National Evaluation Seminar 2025 - The gathering of Evaluators.

On 19 and 20 November 2025, JETsetters from the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and the Research and Data Ecosystems Unit participated in the National Evaluation Seminar 2025, hosted by the Department of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (DPME) at Lakefield, Benoni. The seminar involved a range of esteemed partners, including the African Evaluation Association, the BRICS New Development Bank Independent Evaluation Office (NDB IEO), Clear Evaluation-AA, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the International Evaluation Academy, JET Education Services, the South African Monitoring & Evaluation Association, Twende Mbele, the Just Energy Transition (JET) Project Management Unit, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The seminar was officially opened by Ms Maropene Ramakgopa, Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, who emphasised in her opening address the critical role of evaluation in fostering a capable, ethical and developmental state - one in which no one is left behind. Following the minister’s address, attendees received messages of support from the various collaborating stakeholders, setting the tone for a seminar rich in dialogue, knowledge-sharing and professional engagement.

JETsetters were also afforded the opportunity to present their work. During the first day of the seminar. Lucille Smith opened the presentations under Sub-theme 1: Rapid Evaluation - Exploring Lessons Learnt, delivering a thought-provoking session on “An Evaluator’s Perspective of External and Facilitated Models in Evaluating Rapid Evaluations.” Her presentation captured the audience’s attention by unpacking the complexities, methodologies, and practical applications of rapid evaluations across diverse contexts.

Later that day, the Research and Data Ecosystems Unit presented under Sub-theme 2: Data-Driven Evaluation for Inclusive Development. Joshua Engelbrecht, Morris Phundulu, and Daniel Mashilo shared insights on “Today’s Data, Tomorrow’s Evidence: How Best Practices for Monitoring Can Create Research-Ready Datasets.” Their presentation showcased innovative methods for evaluating research findings and managing data to generate actionable evidence, sparking lively discussion and engagement from seminar participants.

The second and final day of the seminar featured a historic moment for evaluation in South Africa, as Advocate Melanchton Makobe, Acting Director-General of the DPME, and Mr Ashwani K. Muthoo, Director-General of the NDB IEO, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement aims to strengthen evaluation capacity, enhance knowledge-sharing and advance evidence development, marking a significant step forward in collaboration between national and international evaluation bodies.