The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, in collaboration with Uthukela Municipality under disaster management, held a series of disaster risk assessment workshops at the following venues: Ekuvukeni Hall on 4 November 2024, Ezakheni B Hall on 5 November 2024, the Tribal Court on 7 November 2024, Ladysmith Town Hall on 8 November 2024, and Driefontein Thusong Centre on 12 November 2024. The workshops targeted ward councillors and ward committees from the Ekuvukeni, Ezakheni, Mhlumayo, Town, and Driefontein clusters.
In attendance were ward councillors, ward committee members, representatives from CoGTA, izinduna, and representatives from Uthukela Municipality.
Mr. S.T. Dladla, representing Alfred Duma Local Municipality, outlined the purpose of the workshops, which was to conduct and assess disaster risks within the wards. This would contribute to organizing a comprehensive disaster management plan. He elaborated on various aspects of disaster management.
Mr. S. Majola from CoGTA explained that the role of the disaster management department is to coordinate and assess disaster risks. He clarified that they do not renovate or rebuild damaged structures, nor do they provide food parcels. He also emphasized that disaster management collaborates with both public and private sectors. Finally, he highlighted that the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, section 58 mandates local municipalities to establish a disaster management volunteer unit.
Each ward was tasked with identifying and describing the types of disasters prevalent in their areas, followed by presenting and demonstrating their findings.
In closing, Mr. L. Mswane from CoGTA stated that all information gathered from the presentations would be compiled and recorded in a database. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who attended.
