The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Obed Bapela, is leading the South African delegation in the BRICS Ministers meeting on Disaster Management Services. The meeting began on Monday, 18 April in St Petersburg, Russia and will end on 21 April 2016.
As the head of delegation Bapela will deliver a keynote address and do presentations on the country’s Disaster Management Strategy.
The focus of the of the BRICS meeting is the development and cooperation in the field of emergency management, as a consequence to look at improving tools for monitoring and forecasting of emergencies, as well as risk assessment.
The meeting will also focus on the mechanisms of interaction in the provision of assistance in case of emergencies, as well as putting into practice of advanced technologies and effective insurance tools.
In addition there would be discussions on exchange experience in the field of fire protection and the training of specialists in the scope of fire safety.
Bapela said, "the meeting is very key and relevant to also look on issues of climate change that as a country we are now faced with challenges of drought. There is a further need to complement national action and capacity, there is a need to enhance cooperation between developed and developing countries."
The first meeting of the BRICS Ministers on Disaster Management will conclude by the signing of the BRICS Joint Action Plan Emergency Services 2016 – 2018. The BRICS Ministers note that they recognise the need to share experience on protecting people from natural and man-made disasters.
The commitment and outcomes of the first meeting of BRICS ministers for disaster management is expected to reflect the shared commitment to the implementation of The Joint Action Plan of BRICS emergency services on 2016 - 2018 years.
For enquiries, telephone interviews and soundbites with DM Bapela contact:
Sifiso Ngcobo
Cell: 071 421 9592
E-mail: Sifison@cogta.gov.za
