|
SECTION 7: CONCLUSION |
This section sums up the most significant features of government policy on disaster management. |
|
7.1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF THE POLICY This policy represents a marked departure from the existing approach to disaster management. It introduces a coherent national framework for disaster management aimed at integrating risk reduction measures into all development initiatives, in order to avoid human, economic, environmental and property losses. It introduces a coherent national framework for disaster management aimed at integrating risk reduction measures into all development initiatives, in order to avoid human, economic, environmental and property losses. This approach is in keeping with international trends. It is in line with the United Nation's International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. It encourages greater investment in prevention and mitigation measures by both the public and private sectors. The policy signifies a shift away from the disproportionate emphasis given to rare major disasters. It seeks to include relatively smaller household and community disasters and the resulting losses borne by different sectors of society. This is of particular significance in the South African context, with its mixture of developed and developing economies. The policy addresses the importance of regional cooperation and the establishment of joint standards of practice in the Southern African region. The policy recognises that the primary obligation for disaster management rests with government. It is mindful, however, of the need for the establishment of partnerships between government and the private sector and the sharing of responsibilities for risk reduction. The policy recognises that successful disaster management can only be achieved if the spirit of partnerships and cooperative governance emphasised in the Constitution is adhered to by government agencies, particularly due to the cross-cutting nature of disaster management. 7.2. IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS The White Paper embodies various principles and guidelines for a disaster management framework. It also contains tangible implementation strategies and plans. These include:
|
|
How to read the White Paper | Foreword by the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development | Section 1: Introduction | Section 2: Setting the context | Section 3: The National Disaster Management Centre | Section 4: Funding disaster management | Section 5: A national Disaster Management Act | Section 6: Training and community awareness | Section 7: Conclusion | Appendices | The drafting team and acknowledgements |