BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (INTERN)
MBABANE – For communities that have faced drought, floods and the lasting effects of COVID-19, disaster management is no longer just policy but a daily reality that calls for real solutions. This urgency framed discussions at the launch of the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA).
NDMA Board Chairperson Lomathemba Hlophe said the transition from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to the NDRMA must bring meaningful change to ordinary emaSwati, not just structural adjustments. She described the moment as a critical shift in how the country responds to disasters.
“This is not only a moment of transition, but also a moment of accountability,” she said, stressing that the new authority must deliver results that people can see and feel in their communities.
Hlophe acknowledged the role of government, Parliament and partners in making the new legislation possible, noting that the process reflected the needs of people on the ground. The establishment of the authority, she said, signals a stronger and more coordinated approach to disaster risk management.
She also highlighted the need for stronger systems and public trust within the institution. “We must ensure that the intentions of the Disaster Risk Management Act are translated into practical, visible and measurable results,” she said.
Beyond systems and policies, the chairperson emphasised that disaster management is a shared responsibility. She pointed out that the scale of challenges facing the country requires collaboration across all sectors, including communities, private sector and development partners.
As the NDRMA begins its work, there is growing expectation that the new structure will not only respond to disasters, but also reduce risks and better protect lives and livelihoods across Eswatini.
#NDRMA #DisasterManagement #Accountability #Eswatini
