NATIONAL NEWS - The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has officially launched South Africa’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Roadmap, to enhance the country’s disaster risk reduction efforts.

The launch took place during the Group of 20 (G20) Disaster Risk Reduction Ministerial Meeting, held in Cape Town on Sunday.

The EW4All initiative is an effort aimed at ensuring that every person in South Africa and across the African continent has access to life-saving early warning systems by 2027.

Addressing the delegates, Hlabisa said the roadmap demonstrates a strong national commitment to enhancing disaster risk reduction and climate resilience by leveraging innovation, technology, and data-driven solutions.

Hlabisa emphasised that this move is not merely a technical achievement, but a symbol of national resolve.

“Through this roadmap, South Africa demonstrates its readiness to innovate by using advanced technologies and data analytics to enable proactive responses to environmental risks and natural disasters.

“It reflects our determination to build a future where early warning systems are seamlessly integrated into disaster management practices, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient world for all,” he said.

Reflecting on the G20 Presidency principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, the Minister noted that disasters do not respect borders, and collaboration and inclusivity are imperative.

“Solidarity calls for international cooperation and shared knowledge. Equality demands that we confront structural disparities that make some communities more vulnerable than others. Sustainability reminds us that resilience is not only about surviving the next disaster but about safeguarding future generations. No community, urban or rural, formal or informal, should be left behind.”

Hlabisa also acknowledged significant progress under previous G20 Presidencies, including India’s leadership in establishing the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG), and Brazil’s current emphasis on climate justice, inclusivity, and equitable financing.

South Africa, he said, will build on this foundation by ensuring that the unique voices and challenges of Africa are effectively represented within the G20 framework.

The Minister believes that South Africa’s own experiences highlight the urgency of early warning systems.

“The floods in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022, which claimed over 500 lives, and the Eastern Cape floods two months later, which claimed more than 100 lives, are painful reminders of why this initiative matters.

“The launch of the EW4All Roadmap today is our coordinated response to such tragedies, a commitment to achieving universal early warning coverage by 2027,” he said.

Hlabisa also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to fellow G20 Ministers; members of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, led by Chairperson Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo; the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Narend Singh, as well as development partners, knowledge institutions, and delegates from around the world who gathered to witness this milestone.

“Together, we aspire to foster sustainable development and create pathways for shared prosperity,” he added.

The Minister concluded by outlining a clear roadmap for the next 12 months, including:

• Establishing the G20 DRR WG Continuity Taskforce, co-chaired by South Africa, India and Brazil, with the United Nations (UN) Disaster Risk Reduction acting as the Secretariat.
• Hosting the G20 Resilience Financing Dialogue in Durban in the first quarter of 2026.
• Developing the local resilience toolkit, in partnership with Singapore, Norway and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
• Piloting the Recovery Readiness Framework in three South African municipalities.
• Convening the G20 Resilience Innovation Forum alongside the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
• Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of EW4All quarterly, with the support of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is responsible for many aspects related to information and communication technologies under the UN.

The Minister further called on all partners to continue working in unity and purpose.

“The journey before us is not without challenges, but it is filled with opportunities for progress and transformation. Together, let us uphold the spirit of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, building a resilient Africa and a safer world for all. Filled with immense pride and responsibility, I am honoured to launch South Africa’s Early Warnings for All Roadmap officially,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’