BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK— Traditional leaders play a crucial role in strengthening Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) because of their deep knowledge of the communities they serve, Sandile Shongwe, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Risk Management Agency (NDRMA), has said.
Shongwe was speaking during the Regional Validation Workshop on Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF), where stakeholders gathered to validate and strengthen the forecasting tool to ensure that weather and disaster information translates into practical action at community level.
He explained that the fundamental principle behind impact-based forecasting recognises the importance of understanding not only what weather is expected, but also what impact that weather could have on people, infrastructure and livelihoods.
According to Shongwe, Tindvuna tetinkhundla are strategically positioned to contribute to this process because they have first-hand knowledge of their communities and the areas that are exposed to different hazards.
“Tindvuna play a huge role because they have the knowledge of communities, schools, health facilities, roads, bridges and farms, and other areas exposed to hazards,” Shongwe said.
He emphasised that this local knowledge and experience are essential in validating and strengthening the IBF tool, ensuring that forecasts reflect the realities faced by communities on the ground.
Shongwe further stressed the importance of incorporating gender equality, disability and social inclusion into disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
He noted that disasters do not affect everyone in the same way, making it important for warning information to reach all members of society, including older people, women, children and other vulnerable groups.
The workshop therefore provides an important platform for stakeholders and traditional leaders to share community-level knowledge and experiences, helping to improve the accuracy, relevance and inclusiveness of impact-based forecasts.
A stronger IBF system is expected to support communities in taking early action, reducing disaster risks and protecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
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