The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will brief media on the state of readiness for the summer season on Monday, 28 October 2024.

The CoGTA briefing will cover National Disaster Management Centres (NDMC), Fire Services, and support provided to affected municipalities.

‘The Minister’s briefing underscores the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary preparedness approach for the imminent severe summer weather,’ the department explained.

Every year, CoGTA said South Africa experiences disasters and hazards such as floods, heatwaves, snow, windstorms, drought and wildfires.

‘These disasters have a negative impact on communities, property and infrastructure and regrettably sometimes also lead to loss of lives.

‘To this effect, disaster contingency planning highlights the critical role that proactive preparedness plays in safeguarding our communities, sustaining our livelihoods, and ensuring our collective resilience.’

The department believes early w
arnings and early actions save lives.

The NDMC, in collaboration with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and other key role players, continues to enhance the early warning system so that it can reach the broader public, focusing on vulnerable groups.

Source: South African Government News Agency