BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially validated the Eswatini National Fire Preparedness, Adaptation & Response Plan (2025–2030) during a meeting held at the Hilton Garden Inn, on 20 January 2026.
The plan is backed by a E270 000 funding injection from UNDP, aimed at equipping and strengthening fire prevention and response across the country, especially in rural communities.
NDMA CEO Victor Lusekwane Mahlalela highlighted that the agency’s mandate is to prevent and respond effectively to fires and that the validation workshop was crucial for improving preparedness and collaboration across institutions. “As Eswatini, we want to reach a stage where fire does not affect us,” he said, emphasizing that the plan will be rolled out nationwide to ensure every community is resilient and prepared.
UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin commended the inclusive, evidence-based process used to develop the plan, noting the contributions of forestry companies, research institutions, faith-based and community organisations, and international partners. He also warned that recent heavy rainfall, while beneficial for agriculture and water security, has accelerated vegetation growth and fuel loads, increasing the risk of destructive wildfires in the upcoming winter season. Franklin expressed concern over ongoing floods in Southern Africa and extended condolences to affected families.
The plan adopts a multi-sectoral, climate-informed approach, integrating preparedness, early warning, response, and recovery across sectors such as agriculture, water and sanitation, health, education, environment, energy, transport, social protection, emergency ICT, business continuity, shelter, and aviation. It places communities, both rural and urban, at the centre of fire preparedness, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive priority support.
The national strategy aligns with major global and regional frameworks including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the SADC Regional Fire Management Programme. It is supported by national laws such as the Disaster Management Act (2006), the Eswatini National Fire & Emergency Services Act (2022), and the National Climate Change Policy (2016).
As the plan moves into its implementation phase, UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with government stakeholders to operationalise the strategy. “The validation of this plan is not the end; it is the green light to operationalise it,” Franklin said, urging NDMA, ministries, regional administrations, private sector partners, community leaders, and development partners to align actions and resources behind this national priority.
ENFES Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dennis Khumalo added that improved collaboration and preparedness across institutions will enhance the country’s ability to respond effectively to fires. With UNDP support and a coordinated national approach, Eswatini is now better positioned to protect lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure from the growing threat of wildfires.
