The Key Population Programmes & Monitoring and Evaluation Imbizo, held on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2024 at the East London Regent Hotel, served as a platform to highlight the important role of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in understanding and showcasing the impact of programmes designed for Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender individuals.  

Themed “Beyond Numbers,” the Imbizo aimed to delve deeper into the narratives and experiences behind the data, shifting the focus from statistical figures to the human stories they represent. Through this theme, the Imbizo sought to humanise data and empower voices within key populations. Gugulethu Nkabinde (M&E Officer at Beyond Zero) shared “The theme “Beyond Numbers”, unveiling the Stories Behind the Data”, showcases the role Monitoring and Evaluation plays in highlighting the impact of programmes for Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender individuals. By using data, the Imbizo displayed the effectiveness of interventions and services tailored to Key Populations by Beyond Zero and its Sub Recipients. It charmingly shifted from presenting statistical figures to delving deeper into the narratives and experiences of the individuals who makes those numbers. We walked a journey from enrolment to service delivery to lifelong impact the programme has made on our beneficiaries. The stories told made the numbers matter! Graphs shifted from being tools of measurement to tools of impactful storytelling! This imbizo captivated the hearts of the stakeholders, the foot soldiers and the beneficiaries and decisively reminded us that we are all: “BEYOND NUMBERS” we are BEYOND ZERO.”  

Thabiso Chaka (Free State Rainbow Seeds, Programme Manager), who attended the Imbizo, shared his thoughts: “Attending the M&E Imbizo was a transformative experience for both myself and our organisation. Engaging with other SRs and programme coordinators provided invaluable insights into innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies.”  

During the Imbizo, each Sub-Recipient (SR) beautifully branded their exhibition stations/stalls, showcasing their data flow from recruitment, enrolment, linkage, referral, and case management of beneficiaries. This demonstration highlighted the effectiveness of interventions and services tailored to key populations.  

The Imbizo emphasised two key aspects:  

• Humanising Data: By exploring the stories behind the data, the Imbizo aimed to humanise the statistics, recognising that behind every data point lies a story, a person, and a community.  

• Empowering Voices: Unveiling the narratives behind the data empowered beneficiaries to share their experiences and perspectives, enriching the understanding of programme effectiveness and fostering a sense of ownership among key populations.  

The success of the Imbizo underscores the commitment of Beyond Zero and its SRs to enhance monitoring and evaluation efforts, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in achieving organisational goals.