Note to Editors: Please note Riona Gokool, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is deeply concerned by the ongoing lack of foresight and poor coordination by the province’s departments of Transport (DoT) and Human Settlements (DHS) in terms of preparedness when it comes to inclement weather.
Despite KZN Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma’s statement yesterday, regarding bad weather conditions across the province, the reality is that there is little evidence within KZN’s DoT or DHS of true readiness or investment in permanent disaster resilience infrastructure.
Instead, these key departments continue to take a reactive approach to weather-related crises despite consistent alerts and long-term forecasts issued by the South African Weather Services (SAWS).
The repeated failure to anticipate and prepare for predictable seasonal events – such as snowfalls in southern KZN’s high-lying areas – places unnecessary strain on emergency services and leaves communities, particularly motorists, in vulnerable situations. Trucks stranded, roads congested and ad-hoc closures could be avoided with proper planning and timely communication.
The DA condemns this failure by MEC Duma and his departments and calls for;
- The development and publishing of a detailed, pre-emptive winter weather response plan;
- An assurance of 24/7 communication with the public via multiple platforms and;
- Improved coordination with local municipalities and emergency services.
The DA urges KZN’s residents to heed warnings in the event of severe weather. Prevention is better than cure – but prevention requires planning, not just public statements after the fact. As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will continue to push for accountable leadership and disaster readiness that protects lives.