KZN Government Launches Summer Disaster Risk Reduction Campaign to Curb Weather-Related Tragedies
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has rolled out its Summer Disaster Risk Reduction Awareness Campaign, aiming to cut down on the devastating effects of rainy season hazards like floods, thunderstorms, and veld fires. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli kicked off the drive in Harding, southern KZN, on Monday, 20 October 2025, stressing the need for readiness after over 500 lives lost to weather disasters since 2021. The campaign focuses on teaching communities how to spot risks, prepare, and respond, hoping to save lives and lessen damage in a province often hit hard by extreme weather.
This move comes as South Africa deals with climate change effects, with KZN seeing more frequent and intense storms. The government wants to build tougher communities through education, early warnings, and better planning. Ntuli urged all 54 municipalities to set aside funds for disaster relief in their budgets, saying, “We’re making a call today to our municipalities to ensure that when they budget, they budget sufficient budget in the limited resources that they have. They must set aside an amount that will be able to reduce the risk of disasters.”
Urgent Need Amid Rising Death Toll from Disasters
Since 2021, KZN has faced a string of deadly weather events, claiming over 500 lives. Floods in April 2022 alone killed more than 440 people, wrecked homes, and caused billions in damage. Thunderstorms and veld fires have added to the toll, with fires burning people, livestock, and land. Ntuli lamented: “We’ve seen that where bodies were burnt into ashes because of the veld fires, we’ve also seen where livestock was burnt into ashes because of the veld fires – it is enough now.”
The province’s location makes it prone to heavy rains, cyclones, and heatwaves, made worse by climate change. Recent data shows rising flood risks in coastal and rural areas, with poor infrastructure leaving many vulnerable. The campaign will run workshops, share info through media, and work with local leaders to spread awareness on safety steps like evacuating flood zones and fire prevention.
Municipalities Urged to Prioritise Disaster Funds
Ntuli called on municipalities to make disaster relief a key part of their budgets, even with tight funds. Many in KZN struggle with financial woes, but setting aside money could help buy gear, train teams, and build safer structures. The Auditor-General’s recent report slammed the province for poor financial management, with many municipalities failing to submit statements or getting bad audits. This has hurt service delivery, making disaster prep harder.
To fix this, the government plans reforms in governance and procurement to fight corruption and boost efficiency. Ntuli’s push aims to ensure funds reach where needed, cutting risks and speeding up help when disasters hit.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Involvement
The launch in Umuziwabantu Local Municipality brought together government, co-operative governance MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and community leaders. The event outlined strategies to ease summer disaster impacts, stressing teamwork. Buthelezi and Ntuli highlighted the need for all to join in, from early warnings to recovery plans.
Communities are key, with calls for locals to report risks and follow safety tips. Schools and faith groups will help spread the message, building a culture of readiness. The campaign ties into national efforts like the National Disaster Management Centre’s work on climate resilience.
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