The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, led by Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, today officially launched the 2025 Provincial Summer Season Awareness Campaign.
The significant launch, which marks the Provincial Government’s commitment to disaster preparedness and resilience, coincided with the formal handover of new fire fighting apparatus and essential disaster response equipment to numerous municipalities.
The event was held at Mazakhele Sportsground in Umuziwabantu Local Municipality, through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC).
Premier Ntuli stressed that this annual campaign is a direct and resolute response to the devastating lessons learned from previous climate-related events, notably the 2022 floods and persistent wildfires.
“For too long, KwaZulu-Natal has borne the brunt of severe weather events.
This campaign is a declaration of our provincial government’s commitment to moving from a reactive stance to a proactive and preventative posture against disasters,” the Premier stated.
He emphasised the critical nature of the new resources being deployed.
“Today, we are not just handing over fire trucks and equipment; we are investing directly in the resilience, preparedness, and ultimate safety of every citizen of our province.
These resources will empower our local municipalities, especially those in rural and high-risk areas, to respond with the speed and efficacy our people deserve.”
The eleven (11) fire trucks, generously donated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), were officially handed over to the following eleven municipalities:
- uMfolozi Local Municipality
- uMvoti Local Municipality
- uMngeni Local Municipality
- Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality
- uBuhlebezwe Local Municipality
- Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality
- Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality
- Madlangeni Local Municipality
- Nkandla Local Municipality
- eDumbe Local Municipality
- Nongoma Local Municipality
Premier Ntuli further highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits of the initiative, stating, “Disaster preparedness is intrinsically linked to economic development.
By creating sustainable job opportunities and developing essential local skills, we are building capacity from the ground up. This is a double victory for our communities.”
In line with this commitment to skills development, a partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) will see 50 young people from five municipalities trained as professional firefighters.
Furthermore, four municipalities (uMfolozi, Nongoma, uKhahlamba, and Umuziwabantu) received additional essential disaster management material and tools valued at R1 million, aimed at enhancing their immediate operational readiness.
MEC Reverend Buthelezi of COGTA supported the Premier’s vision, commending the collaborative effort between government, the private sector, and development partners.
“Disasters do not wait for budgets or plans; they strike suddenly and often unfairly affect the poor.
That is why, under the Premier’s decisive leadership, our provincial focus is shifting to actively funding resilience,” said MEC Buthelezi. “Every rand we invest today in prevention and community education saves lives and millions in recovery costs tomorrow.”
Premier Ntuli concluded the event by appealing directly to all residents of KwaZulu-Natal: “We urge every citizen to play their part in this vital campaign. Disaster management begins in your home, your ward, and your community.
Together, we will make KwaZulu-Natal a safer, stronger, and more resilient province.”
ENDS