2018 Annual Report

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

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Baphalali demonstrates to a drought hit Lavumisa, Etjeni Chiefdom Community member on how to practice conservation agriculture (CA) using a seed driller. Photographer: BERCS Communications Department

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

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 ...... 7 3.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT ...... 9 3.1 FIRE AND WINDSTORMS ...... 9 3.2 WINDSTORM INCIDENCES ...... 9 3.3 STRENGTHENING OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR) COMMITTEES AT CHIEFDOM LEVEL ...... 11 3.4 RESTORING FAMILY LINKS ...... 11 3.5 CYCLONE IDAI ...... 12 3.5.1 NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NDMA) FOOD DISTRIBUTION ...... 13 COMMUNITY DIALOGUES ON BIOSAFETY AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS ..... 14 4.0 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 14 4.1 BRANCHES ...... 14 4.5 CASH TRANSFERS WORKSHOP ...... 16 4.6 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY WORKSHOP ...... 16 4.7 BRANCH ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT (BOCA) ...... 16 5.0. CORPORATE COMMUNICATION - INFORMATION DISSEMINATION ...... 18 5.1 DISSEMINATION TO THE PUBLIC ...... 18 5.2 WORLD RED CROSS DAY COMMEMORATION ...... 18 6. CONCLUSION ...... 18

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

It is my greatest honour and privilege that I, on behalf of the National Executive Committee, may present highlights of achievements made by the National Society in the year 2018/19 to the respected General Assembly. I feel very proud to be associated with Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society’s volunteers, staff and the Board; hard working people, who are committed to the work and mandate of the National Society, focusing at saving lives and changing minds of the people in our different communities. I’m happy that as we discharge our services to the public, we uphold to the seven Fundamental Principles which always guide the way we do things as Red Cross.

The humanitarian sector is faced with a number of challenges which include drought, HIV/AIDS, poor performing economies and the dwindling donor support. These challenges have greatly influenced our work as National Society.

Looking at how we discharge our services to the public, one has no doubt that the Red Cross volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness of the NS. However, I’m very much concern about the reduction in the number of volunteers in the branches. I appeal to all of you that we go out and recruit more volunteers and also bring back the true volunteering spirit in all our volunteers.

May I take this time to sincerely thank the Board members for their commitment and the tremendous work they have done not only in the year 2018/19, but ever since we got into the office in 2016. As we shall be having elections today, some of them will not be part of the Board going forward, but I want to extend my profound appreciation to the entire Board for the sterling job they have done in ensuring the National Society performs to its optimum and remain a partner of choice.

The achievements that the National Society is boasting about today would not have been realized had it not for the support the NS receive from Partners including the Government of kingdom of Eswatini and the guidance from IFRC, ICRC and the entire Red Cross Movement, particularly Finnish Red Cross. The NS has also enjoyed the collaboration we have had with other organizations like NDMA. Such collaboration has a potential for more efficient and effective handling of disaster situations. It is also noted that local volunteers, who understand local conditions better, can deal with disasters in the locality more effectively than anybody else. On that note one is happy that the NS is strengthening communities through Disaster Risk Reduction committees to be better prepared for disasters. May I again request the entire National Society, the Divisions in particular to start widening the network of young people to join the National Society and be part of first responders in humanitarian needs.

Even in 2018 /19, the National Society worked very hard and under challenging conditions but managed to achieve quite a lot which include the following:

1. Courtesy call to the Deputy Prime Minister

In September 2018, the National Society was able to pay a courtesy to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The purpose of the courtesy call was to strengthen the relationship that exist between the NS and Government and also to thank the DPM for the support provided to the NS during his term in the office. The courtesy call was done at a time when the election process for a new Government had already begun. The NS was represented by the President and representatives from the Board.

2. Development of National Society Documents

The Board has been able to develop an Anti-Fraud and Corruption policy which adds to the several policies that governs the National Society. The National Society is still in the process of reviewing the BSRCS Act, currently with the Legal Advisor in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

3. Leadership Forum in Togo

The National Society attended a three days leadership forum which was held in Lomé (Togo) in March 2019. This was mainly training on leadership and it was facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) in collaboration with Eco bank. This training had been organized for all African National Societies, where they were represented by their Presidents, Youth Representatives and Secretary Generals. Baphalali also had their three representatives attending the training. Main issues discussed include: different styles of leadership, involving women and youth in leadership, integrity in leadership, and qualities of a good leader with emphasis on focus, accountability, and communication.

4. Partnership of Red Cross Societies (SAPRCS) meetings

The President and the Secretary General were able to attend two Southern Africa Partnership Red Cross Societies (SAPRCS) meetings in Pretoria (South Africa) and in Malawi where the 10 National Societies within Southern Africa meet to discuss progress and other movement issues. The BERCS Secretary General was also able to attend a Shared Leadership Group meeting which was held in Pretoria, in April 2018.

5. Governance Meetings

The Board had a total of five Board meetings and the attendance was very good in all the meetings. The Board Sub-committees also held their meetings accordingly. These are the meetings where the Board discuss policy issues and also monitor progress. The 5 Divisions also held their Divisional Committee meetings as per the plan.

6. Changes in the Name and Financial year of Baphalali

Following that the name of the country was changed from Swaziland to Eswatini, the General Assembly (GA) in September 2018 also decided to change the name of the national society from Baphalali Swaziland Red Cross Society (BSRCS) to Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS).

On another note, the GA also changed the financial year of the NS from January - December to April – March. The change in financial year was to align it with the financial year of the Government of Eswatini.

7. Appreciation

On behalf of the Baphalali Board, I am humbled by the support received from all our partners, companies, individuals and volunteers as we reflect on the successes made during the reporting period. It is further gratifying to note that some of our friends have been consistently making donations to the Red Cross even during the challenging times of poor performing economies in the country. We are humbled and grateful for the confidence they have in the National Society.

I also wish to sincerely thank the National Executive Committee members (Board) for their dedication and diligence in the execution of their oversight role in the operations of the National Society. There was not even a single Board meeting that was called off because we couldn’t form a quorum; this is a very clear demonstration of commitment to the vision and mission of the Society. Finally, I want to thank the staff and volunteers who ensured that the Red Cross is always available to provide the necessary services needed by the vulnerable people in all corners of the country.

Thank you

SECRETARY GENERAL’S SUMMARY

I’m happy to once again present the 2018 annual report for Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society. The year under review had a number of events in the country. The country commemorated 50 years of independence, it also marked the end of term for the Government led by the late Hon. Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini. The country then had national elections, and Sibaya where the nation had an opportunity to air their views.

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 managed to provide all the necessary services to the vulnerable communities and individuals. Our services reached over 325,151 people during the year 2018 /19. These are people who were affected by disasters, HIV/AIDS, fires, and others served on capacity building. The services were delivered through the Baphalali Programmes which are Health Care, First Aid, Disaster Management, Food Security, Information, and the Organizational Development. The main activities under the disaster management were disaster preparedness, response, and risk reduction, including food security. The Health Care related activities included: Primary Health care, Community-Based Health Services, First Aid, HIV/AIDS/TB prevention, care & support for those affected which include the OVC, and treatment.

In the period of 2018/19, the NS continued to prioritize issues of branch development because strong branches will enable BERCS to quickly respond to the needs of the vulnerable people, particularly in times of natural disasters.

Baphalali continued to build partnerships with local and international organizations. The NS is working in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in issues of disasters in the country. The NS is currently in discussions with two Partner National Societies for possibilities of partnerships in 2019 and beyond. Baphalali also worked tirelessly to strengthen its relationship with the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. This was done in the light of enhancing the auxiliary role of Baphalali to the Government. The NS also worked on different strategies of passing Red Cross information to key individuals and institutions, one of which was the Benevon model, which was also instrumental on resource mobilization.

On behalf of the Management I would like to sincerely appreciate the support we received, contributing in making 2018 a successful year. Special thanks go to the Board for their guidance, and support, the staff and volunteers for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank our partners: the IFRC, ICRC, Finnish Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Belgian Red Cross, the Government of Eswatini, Companies, the Academia and Individuals for their continued support to the work of Baphalali. It is the support we received from these partners that enabled BERCS to fulfil its mandate and achieve the great results realized in 2018/19.

Thank You

INTRODUCTION

The 2018 Annual 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 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

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society has a Health and Social Services Programme which aims at providing essential health care and social services to the public in a more efficient and effective manner. These services are provided through the three Red Cross Clinics which are; Sigombeni, Silele and Mahwalala. The services provided by the NS in the clinics include: health education, Tuberculosis (TB) screening and management, general curative, HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT)/Health Provider Initiated HIV Testing (HTC), antiretroviral therapy, family planning which include promotion & distribution of male & female condoms, child welfare & immunizations plus, as well as Antenatal & Post-Natal Care.

In the year under review, the clinics provided services to a total of 141, 889 people and among the services rendered, TB consultations recorded the highest number of recorded consultations as shown in table 1 below.

Table 1: The number of People reached with health care services since January 2018 to March 2019 through Red Cross Clinics (Mahwalala, Sigombeni and Silele)

Programme 2017/2018 2018/19 Antiretroviral therapy 3433 26046 Child Welfare Consultations 1153 10034 Curative 32085 33102 Family Planning 2711 3720 HTC/VCT 4607 4990 PMTCT (Antenatal Care) 1039 1128 Post Natal Care 341 619 TB- Number of patients Screened for TB 37602 66136 TB-Number of patients who screen Positive 47 551 TB-Number of patients confirmed with TB 54 TB-Initiated and ongoing TB treatment 47 157 Total Consultations & people reached 141889 Immunisations 15467 19594 Health education (sessions or people reached) 34182 27221 Condom (Female) 42370 80394 Cancer Screening – VIA 0 228 Cancer Screening-positive results to VIA 0 43

The NS is financially supported through a subvention from the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The “Prevent, Test, and Treat for HIV” motto of the Ministry of Health is an effective strategy which has impacted families positively by reducing morbidity and mortality incidences. The decline in the number of people who presented with ailments is attributed to this initiative. For example, all clinics have experienced a decline in FIGURE 1: KALIBA AREA SPORTS GROUND: MORE the number of people who required curative THAN 600 YOUTHS WERE REACHED WITH SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION AND HIV services. The clinics were also getting PREVENTION MESSAGES. support from other partners which include: Japanese Red Cross who channel funds through the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), MSF, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP), University Research Company (URC), and others.

2.0 FIRST AID

In the year under review the National Society provided First Aid services to a total of 146 995 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), regional and local events including Sibebe and Mahamba Gorge hiking. The assistance given to the people include: rehydration, bandaging, massage, and other medications for easing cough and pain as well as the referrals.

Table 2: Statistics for First Aid Posts conducted in 2018/19

Event People assisted 50/50 Celebrations 27942 School ball games 7225 PLS football games 25758 Ascension Day 267 Workers march 1710 Incwala and Weeding 22333 Buganu ceremonies 29928 Good Friday 4094 Jericho Cleansing at Manganganeni 371 Cross-over Music Event 476 Philani Maswati / Biggest Braai 220 Elections 15222 Umhlanga 10756 Magadzavane, Sibebe & Mahamba Gorge walks 417 Ngwane College Graduation 196 Shiselweni Regional Trade Fair 80 Total 146995

Table 3 below shows the number of people trained in first Aid where a total of 1054 people from 50 training sessions attended the training. The training was done both at community level and in different Red Cross centers.

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

Table 3: Statistics for First Aid Trainings and First Aid Posts in 2018 /19

Commercial first aid Community first aid First Aid Kits Division Trainings People Trained Sold Trainings People Trained Manzini 11 129 0 1 13 Mbabane 14 233 45 2 15 Nhlangano 1 12 0 0 0 Siteki 17 558 0 1 5 Pigg’s Peak 7 122 15 1 5 Totals 50 1054 60 5 38

FIGURE 2: BERCS FIRST AIDERS TAKING FIGURE 3: BERCS VOLUNTEERS PROVIDING FIRST ORDERS FROM THE BERCS PRESIDENT AID SERVICES AT MANGANGANENI IN GEGE DURING A DURING THE 2018/2019 MAHAMBA GORGE CHURCH SERVICE MOUNTAIN HIKE ORGANIZED BY SHISELWENI REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

3.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The Kingdom of Eswatini is prone to different forms of disasters which include hailstorm, windstorm, drought, 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) especially in Malindza reception centre.

3.1 Fire and windstorms

All the four regions of the country experienced fire incidences at household level during this reporting period. People affected by fire emergencies in 2018 and were attended by Baphalali were 588 from 121 households. 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 this cases by conducting assessments and provided response material which included tents, food items, clothing and blankets. A larger percentage of these fires came from the Shiselweni region and the main cause was unattended candles. Some of the response material were sourced from NDMA. The response materials were distributed based on the needs in the affected families.

Table 4: Number of Fire Incidences disaggregated by regions

Affected People Region households affected Material distributed Hhohho 26 109 4 tents, blankets, mixed clothing and food items Lubombo 19 89 2 tent, blankets, mixed clothing, and food items Manzini 28 159 3 tents, blankets and mixed clothing, 2 beds, food items Shiselweni 48 231 6 tents, food items, blankets and mixed clothing Total 121 588 15 Tents, blankets, 2 beds, clothing & food items

3.2 Windstorm Incidences

The country also 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 FIGURE 4: EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM VOLUNTEERS the number of households affected by the ASSESSING A HOUSE DEMOLISHED BY A WINDSTORM. windstorm are shown in table 4.

Table 5: Windstorm Incidences experienced in 2018/19

Affected People Region households affected Material distributed Hhohho 74 296 4 tents, blankets, Lubombo 251 1051 4 tents, food items, Manzini 156 1249 10 tents, 3 tarpaulin,Mixed clothes, blankets & food items Shiselweni 41 211 9 tents, clothing, food items Total 522 2807 13 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 2018, while Shiselweni was the least affected.

3.3 Community Resilience Building through C4D Project (UNICEF/BERCS) BERCS collaborated with UNICEF during this reporting period on a Community Resilience Building through C4D Project which targeted 58 schools (40 Primary schools and 18 High schools) from Sandleni, Kumethula, Hosea, Somntongo and Ngudzeni constituencies, in the Shiselweni region. Project activities included training of 62 schools’ Cooks, 58 head teachers and 58 schools’ chairpersons, 181 BERCS volunteers and 10 BERCS staff members. Topics covered during the training include: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Disaster Risk Reduction, Coordination of Education in Emergencies (EiE), Safety, First Aid for Schools, HIV prevention, care and treatment, and Child protection. When conducting the training Baphalali involved officers from Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to also handle some of the topics. All the participants greatly appreciated the training, particularly the Cooks who most of them had never had a training relevant to their work.

3.4 Social Welfare

3.4.1 Construction of Houses for the Vulnerable

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross SRCS collaborated with Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) for the construction of three two rooms in Lubombo, Hhohho and Shiselweni regions (one house per region). The National Society identified the most vulnerable households needing support and then coordinated the house construction while ENPF provided the building material and paid for the Builder. All the houses were completed and handed over to the beneficiaries in the presence of community leaders, Red Cross President and the ENPF Board and Management. The house were constructed at Mgamudze under Matsanjeni Inkhundla, Ekwetsembeni under Mtfongwaneni Inkhundla and Lubhuku under Dvokodvweni Inkhundla.

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

Baphalali did not establish new DRR committees in the year under review, however, more focus was on strengthening the DRR committees and encouraging other communities to form these committees. The NS held DRR meetings in 14 chiefdoms where information dissemination on disasters was conducted. The meetings were attended by a total of 878 people, and topics covered include: disaster preparedness (fires, storms, and drought) and the formation of a DRR committee. In some of the communities, Baphalali were working in collaboration with Fire and Emergency Services. All the communities were encouraged to form the DRR committees. In all the trained communities, the leadership promised to establish the DRR committees and then invite Red Cross for further training. The communities where meetings were held are as shown in the table below.

Table 6: Number of people reached during DM Disseminations

Inkhundla Communities Attendance Sandleni Sandleni, Lawuba, kaShiba, Luhhumaneni, Silaheni 221 Mhlangatane Nyakatfo 136 195 Ntfonjeni 1. Mvembili, Mashobeni, kaHhohho Timphisini 2. Ludzibini 105 Ntondozi 5. Ntondozi 51 Madlangempisi Madlangempisi Inkhundla 80 Dvokodvweni Lubhuku & Nkonka 50 Matsanjeni Nkonka 40 Total 878

3.5 Restoring Family links

Baphalali were able to provide a telephone service for migrants at Malindza refugee camp. This service assist 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 6123 calls to their relatives back home. Table 7 below provides details on the number of migrants and calls made.

Table 7: Statistics on calls made by the migrants in Jan 2018 – March 2019

Nationality Female Male Total Burundi 483 606 1089 Ruanda 348 381 729 Tanzania 297 495 792 Somalia 441 162 603 Cameron 360 222 582 DRC Congo 492 168 660 Malawi 387 90 477 Kenya 102 54 156 Ethiopia 273 474 747 Sudan 186 102 288 Total 3369 2754 6123

3.6 Tracing

During the reporting period the National Society had seven tracing cases which were all attended. However, five of these cases have been concluded while two are still pending but closer to be completed. A challenge faced by the NS on this activity was that the experienced officer who was working on tracing retired, and the national society had to engage a new officer with less experience on this activity.

3.6 Cyclone Idai

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society actively participated in the country’s initiative of mobilizing resources to assist Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi who were severely affected by cyclone Idai. Donations in a form of cash, food and non-food items were collected from companies and the general public to assist the three

FIGURE 5: BERCS STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS countries. All food and non-food items SORTING OUT CYCLONE IDAI DONATIONS GIVEN were stored in the NDMA warehouse BY THE PUBLIC & COMPANIES in Matsapa while cash was kept in a separate bank account. Donations received and dispatched were recorded accordingly. All donations received were then sent to Mozambique through Governments diplomatic channels.

3.7 National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Food Distribution

The National Society collaborated with NDMA in a three months food distribution activity in Somntongo and Matsanjeni constituencies. The food distribution was done to the most vulnerable people of the two constituencies that were severely affected by hunger. Prior to food distribution, Baphalali conducted a targeting process in the two constituencies to identify the most vulnerable households. Upon completion of the targeting, food was then distributed to 2657 households, benefiting a total of 14 331 people. The food commodities distributed was rice and beans. The ration size for rice was 3kg / person / month while for beans was 1kg / person / month. The food distribution was done in the months of January to March 2019. Baphalali distributed a total of 157.591 metric tons (MT) of food which was sourced from the FIGURE 6: NDMA FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT MATSANJENI CONSTITUENCY National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).

Table 8: Number of beneficiaries and households disaggregated by constituency and tonnage distributed

No. of Actual Cereals Pulses Total (MT) Constituency households beneficiaries (MT) (MT) distributed Somntongo 1128 5978 53.802 11.956 65.758

Matsanjeni 1529 8353 75.127 16.706 91.833

Grand Total 2657 14331 128.929 28.662 157.591

3.8 Food Security

3.8.1 Nutrition Project

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society partnered with World Food Programme (WFP) in the distribution of Ready-to-Use- Food Supplements (RUSF) to children between 6-59 months

FIGURE 7: DISTRIBUTION OF in the Lubombo region covering 9000 children in 6 RUSF TO CHILDREN constituencies. The constituencies are: Hlane, Matsanjeni North, Lubulini, Nkilongo, Sithobela and Lomahasha. The

Nutrition project was implemented as from 31st January to 31st March 2018. During this period, Baphalali distributed 15,500 sachets to 16,609 children. In the process no children were referred to clinics.

3.8.2 Distribution of Ever Fresh Bread

Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society received a donation of canned bread from Japan, which is normally called “Ever Fresh Bread”. The National Society received two consignments of the bread a total of 2131 boxes of the ever fresh bread and this donation came as a result of 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 may be 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, and Ekuthuleni Primary. The total number of students in the 24 schools who benefited in the canned bread was 8292 students.

3.8.3 Community Dialogues on Biosafety and Genetically Modified Organisms

BERCS partnered with PELUM Eswatini in conducting community dialogues on Biosafety and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in three constituencies in the Shiselweni region. The constituencies covered were Matsanjeni, Sigwe and Shiselweni 1 where 2034 people were reached. The communities greatly appreciated the dialogues and further requested BERCS to organize more dialogues on food security issues.

4.0 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

4.1 Branches

In the period under review the Baphalali had a total of 107 branches, which indicate a zero growth compared to 2017. However, the number of members increased from 3500 to 3542, which is an increase of 42 members compared to the previous year. The growth was realised in Pigg’s Peak Division. The stability in the number of branches and membership is attributed to adjusting themselves and accepting the E60.00 subscription fee per member which was

adopted by the General Assembly in 2017. In addition, the hunger situation in the country was better in 2018 compared to that of 2017.

Table 9: 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 Develop a comprehensive Resource Mobilization (RM) Plan through consultative meetings

The National Society was able to develop and finalize its resource mobilization plan. The process of developing the RM plan was quite involving and participatory because consultative meetings were done with Division committees and staff. A total of 90 people (staff, Division committee members and volunteers) participated and had input in the development of the plan.

4.3 Developing of Electronic Media & Platforms

The national society engaged a consultant to develop Baphalali website and a resource mobilization platform, which will allow people to donate to the NS electronically through the website. The website was developed, and the staff was oriented on how to update and input into the website. However, there were some challenges in the official posting of the website in implementing the donation platform through the use of South African Payments Processor, Pay-Gate. The difficulty was in obtaining a correctly configured Bank Account in Standard Bank to be able to process the donations. By the end of the reporting period, the NS was in discussion with the bank in finding a solution to this challenge.

4.4 The Restructuring Process

During reporting period, the NS was able to conduct a restructuring process which was led by JBH Consultants. The purpose of the restructuring process was to align the organization with its new organogram as reflected in the BERCS’s strategic plan 2016 - 2020. This process resulted in 6 employees being terminated from the organization while 13 employees who were employed on permanent basis were re-engaged on a fixed term contracts. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security was guiding the NS in the implementation of the restructuring. All employees affected by the restructuring process were paid their terminal benefits as per the labour laws of the country. Prior to paying the terminated staff, they were first given a two days life’s skills training covering: coping with life’s challenges; Personal planning & Budgeting;

Common Financial problems; Tips on good financial management; Investing wisely; and Common pitfalls. Finally, the affected employees were paid their terminal benefits with assistance of Finnish Red Cross.

4.5 Cash Transfers Workshop

In the period under review, the BERCS’s DM Coordinator attended a Cash transfer workshop which had been organized by the IFRC in Nairobi (Kenya). The workshop was looking into how Cash transfers can be mainstreamed into the programmes and projects of the National Societies. From the workshop, the DM Coordinator recommended that all cash transfer documents by IFRC should be customized to suit local context. These documents include: the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Cash in Emergencies toolkit, and others. It was also recommended that all BERCS staff and volunteers should be trained on cash preparedness.

4.6 Community Engagement and Accountability workshop

The Disaster Management Coordinator also attend a Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) workshop in Pretoria, South Africa. The CEA is an approach that aims at putting communities at the center of National Societies programmes and projects. It emphasized on the full participation and representation of communities in all development or response interventions to be done in their communities. This training brought about some action points for the NS which include: • Integration of CEA into National Society’s programmes and projects • Training of staff and volunteers on CEA • Pilot CEA on the ongoing projects/programmes

4.7 Branch Organizational Capacity Assessment (BOCA)

In March 2018, the national society had a five days training on BOCA, which was facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC). A trainer from Zimbabwe Red Cross, Mr Elias Hwenga was the one conducting the training. This training was attended by 12 participants (8 volunteers and 4 staff members), coming from all five Divisions of the national society. The training consisted of four days theory and one day for practical, which were conducted in Mbabane and Manzini Divisions. Following the training, BERCS then conducted the BOCA in all five Divisions of the NS and this was spearheaded by the trained staff and volunteers.

4.8 Staff Training on Project Management

A total of 30 staff members had a two days training on Project Management in the last quarter. The staff members who participated in the training were drawn from all offices of the NS: 5 Division offices, 3 Clinics and Headquarters. The staff members who participated in the training were selected based on their different responsibilities, priority was given to those with supervisory roles. The training took place in December 2018 and it was facilitated by Win Speed Consultants.

4.8 Board workshop on their oversight role

A two days training for Division Committee members on their oversight responsibility was conducted in November 2018, where 14 members were in attendance. This training was held in Manzini and it was facilitated by Win Speed Consultants. Topics covered during the workshop included: Good Governance Attributes, Board Roles & Responsibilities, and Separation of duties between Board and Staff. In an effort to strengthen the Board oversight role, the NS also conducted one day trainings for three Division committees where a total of 61 committee members participated. In Nhlangano Division, a total of 33 committee members were in attendance, of which 26 were drawn from active branches in the region. These workshops were facilitated by Baphalali Management Staff and the Field Officers. The topics covered during both workshops include: Understanding the roles of the Division Board and that of Division Staff; Planning and Reporting; Divisional office administration; Resource mobilization; and Building strong division and branches.

4.9 Partnership Review between Finnish Red Cross and Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS)

The NS had a partnership review exercise on 5 – 9 November 2018 which was facilitated by an independent consultant (Mr Ian Steed), Finnish Red Cross Delegate (Ms Pirkko Tolvanen) and BERCS DM Coordinator (Mr Siphelele Mkhonta). The partnership review was a process that involved conducting interviews with current and previous Board, Management, staff, WFP, CANGO, IFRC, ICRC and beneficiaries. The objective of the review was to create a historical perspective for both the Finnish Red Cross and Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society about their common past, highlighting the relevance, effectiveness and impact of the partnership vis-à-vis operational context and each partners’ strategies. The partnership review was consensual between both parties where the partnership approach and the effectiveness of the support to the National Society Development were major focus areas. This exercise was successfully completed and a report was produced.

4.10 Developing a Branch Management System

A draft branch management system has been developed by the NS in this reporting period, currently awaiting to be approved by the stakeholders and endorsed by the Board. This system is comprised of a volunteering policy, volunteer management handbook and a volunteer code of conduct. When developing the system, staff and volunteers had meetings to input on the first drafts of these documents, and subsequent comments and inputs on second drafts were also incorporated. Once finalized, it will be shared with stakeholders.

5.0. CORPORATE COMMUNICATION - INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

5.1 Dissemination to the public

The National Society continued to disseminate information to the public using different modalities which include: the 15 minutes radio slot that Baphalali has with the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Service (EBIS); face-to-face communications in community meetings and in national events; and running designed messages in the national radio. Baphalali had 56 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 UNICEF and other 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 program has been realized through phone calls from the public enquiring about some issues and services which they heard over the radio. 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. Some of the key messages were disseminated through a variety of IEC material which were distributed to stakeholders.

5.2 World Red Cross Day Commemoration

The Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society was able to join the world in commemoration of the World Red Cross Day. This event was held at Ntsintsa under Hhukwini Inkhundla, where the guest speaker was Chief Nsukumbili of Dlangeni community. The Red Cross Day was attended by over 700 people which included: community members, all five Divisions, general public and the media. This function gave an opportunity to Board members, volunteers and staff to come together and reflect on the Red Cross on business in the presence of community members. It also gave a platform to disseminate on Red Cross activities.

6. CONCLUSION

Though the year under review had challenges, the NS was able to deliver the services as expected. All the services provided were based on the NS programmes which are: Health Care

& Social welfare, First Aid, Disaster Management, and Organizational Development, and the Corporate Communication. 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 played a major role in having BERCS delivering its services to the public.

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