City forges strong working relationship with NGOs
MMC Sizakele Masuku said that partnerships with NGOs and other organisations in the public or private sectors are vital to the city's efforts to effectively provide disaster response, relief, and recovery.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NGOs to collaborate on future disaster management in the region, as outlined in the Disaster Management Framework of 2005.
The organisations include Red Cross Gauteng, Meals on Wheels, National Sea Rescue Institute, and Hamnet.
Hamnet’s main role is the establishment of communications and record-keeping during disasters.
Meals on Wheels is a specialist in providing nutritional meals to affected families and individuals during disasters.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), specialists in water-related rescue incidents, explained how they empower inland communities during life-threatening emergencies in rivers, dams, and floods.
The South African Red Cross renders humanitarian assistance to those in need, including first aid, home-based care, and support for people affected by disaster situations.
During the signing ceremony, MMC Sizakele Masuku said that partnerships with NGOs and other organisations in the public or private sectors are vital to the city’s efforts to effectively provide disaster response, relief, and recovery.
“In accordance with the Act, all spheres of government must establish their level of capacity to deal with disaster risk reduction, response and recovery. Where necessary, and to strengthen this capacity, they must enter into mutual assistance agreements with their neighbours, the private sector, other organs of state and communities.
“This mutual agreement came at the right time, as the city is experiencing an increase in fire-related incidents,” said Masuku.
According to DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi, communication infrastructure is often damaged during disasters. This makes it difficult for rescue and disaster management teams to communicate effectively and conduct record-keeping.
Chairperson of Community Safety Oversight Committee, councillor Lethabo Rachidi, said that this partnership will improve the municipal response to disaster related incidents.
For any life-threatening emergency, members of the public are advised to contact the city on the following numbers:
• 10177 (toll free from a landline)
• 112 (free from any cell phone)
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