With less than 12 days to go when the nation will go to the polling stations to cast their votes on 7 May 2014, the Gauteng PDMC is ready and prepared for any eventuality in order to assist in securing a safe and secure election environment for all the voters.
The Gauteng Provincial Government through its CoGTA Department is the custodian of the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre which is mandated to provide guidance to organs of state, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, communities and individuals to assess and prevent or reduce the risk of disasters and to promote formal and informal initiatives that encourage risk-avoidance behavior.
According to the Chief Director of the Gauteng PDMC, Mr Elias Sithole the contingency plans for the 2014 Elections were put in place to enable safe and secure 2014 General Elections by providing a consistent Provincial framework for the management of emergencies during this period by the responsible authorities, agencies and groups.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ntombi Mekgwe applauded the PMDC for their state of readiness. ”The local Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services have the necessary expertise and resources available including specific plans and procedures that may be utilized in relieving emergency or disaster related problems. We are extremely pleased and confident that election 2014 will go well under the efficiency and proficiency of our disaster team,” Mekgwe said.
The success of this Election contingency plan is based on the pre-planning procedures needed to properly prepare for the unique nature of the 2014 General Elections and the unique threat associated with the event.
The PDMC gained valuable experience in successfully executing their duties in a number of major events in the past.
These events include:
- 2008 Xenophobia attacks;
- 2008 City of Johannesburg EMS strike;
- 2009 CONFED CUP;
- 2009 General Elections and Inauguration of the State President;
- 2010 FIFA World Cup;
- 2013 AFCON Cup;
- 2013 State funeral of former president Nelson Mandela
- 2014 African Nations Championship 11 January 2014 – 1 February 2014
Effective safety plans for all identified event venues are in place and the PDMC will mainly be responsible for:
- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Routine Emergency Preparedness and Response; and
- Major Incident and Disaster Response
- Establishment of disaster management monitoring and coordination at all Gauteng municipalities.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Neo Lebethe
Tel: 011 355 4894
Cell: 079 490 8060
Fax: 086 628 1323
E-mail: neo.lebethe@gauteng.gov.za
