BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE– Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has been briefed on preparations by the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society to respond to the anticipated El Niño conditions.
The briefing was made during a courtesy visit by a Red Cross delegation to the Prime Minister this morning, with the Society outlining measures being put in place to strengthen preparedness and response to possible climate-related disasters.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the delegation was led by Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society President and Chairperson Dr Bongani Masuku and included Heads of Delegation from the Finnish Red Cross and British Red Cross Societies.
The delegation also comprised representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for Southern Africa.
Mdluli said the engagement focused on the Society’s preparedness and response plan for the anticipated El Niño conditions, with the Prime Minister stressing the importance of coordinated efforts and strong partnerships in building the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters.
“The Prime Minister welcomed the Society’s preparedness measures in anticipation of El Niño, noting the importance of coordinated efforts and strong partnerships in strengthening the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters,” said Mdluli.
She said the Red Cross Society also expressed appreciation for Government’s continued support, including the provision of a subvention, while highlighting its strong working relationship with the National Disaster Risk Management Agency (NDRMA).
The meeting further provided an opportunity for the Society to outline its broad contribution to national development and humanitarian response.
According to Mdluli, discussions covered the various services provided by the Red Cross Society, including healthcare, disaster risk management, climate action, gender-related interventions, humanitarian assistance and food security.
The delegation also discussed the ongoing review of the Red Cross Act, which seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing the continued existence and operations of the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society under sovereign law.
Mdluli said the Prime Minister commended the Red Cross Society for its partnership with Government and praised the institution for its recent transformation and continued contribution to national development.
Dlamini reaffirmed Government’s continued support for the Society and shared Eswatini’s development vision as outlined in the Programme of Action (PoA) and the National Development Plan/Grand Plan.
The engagement comes as the country prepares for potential climate-related challenges associated with El Niño, making collaboration between Government, humanitarian organisations and disaster management agencies critical to ensuring timely response and support for vulnerable communities.
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(Courtesy Pic)
