Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
Minister M V Moosa, Minister for Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development today launched the White Paper on Disaster Management which outlines Government's new thinking in relation to disaster management, in view of the recent disasters related to the abnormal weather patterns, the timing of the launch of the White Paper is especially significant. The White Paper proposes a number of tools to implement to objectives of the policy set out therein, most significant being a legislative programme which will culminate in a new Disaster Management Act.
In line with international trends, priority is given to the prevention of disasters. Unlike previous policies that focused predominantly on relief and recovery efforts, this White Paper underscores the importance of preventing or mitigating human, economic and property losses, and avoiding environmental degradation. Although preparedness and measures for more efficient rescue operations will remain a necessity, much greater attention must be directed to the introduction of preventative strategies.
Previously, scarce resources were diverted for disaster relief at the expense of growth and developmental opportunities, resulting in the worsening of the plight of poverty-stricken communities. The plight of the most vulnerable sections of our population was ignored and the very cause of their vulnerability - namely poverty - was obscured. In line with Government's priorities, this White Paper pays specific attention to the pressing needs of poor communities in relation to both natural and human disasters.
The new approach is in keeping with the Government's commitment to alleviate the plight of poor communities through its national efforts in poverty reduction, land reform, housing, employment creation, and service expansion and delivery.
Disaster management is furthermore not the exclusive preserve of Government. The private sector and civil society have crucial roles to play. The fostering of partnerships between government and the private sectors is a prerequisite in order for sustainable and effective disaster management to take place. Similarly, the spirit of partnerships and co-operative governance between government agencies is equally important due to the crosscutting nature of disaster management.
Many organisations can play a role in reducing the impact of disasters on the community and can contribute towards mitigating the effects of a disaster which, traditionally, has been considered the responsibility of the emergency services. These, amongst other, include town planners (who determine appropriate land-use development), organisations such as the tourist industry and the media (which increase people's awareness of disasters) government agencies and business (which provide funding for mitigation measures) and importantly, actions taken by individuals and the community to reduce their own risks.
The proposed legislation following the White Paper will, inter alia, address current legislative gaps and clarify and allocate responsibilities within Government for disaster management. The importance of drafting such legislation in a manner that continues to build on the participation of all stakeholders who were involved int he Green Paper and White Paper processes cannot be over-emphasised.
If we are to meet the unprecedented challenges that we face in all fields in order achieve sustainable development, it is essential for us to revise our patterns of thinking. This White Paper provides the framework not only to go forward with the necessary legislative programme and implementation, but also to interact with other countries in Southern Africa and the rest of the world.
Issued by the Ministry for Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development on 19 January 1999
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