SALGA calls for urgent reform of South Africa's disaster management framework

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has issued a clarion call for accelerated national action to modernise the country’s disaster management framework.

The plea comes in the wake of devastating incidents like the recent wildfires in the Eastern Cape and severe flooding affecting parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, which have wreaked havoc on communities, affected biodiversity, and livelihoods across the nation.

As South Africa grapples with increasing climate related disasters, municipalities tasked with being the first responders find themselves at the forefront, and struggling to manage the incidents with their limited resources.

The recent tragedies have underscored this point, with more than 30 lives being lost to flooding as at January 17.

The SALGA extended its heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by these calamities.

"These events highlight the rapidly increasing frequency and intensity of climate related disasters and exposes the limitations of the current disaster management system," explained Councillor Mluleki Nkosi, Chairperson of SALGA’s Emergency Services and Disaster Management Working Group.

"Despite the Cabinet's 2022 directive for an urgent review of the Disaster Management System, progress has been slow.

"As a result, municipalities remain under siege from floods, storms, droughts, and fires, relying on systems that are outdated and inadequate for current risks," said Nkosi.

While the existing legislation placed the onus on municipalities for local stakeholder coordination and contingency planning, many local governments still lacked the capacity to respond effectively to early warnings.

The resource constraints facing municipalities have hampered prompt actions that could mitigate disaster impacts.

Therefore, the SALGA stressed the importance of immediate action from municipal communities.

"We urge municipalities to activate the Joint Operating Committees and ensure timely communication is made to communities upon receipt of warnings from the South African Weather Services," said Nkosi.

Municipalities were also encouraged to conduct swift assessments of damages to gather accurate data for reporting to the Provincial Disaster Management Centres.

To fortify municipalities against the escalating threats posed by climate change, the SALGA recommended a comprehensive overhaul of disaster policies to align with the Climate Change Act.

This included securing sustainable funding for municipal preparedness, enhancing early-warning systems through automated communication channels, upgrading infrastructure, and improving risk mapping.

There is also an urgent need to expand community education programmes and strengthen collaboration across various government tiers.

SALGA reaffirmed its commitment to support local governments, especially at a technical level, but stressed that urgent national intervention was vital.

“Protecting communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods amid a changing climate necessitates proactive, coordinated, and well-resourced disaster management systems,” concludes Nkosi.

DAILY NEWS