The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is ramping up its disaster management efforts in response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. This comes as heavy rains continue to batter the province, prompting a yellow level 4 alert for disruptive rainfall in several coastal areas.
Tabling the department’s budget in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi highlighted the challenges the province has faced in recent months.
“In the first seven months of this administration, we responded to wildfires, flooding, snowstorms, and lightning incidents. The escalating impacts of climate change continue to manifest in the form of severe and frequent weather-related disasters,” he said.
To strengthen its disaster response capabilities, the department has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with key social partners. The agreement, signed on 20 February, brings on board organisations such as the Al-Imdaad Foundation, South African Red Cross Society, Old Mutual, Umsamo Institute which includes indigenous African healers and researchers and the Global Disaster Relief Foundation.
“These partners are committed to working with us to safeguard our communities,” Buthelezi stated. “Their support will enhance our ability to respond rapidly and effectively to natural disasters across the province.”
The department’s renewed focus on collaboration and resource mobilisation comes at a crucial time, as KwaZulu-Natal continues to grapple with persistent rainfall and widespread flooding.