South African First: Scientific Disaster Publication

Today the Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, launched a South African scientific first with the release of the Risk and Development Annual Review (RADAR) publication, at the Annual Risk Seminar held at the University of the Western Cape.

RADAR provides insight on the complexity of managing risks associated with severe weather events and encompasses a review spanning from 2003 to 2008, it profiles the 2008 xenophobic violence and it highlights the involvement of committed community members from across the province. "I'm hoping this publication will emphasise the importance of investing in the proactive side of disaster management, like research of this nature and awareness campaigns," said Bredell.

Since 2006, eight disasters were declared in the Western Cape, providing the province with significant experience in dealing with disasters and making it an ideal setting to conduct research of this nature. The publication was developed over twenty (20) months in conjunction with thirty five (35) University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers and post graduate students.

Some of the key lessons publication brings to light include the economic losses incurred, that encourage proactive risk reduction initiatives to reduce financial losses in the future. Furthermore the severe weather events can be linked with future climate variability and climate change/adaptation.

This is an excellent example of pioneering work and sets the trend for enhancing all aspects of disaster risk reduction initiatives in South Africa," says Bredell.

Publication contributors
The publication was developed by the Provincial Department of Local Government through its Disaster Management Centre with the involvement of many stakeholders, including the National Department of Co-operative Governance, the National Disaster Management Centre, the Cape Higher Education Consortium, the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Stellenbosch and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Statement by:
Anton Bredell
Provincial Minister of Local Government