Strong resolutions with clear timelines were adopted at the iLembe Disaster Indaba to address the district’s most urgent disaster management challenges.

The gathering, held at Ebandla Hotel last Thursday, brought together government officials, the private sector and community leaders, all committed to strengthening disaster response and building resilient communities.

iLembe District mayor Thobani Shandu posed a direct question to the audience: “Is the district ready for the next disaster?”

“The honest answer is: not yet. However, together we can change that by forging stronger partnerships, developing action plans with clear timelines, advocating for adequate budgets and promoting early warning systems across the district,” he said.

Between April 2012 and December 2023, iLembe recorded hundreds of disaster incidents, mainly structural fires and severe weather events, which destroyed homes, disrupted local economies and claimed lives.

Rural municipalities such as Maphumulo and Ndwedwe remain especially vulnerable due to limited fire-fighting capacity, inadequate resources and constrained budgets. Rising vehicle accidents along the N2, R74 and R102 were also highlighted as a growing concern.

Many rural and informal households still rely on candles, paraffin stoves and illegal electricity connections, increasing the risk of fires. Winter veld fires have further damaged grazing land, killed livestock and caused major agricultural losses.

The indaba concluded with 17 key resolutions aimed at improving disaster response and expanding fire services:

• Review disaster and fire service organograms by March 2026.

• Set operational budgets by May 2026.

• Establish fire services in Ndwedwe and Maphumulo by June 2026.

• Appoint a divisional fire services manager.

• Recruit skilled personnel, expand training and upgrade equipment in the 2026-2027 financial year.

• Accelerate appointments of disaster management officers and chief fire officers.

• Submit updated disaster risk profiles and plans by July 2026.

On Friday, more than 1 500 residents attended the Summer Season Awareness Campaign at Sabuyaze sports field in Maphumulo. The event featured fire safety demonstrations, first-aid training and evacuation drills. School pupils were entertained by the Green Development Foundation.

Mayor Shandu thanked all partners for their support, noting donations of JoJo tanks, school bags, waste bins and fire extinguishers.

“These efforts show real progress in building a safer iLembe. Disaster management is everybody’s business,” he said.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.