BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI– Government has underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation in combating droughts and other climate-related disasters, describing the challenges facing Southern Africa as “substantial and persistent.”
This was highlighted by Hon. Jane Mkhonta Simelane, representing the Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, during the launch of the Southern African Development Community Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Eswatini Drought Centre of Excellence at the Drought Forum Eswatini 2025 held in Ezulwini on September 17,2025.
She emphasized that droughts remain a silent but devastating crisis that gradually erodes livelihoods, undermines agriculture, strains health and energy systems, and deepens poverty across communities.
Hon. Simelane noted that inclusive engagement with communities, civil society, and the private sector is key to building resilience that is both effective and sustainable. She commended the SADC Secretariat, the World Bank, UN partners, academic and research institutions, and NGOs for their strong commitment to the regional resilience agenda.
“The challenges before us are substantial, but through collaboration, innovation, and proactive action, we can safeguard livelihoods and ensure sustainable development for our people,” she affirmed.
The two-day forum held earlier this week on Monday and Tuesday brought together SADC member states, international development partners, experts, and stakeholders to reflect on how best to enhance preparedness, knowledge sharing, and cross-border cooperation in addressing disaster risks.
Eswatini’s hosting of the forum and the launch of the Drought Centre of Excellence positions the kingdom at the forefront of efforts to coordinate drought resilience initiatives within the region.
