The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead the Fire Services Indaba, an important event focused on repositioning fire services in South Africa. The event will take place from 5–6 December 2024 in George, Western Cape, under the theme “ Repositioning Fire Services in South Africa.”
This year’s theme emphasizes a transformative shift in fire services—moving from reactive, response-driven methods to a forward-looking, fire risk reduction approach. The Indaba will spotlight proactive and predictive mechanisms for delivering fire services more effectively.
Given that fire risk reduction is a collective responsibility across all sectors of society, the Indaba will bring together a diverse group of participants, including the Premier of the Western Cape, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Traditional Leaders, Mayors, Councillors, Businesses, Practitioners, and Civil Society Organizations.
The Fire Services Challenge in South Africa South Africa continues to grapple with a complex set of fire hazards. These challenges are exacerbated by: * Rapid urbanization; * The exponential growth of informal settlements; * Increasing wildland-urban interfaces; and * The impact of climate change.
The Fire Services Indaba aims to build informed, alert, and self-reliant communities while fostering collaborative solutions to reduce fire risks and vulnerabilities.
Objectives of the Indaba The annual Indaba serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to: * Share progress, challenges, and best practices; * Propose actionable solutions; and * Develop recommendations to mitigate fire risks and losses nationwide.
The discussions will reinforce the importance of integrating fire safety and prevention into national and local government strategies while leveraging partnerships across sectors.
Members of the media are invited to cover the proceedings of the Fire Services Indaba scheduled as follows:
Day 1: Practitioners Session Date: 5 December 2024 Time: 08:30 Venue: Protea Hotel, George, Western Cape
Day 2: Ministerial Session Date: 6 December 2024 Time : 08:30 Venue: Protea Hotel, George, Western Cape
For Media Enquiries, Contact:
Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of CoGTA
Cell: 082 772 1709
Mr. Legadima Leso COGTA Head of Communications
Cell: 066 479 9904
