The Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on the 27th of November. This pivotal meeting aims to review and strengthen regional disaster management strategies, ensuring robust preparedness and effective disaster response across the region.

The Ministers will evaluate the progress of regional disaster management activities and programs, focusing on enhancing the region’s preparedness and response capabilities. A key aspect of the discussions will include the operationalization of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) and the Regional Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance.

The Regional Appeal, launched in May 2024 by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola, highlights the severe impacts of the El Niño-induced drought and floods, which have affected approximately 58 million people across SADC member states. Additionally, the Ministers will deliberate on an Addendum to the Regional Appeal, incorporating updated vulnerability assessments from member states not included in the initial appeal.

These meetings are of critical importance for several reasons:

1. Coordination and Collaboration: They provide a platform for member states to harmonize their disaster risk management efforts, ensuring a unified and effective regional response.
2. Resource Mobilization: Joint discussions and planning help member states better mobilize resources and support for disaster-affected areas.
3. Policy and Strategy Development: These gatherings facilitate the formulation and refinement of policies and strategies essential for disaster risk reduction and management.

Past meetings of the SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management have yielded significant achievements. For example, the 2020 meeting in Zanzibar resulted in the approval and implementation of the Regional Resilience Strategy 2020–2025 and the domestication of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. These initiatives have been instrumental in bolstering the region’s capacity to manage and mitigate the impacts of disasters.

Similarly, the 2015 meeting in Harare focused on enhancing regional disaster preparedness and response. This led to the development of improved frameworks for disaster risk reduction and increased resource allocation for disaster management. These efforts have played a crucial role in addressing the frequent and severe natural disasters that affect the region, including floods, droughts, and cyclones.

The upcoming meeting in Victoria Falls, chaired by Hon. Daniel Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works of Zimbabwe, seeks to build on these past successes. Supported by Ms. Angèle Makombo N’tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Regional Integration, the meeting will aim to further strengthen the region’s disaster management capabilities and ensure a coordinated and effective response to future disasters.

As the region continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, the importance of such meetings cannot be overstated. They are vital for fostering regional cooperation, improving disaster preparedness, and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of millions across Southern Africa.