CoGTA and Defence Sign MoC to Bolster National Disaster Management and Resilience

The Department of Defence will provide critical defence capabilities, oversee the South African Forces Institute (SAFI), and manage emergency strategic reserves and procurement.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng has hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Department of Defence as a pivotal step towards enhancing South Africa’s disaster management capabilities. The agreement, signed by Nkadimeng and Defence Minister Thandi Modise in Pretoria, aims to fortify the nation's preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms in the face of disasters.

"We believe that this partnership will harness the strengths and resources of both departments, amplifying our collective ability to safeguard lives and livelihoods," Nkadimeng stated during the launch of the MoC on Disaster Management.

Key collaborative efforts outlined in the MoC include the establishment of a Disaster Reserves Assurance Fund, joint development of Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs), and District Integrated Industrial Parks (DIIPs). The MoC also integrates Community Work Programme (CWP) participants in disaster preparedness and community development, leveraging their local knowledge and presence.

The Department of Defence will provide critical defence capabilities, oversee the South African Forces Institute (SAFI), and manage emergency strategic reserves and procurement. This strategic alliance aims to revitalize the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), enhancing its ability to coordinate disaster management interventions effectively.

“We believe that this MoC will go a long way to ensure that reaction to disasters is quick and efficient because we will be pulling resources together, and the skills found in Defence will be very handy in this area,” Nkadimeng remarked.

Emphasizing the importance of resilience, Nkadimeng noted, “Through concerted collaboration, we are building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from adversity, propelling our nation forward on a path of sustainable development and prosperity.”

Addressing Climate Change

Nkadimeng highlighted the catastrophic impact of climate change, describing it as a growing nightmare for South Africa. “We have seen that in recent years, the severity of these occurrences and their impact are progressively increasing because of the inevitable effects of climate change,” she said, referencing the frequent floods in KwaZulu-Natal where the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been instrumental in providing assistance.

To adapt to these evolving challenges, the government is reviewing the entire disaster management system. This review aims to create a more adaptable framework that prioritizes resilience building. “This comprehensive review seeks to ensure that our disaster management approach is agile and responsive, effectively addressing evolving challenges and safeguarding our communities against future risks,” Nkadimeng explained.

Enhancing Post-Disaster Response

Despite proactive measures, Nkadimeng acknowledged existing gaps in post-disaster response. “Too often, communities find themselves in dire situations, lacking adequate support and assistance in the aftermath of disasters. This has highlighted to us the importance of continuously refining and enhancing our disaster response mechanisms to ensure timely and effective assistance reaches those in need and prevents further hardships.”

She also referenced the tragic collapse of a building in George, which claimed 34 lives, underscoring the need for robust disaster preparedness and response plans.

Defence Minister Modise emphasized the necessity for government organization in disaster management. She assured that the Treasury is committed to providing resources for training military personnel in disaster management. “How much a disaster will cost will not compare to the cost of life. Therefore, we will be talking to Treasury about that... But with us, we’ll want to make sure that we don’t lose South African lives because there’s a shortage of money,” Modise asserted.

The MoC represents a significant step towards building a resilient and responsive disaster management framework in South Africa, aiming to mitigate the impact of both natural and man-made disasters on communities nationwide.