8 16 Angola 5 5 10 Total 2197 2079 4276

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3.6 FOOD SECURITY Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society continued to be a team player in the disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities, which mainly involved general food distribution and Cash Transfer intervention. These activities were carried out in response to the recurrent drought that affected different parts of the country, especially the Low veld. The impact of drought was so severe that the hard-hit areas had crop failure due to the scorching sun.

3.7 Cash Based Interventions in Shiselweni Region In response to the impact of drought, Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society in collaboration with Finnish Red and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) assisted in four (4) Tinkhundla in the Shiselweni region with cash transfers. Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society implemented a cash-based intervention through three projects, supported by Finnish Red Cross, European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) while the third one was supported by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC). The cash transfer projects were provided at a cash value of E700.00 per household per month. The three projects provided cash transfers to a total of 6501 households benefiting a total of 39,011 people in Somntongo, Matsanjeni, Hosea and Sigwe Tinkhundla. In this reporting period, BERCS implemented two cash transfer initiatives. The first cash transfer initiative was for three months (May to July 2019), funded by Finnish Red Cross and covering 2001 households (with 12000 people) in Somntongo and Matsanjeni. The second and third projects were both running from February 2020, funded by ECHO and IFRC, covering 4501 households (27,011 people) in four constituencies which are: Hosea, Sigwe, Somntongo and Matsanjeni. The beneficiary households were receiving their money through MTN’s Mobile Money facility.

Table 9: Cash transfers beneficiaries’ breakdown by Inkhundla Constituency Households Beneficiaries Sigwe 921 5526 Hosea 1379 8275 Somntongo 975 5850 Matsanjeni 1226 7360 Total 4501 27011

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beneficiaries listening to Project Mobile agent at work in Matsanjeni Coordinator at Sigwe

3.8 Participation in Eswatini Annual Vulnerability Assessment (VAC) June 2019

BERCS participated in the Annual Vulnerability Assessment (VAC) in June, which normally give a picture on the food security situation in the country. BERCS Disaster Management Coordinator participated in the data collection and data analysis. Prior to both data collection and analysis, there was a one-week training, which helped the teams to understand the broader essence of the exercise. For BERCS, participating in the whole process helped in understanding the vulnerabilities contributing to food insecurity and better inform programming for interventions.

3.9 Distribution of Ever Fresh Bread Even in the year 2019/20, the National Society received a donation of canned bread from Japan, which is normally called “Ever Fresh Bread”. The Baphalali received a total of 2003 boxes of the ever-fresh bread, which came as a result of a very good collaboration between Baphalali and Shiselweni Forest Company (in Nhlangano). Upon receiving the consignment, Baphalali engaged the Swaziland Standard Authority (SWASA) to test the bread before it was distributed to the schools, and the test results indicated that the bread was fit for human consumption. The bread was then distributed to 18 schools in the Shiselweni region, starting with those around Shiselweni Forest. The Ministry of Education (REO) in Nhlangano, was fully involved in the distribution of the bread. The schools that benefited in the canned bread include: Ekuthuleni primary, Galile Primary, Nzongomane Primary, Single Tree Primary, Mashobeni South Primary, Nsongweni Primary, Edoropeni Primary, Gege Primary, Mlambo Primary, Mhlanga Primary, Sibovu Primary, and S.O.S Children’s Village. Pasture Valley, Nhlangano Evangelical, Nhlangano Central Primary, Eqinisweni Primary, Ekuthuleni High School and Nzongomane High School. The total number of students in the 18 schools who benefited in the canned bread was 8585 students.

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4.0 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

4.1 BRANCH DEVELOPMENT

4.1.1 Branches

In the period of April 2019 to March 2020, Baphalali had 107 branches with a total of 3542 members. These figures indicate a zero-growth in branches when compared to 2018/19. The number of active members also remained the same as the previous year. The constant figures in the number of branches and members may be attributed to the fact that the NS did not put much effort in volunteer recruitment and providing trainings to the branches.

Table 10: An analysis of the branches and members in the 5 Divisions

2018 Division Branches Members Manzini 27 1056 Mbabane 15 426 Nhlangano 35 1033 Pigg’s Peak 12 344 Siteki 18 683 Total 107 3542

4.2 Capacity building on staff 4.2.1 Disaster Management Workshop BERCS conducted an internal Disaster Management workshop with the assistance of British Red Cross. Staff from the headquarters (6), regions (5), clinics (3), volunteers (10), both local and international partners formed part of the participants. The workshop was inclined in helping the National Society to develop disaster management standard operating procedures (SOPs). The developed documents are awaiting management and board endorsements before sharing with partners.

4.2.2 Cash Transfers Lessons Learnt BERCS held a three days’ workshop on lesson learnt for the Cash transfers project that ended in August 2019. Participants for this workshop included: community leaders, representatives from beneficiaries, volunteers, BERCS staff, relevant stakeholders including the Disaster Department and NDMA. Delegates from Finnish Red Cross (FRC) and British Red Cross (BRC) who funded the project were also in attendance in this workshop. The aim of the workshop was to evaluate the project and see where BERCS has to improve in the future cash transfer initiatives. Among other things, the workshop recommended the following:  Development of beneficiary verification tool

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 Adopt digital beneficiary registration  Full involvement of communities in the project  Consistent communication and information sharing with relevant stakeholders

4.2.3 Forecast based Financing (FbF) Dialogue in Mozambique The NS participated in a FbF dialogue organized by German Red Cross and partners in Maputo. Baphalali were represented by the Disaster Management Coordinator (Mr Siphelele Mkhonta) in this dialogue which had participants from different stakeholders such as the academia from Bristol University, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Government Officials (Meteorology and Disaster officers), WFP, FAO and many other organizations.

The dialogue focused on how best to respond to disasters before full impact (preparedness) by improving our planning by conducting risk assessments, setting triggers and responding timely before full impact of disasters.

4.2.4 NDMA/World Bank drought preparedness and resilience workshop. BERCS participated in the Drought preparedness and resilience workshop organised by NDMA with support from World Bank. BERCS Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator and Programs Manager participated in this workshop. Discussions in the workshop were on how to better position Eswatini on disaster issues where the proactive approach instead of reactive is adopted. Key elements to this were:  Development of a drought monitoring and early warning system,  Establish comprehensive countrywide assessment framework for of potential risks.  Disaster Risk Finance

4.2.5 Health Facility Staff training A total of forty-five (45) clinic staff attended several clinical and administrative trainings (onsite and external) which featured management of HIV/AIDS/TB, family planning, cervical cancer screening and management, patient referral, empowering young mothers, monitoring & evaluation, Computer Management Information System (CMIS). Onsite trainings were provided by the Government and Partners. The Baphalali staff that received the training came from Silele, Mahwalala and Sigombeni clinics. The trainings were conducted either within the clinics or in an organized venue outside the clinics. Clinic staff also attended other additional training during the period for purposes of refreshing their skills and knowledge and to be up-to-date with modern practices especially for clinic staff. Most of the training were one day training organized by Government and other agencies. Some of the training attended by clinic staff covered the following topics: Tuberculosis, Cancer Screening, HIV Testing and Counselling, Home Visits and Linkages, Vaccine Temperature Management, Psychosocial Support and Adherence. Facilitators of these workshops included the Government of Eswatini (MoH), ICAP and Nazarene Compassionate

4.2.6 The Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Social Protection Workshops In November 2019, the NS with assistance from British Red Cross (BRC), conducted a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Workshop at Ezulwini, which was attended by 22

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people coming from Baphalali, Lesotho Red Cross, Zambia Red Cross, Uganda Red Cross, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education (including representatives from schools), Water Aid, and British Red Cross. The objective of the workshop was information sharing on MHM and also come up with a plan on what the country can do to assist the girl child on issues of MHM.

4.2.7 Social Protection workshop BERCS with collaboration with BRC conducted a one-day workshop on Social Protection which was attended by 35 people coming from: Deputy Prime Minister’s office, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, UN Partners, different NGOs, and BERCS. The purpose of this workshop was to facilitate a common understanding on institutions that are involved in social protection, and to know the activities or initiative implemented by other agencies on social protection.

4.2.8 Staff and Volunteer Training on COVID-19 Since the country was also affected by the COVID-19 in the last quarter of this reporting period, Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society has been a key team member in the fight against the pandemic. By the end of this reporting period, BERCS had already mobilized and trained 85 volunteers and 20 staff members on COVID-19. The training was facilitated by trainers from the Ministry of Health and Red Cross technical experts on Safer Access. All the trained volunteers were then engaged to start disseminating relevant information to communities as means to help reduced local transmissions within communities and further enlighten communities on recommended hygiene practices to be done by people during this crisis period.

4.2.9 Board Induction workshop on their oversight role The Board had a three days non-residential workshop on their oversight role, which was arranged on three separate days between January and March 2020. The Board induction followed that in September 2019, the NS had elections thus the governance had new Board members. This induction was attended by most the Board members and Facilitators for the induction came from Experience CEOs in the private sector while others were from within the National Society. Topics covered include: the roles of governance and management, effective governance Boards, ethical / integrity issues in Boards, decision making process in board meetings, the Board’s financial oversight, etc.

5.0. CORPORATE COMMUNICATION - INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

5.1 Dissemination to the public

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society continued to disseminate information to the public using different modalities which include: the 15 minutes radio slot that Baphalali has with the national radio; running designed messages in the national radio, distribution of IEC information, face-to-face communications in community meetings and in national events. In

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the period under review, Baphalali had 44 sessions of 15 minutes slots in the national radio (SiSwati channel) through which information and key messages was disseminated to the public. The NS in collaboration with other agencies and Government Ministries developed key messages and run them in the national radio. These messages were aimed at raising awareness and giving capacity to the public on different issues which include: importance of nutrition at household level, HIV/AIDS, and violence in schools. The impact of the dissemination was noted in that the NS has been receiving calls from the public who needed more information on the programmes offered by BERCS and possibilities to also come and assist in their communities. The people reached through the radio could not be ascertain, but it is believed that a bigger majority of the population got the messages as they were played repeatedly in the national radio. The NS also produced and distributed a variety of IEC material which were distributed to stakeholders and in strategic points such as Tinkhundla, schools, shops, and other places.

6. CONCLUSION

Though the year under review had challenges, the Baphalali with assistance from different partners was able to deliver its mandate to the public as expected. All the services provided were based on the available resources and they were delivered through the NS programmes which are: Health and Social services, First Aid, Disaster Management, Organizational Development, and the Corporate Communication. Baphalali delivered these services with much support from the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini especially the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, other Government Ministries, the Red Cross Movement and strong collaboration with other agencies.

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