The Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa extended an invitation on the basis of the National Assembly having debated and passed the Disaster Management Bill. The Conference was scheduled for two days. It is an annual conference that brings together all practitioners, experts and councilors who are involved in disaster related matters.

Most municipalities at the metro, district and local levels were represented by both officials and politicians. In fact it appears that there was a divergent representation right from provincial level up to the three tiers of local government. Almost more than 300 delegates attended the conference.

Many speakers from different discipline made good inputs on various aspects. The theme of the conference was "Disaster Management: Challenging the Future".

Registration commenced as scheduled with a lot of precision. It appears that most of the delegates arrived the previous night accordingly, there were some activities.

As indicated, the conference was for two days, with a programme that incorporates speeches, inputs on various topics, discussions and debates.

Apart from registration, opening prayers and welcoming speeches, the conference started with the inauguration of the new President for the 2002 – 2004 term. There after was the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Provincial and Local Government by Louis Base – Deputy Director in the Department. The keynote ad dress captured and highlighted the following:

1.The need to understand what is happening on the ground.
2.The campaign to push back the frontier of poverty and extension of services particularly to the vulnerable poor majority of our communities.
3.The need to do risk analysis assessment using what ever works in a particular area including the use of indigenous knowledge, making use of the people themselves.

Thereafter about three speakers took the podium dealing with the following:
1) The most important aspect and implications of the Disaster Management Bill;

2) Risk and vulnerability reduction – the sustainability livelihood approach;

3) Communication in Disaster Management.

On behalf of the committee, BM Solo presented a paper on ‘the most important implications of the Disaster Management Bill’. The paper highlighted the following:

- IDP shall have to incorporate a Disaster Management Plan which dictate vulnerability assessments;

- Communities involvement;

- Establishment of the Disaster Management centers at national, provincial and local government levels;

- Funding of establishment DMC;

- Framework and strategy.

Mr Rick de Sagte a consultant from Developmental Services gave presentation on risk and vulnerability reduction – the sustainable approach.

He emphasised the mind shift from vulnerability in a community perspective to vulnerability in the normal household. Those households are left more vulnerable because of a number of factors such as the economy, ecology, poverty, the impact of HIV, etc.

He made examples of no full-time supervision of over children due to absence of parents either dead of single unemployed parent or both not employed. With children suddenly having to take control of families, due to lack of family support structures leading to the further breakdown in the community accentuated by poverty.

The input by Rob Haswell of Economic development was, on South Africa, – ‘A Disaster or Child Prodigy’.

Mr Rob Haswell looked at the economic development despite criticism from the mass media, commentators and COSATU. He further analysed positive trends and the way government navigates its way in the light of other economies standing including Argentina. The economic growth is viewed against the global recession. According to Haswell there is a need to look at the informal sector where there is growth that has not been assessed.

He further looked at South Africa contribution to neighbouring countries such as food, medicines, peace negotiations and rescue operations. Accordingly, whilst there are challenges they are well-managed as such there is no disaster.

Thereafter delegates were afforded an opportunity for discussions and questions. The following issues were raised:

1. Capacity building to carry out this obligation particularly at local government level.

2. Funded and unfounded mandates.

3. Support provision for the poor and more rural municipalities.

4. IDP incoperation of Disaster Management Management and seriousness of municipalities.

In the afternoon, further inputs were provided by Kevin Brennan from the Department of Foreign Affair. He discussed humanitarian assistance in Africa and abroad as part of an effort to create a caring society to create a safe and stable environment.

He highlighted the role played by South Africa in managing conflict by assisting with mediation where there is conflict within countries. He further focused on the rescue relief efforts during the recent Mozambique floods, including the assistance provided in South East Asia. He concluded by stating that sustainable development can only take place in an environment of political stability.

Col. BA Smith spoke about the implications of Disaster Management Bill on special events. He discussed section 63 of the bill, which has been subsequently removed from the bill. He argued that there is a need to oblige promoters to meet certain standards that promote the use of event management security companies either than picking people from the street or use companies with no track record or have no idea of disaster management. That refresher training should be done at the venue to be used as to familiarize participants with the locality and emergency matters.

Of course, as usual the plenary discussions and questions took place.

The first day deliberations ended with an evening function hosted by the Mayor of Pietermaritzburg.

The next day inputs continued starting with Mr Keith Moir of the Weather Office. He explained how global weather patterns affect long-term predictions and how his organization can be of assistance to provide well-scientific information on weather patterns and eventualities. He invited all disaster management centers at all levels to make use of the services they provide.

Rob Admiral by way of a video, examined effective communications during a disaster. He argued the current communication stimulates a correct response.

NGOs were represented by Ms Kalako-Williams who focused on the positive political will of government by introducing the Disaster Management Bill which is aimed and not only minimizing the risk and impact of the disaster but also educating those who are prone to the disaster, particularly the poor where her organization, with limited resources, is mainly involved.

Dr Fred Kruger of the Department of Forestry and Water Affairs spoke around section 9 of the Forestry Act which give effect to the introduction of a National Fire Danger rating System, looking at factors such as fuel rating, e.g. dry trees, potential spread, fire fighting resources, weather conditions, difficulties in extinguishing wild veld fires, etc.

Serious discussions around the role of the practitioners and mind shift for people not to see themselves performing only emergency services but to look at the obligation laid in the bill. That at all times practitioners should be fit and prepared in fact to see disaster management as a profession. That at all times do projections and analyse any changes in weather patterns or social activities.

A long discussion around placing disaster management at local government level took place. It was finally agreed to place it at the office of the mayor as according to the bill it is him or her who would declare a local disaster.

Further discussions were around the Heads of Disaster Management Centers. It was felt that at least Heads of the Centres should at least meet a minimum standard that the DMSA should formulate proposals of such minimum qualifications.

In summary, delegates expressed satisfaction with the Bill as, according to them it brings about certainty, stability, clarity and responsibility.

The conference was worth attending as it gave parties an opportunity to explore the Bill and prepare for the implementation of the Bill. It was very encouraging to see all involved gearing themselves and the disaster management formed as part of an effort to

better the lives of all the people.