The year 2023 marks 25 years of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC) existence and unwavering commitment to ensuring the credibility and integrity of electoral processes in the region and on the continent at large. The ECF-SADC was launched in the same city of Cape Town in July 1998.

One of the activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the ECF-SADC was presentation of recognition awards to various categories of recipients including the pioneers of the Forum, international organizations and Individuals who have contributed to the establishment and functioning of this Forum. The ECF-SADC also recognized long serving employees of the ECF-SADC Secretariat for their dedication and hard work throughout the years . This article specifically recognizes two individuals with outstanding contributions to the EC-SADC during its early years of existence in Botswana.  

1. Ms Uripi Tjitamonisa

The first Office Assistant at the ECF-SADC Secretariat since 2011 to date. She has been all rounder, with her scope of work as Cleaner and Messenger. Through her determination and eagerness to learn, she grasped all other deliverables for other units and she is able to provide guidance and share lessons where applicable. Uripi is a great team leader and shall be remembered for her rare and invaluable gift and ability to unite and uplift the entire ECF-SADC Secretariat team throughout the years.

2. Mr Larona Makgoen

Larona joined the ECF- SADC Secretariat during his formative as a graduate. With his bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Larona brought into the ECF- SADC analytical skills, shared insights and presented papers regarding models for political party funding in furtherance of democracy for the Africa region. Later, he would craft and influence for his then employer (Kgalagadi Breweries) to initiate and launch the first openly and accounted for political party funding ahead for the 2009 elections which was based on proportional representation outcome of prior election results. He contributed to write ups, concept notes and funding proposals during his time at ECF- SADC. Some of his scholarly work contributions have been published in the “Global Voices on Regional Integration” through the Centre for European Integration Studies (ZEI) wherein he gave insights on regional integration titled, SADC: Current State and Perspectives. Due to his keen interest on sustainable development and ESG issues Larona has worked across 14 Sub- Saharan African countries under SABMiller Africa before joining Stanbic Bank Botswana. His other interest entail thought leadership championing which led to him creating a public thought leadership platform called ‘The Fresh Thinking Series’.