BY NELILE NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE – Ministers responsible for Disaster Risk Management from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have called for stronger regional cooperation and improved disaster preparedness as climate related disasters continue to threaten lives and economies across Southern Africa.
The discussions took place during the Sixth Ordinary Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management held on May 13, 2026, in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, where leaders reviewed progress on regional disaster management programmes and projects.
According to information sourced from their Facebook page, the meeting focused on strengthening disaster preparedness, early warning systems, humanitarian response and resilience-building across the region. Ministers also assessed progress in operationalising the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), which has been coordinating emergency support to member states affected by disasters.
Opening the meeting, , South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Chairperson of the Committee of SADC Ministers responsible for Disaster Risk Management, said disasters such as tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, wildfires and disease outbreaks continued to devastate communities and infrastructure in the region.
He said climate change, rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerabilities were worsening the frequency and intensity of disasters. Hlabisa stressed that the meeting provided an opportunity for member states to reflect on progress made, identify gaps and strengthen regional cooperation.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government and Public Works, , commended SHOC for deploying Emergency Response Teams to countries affected during the 2025/26 disaster season. He urged the region to strengthen the centre’s capacity to support member states in disaster response and recovery efforts.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, , said the recent disaster season highlighted both the region’s vulnerabilities and its solidarity. She encouraged member states to accelerate the full operationalisation of SHOC to improve coordination and emergency response.
The ministers also approved several regional instruments aimed at improving disaster response, including the SADC Multi-Hazard Early Warning System and frameworks for emergency visa facilitation, customs cooperation and health coordination during disasters.
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