|
|
|
|
|
13 June 2025
|
Ekurhuleni signs MOU with several NGOs to manage disasters
|
|
|
|
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) through its Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with non-governmental organisations to work together to deal with future disasters in the region as determined by Disaster Management Framework of 2005. The organisations included Red Cross Gauteng, Meals on Wheels, National Sea Rescue Institute and HAMNET. HAMNET, specialists in communication systems’ main role being an establishment of communications and record keeping during disasters such that epicentres and information on disaster magnitudes are recorded.
During the signing ceremony, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Ald Sizakele Masuku said that the municipality should enter into mutual aid agreements or memorandum of understanding with either organs of state, the private sector, non-governmental organisations or communities to effectively provide disaster response, relief and recovery in its jurisdiction.
“In accordance with the Act, all spheres of government must establish their level of capacity to deal with disaster risk reduction, response and recovery. Where necessary and to strengthen this capacity, they must enter into mutual assistance agreements with their neighbours, the private sector, other organs of state and communities. This mutual agreement came at the right time as the city is experiencing an increased fire related incident,” Ald Masuku said.
The HAMNET company, specialists in communications systems during the disasters signed the MOU as during disasters, communication infrastructures are mostly damaged making it hard for the rescue and disaster management teams to effectively communicate and record keeping.
Meals on Wheels, specialists in providing nutritional meals to the affected families and individuals during disasters, were also part of the companies who signed the MOU.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), specialists in water-related rescue incidents, meticulously explained on how they empower communities inland when faced with life threatening emergencies in the river streams, dams and during floods.
The South African Red Cross, their impartial operations in rendering humanitarian assistance to those in need, in terms of first aid, home base care and old age homes and those affected by disaster situations, also signed in agreement with DEMS department.
Chairperson of Community Safety Oversight Committee, Councillor Lethabo Rachidi said that this partnership will improve the municipal response to disaster related incidents.
Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS)
During the signing ceremony, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Ald Sizakele Masuku said that the municipality should enter into mutual aid agreements or memorandum of understanding with either organs of state, the private sector, non-governmental organisations or communities to effectively provide disaster response, relief and recovery in its jurisdiction.
“In accordance with the Act, all spheres of government must establish their level of capacity to deal with disaster risk reduction, response and recovery. Where necessary and to strengthen this capacity, they must enter into mutual assistance agreements with their neighbours, the private sector, other organs of state and communities. This mutual agreement came at the right time as the city is experiencing an increased fire related incident,” Ald Masuku said.
The HAMNET company, specialists in communications systems during the disasters signed the MOU as during disasters, communication infrastructures are mostly damaged making it hard for the rescue and disaster management teams to effectively communicate and record keeping.
Meals on Wheels, specialists in providing nutritional meals to the affected families and individuals during disasters, were also part of the companies who signed the MOU.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), specialists in water-related rescue incidents, meticulously explained on how they empower communities inland when faced with life threatening emergencies in the river streams, dams and during floods.
The South African Red Cross, their impartial operations in rendering humanitarian assistance to those in need, in terms of first aid, home base care and old age homes and those affected by disaster situations, also signed in agreement with DEMS department.
Chairperson of Community Safety Oversight Committee, Councillor Lethabo Rachidi said that this partnership will improve the municipal response to disaster related incidents.
Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS)