Central SA
Free State Social Development plan for disaster prone areas─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 09:42 Sat, 19 Apr 2025
The issue of disaster preparedness and response in the Free State came under under spotlight following a high-level stakeholders workshop held in Mangaung, Bloemfontein this past week.
The Department of Social Development in the Free State, in partnership with the South African Red Cross Society National Office and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Pretoria Cluster Office, convened the Disaster Management and Social Relief Stakeholders Workshop to address challenges faced by communities affected by natural disasters across the province.
The workshop brought together various government departments, humanitarian organisations, and community stakeholders, aiming to strengthen collaboration and enhance resilience among vulnerable populations.
According to Thembile Nqabeni, spokesperson for Social Development in the province, the Strategic Engagement Workshop was designed not only to address immediate relief efforts but also to promote long-term resilience in disaster-prone areas.
Concerns were previously raised over the absence of a fully functional Disaster Management Centre in the Free State. This gap was starkly highlighted during last year’s heavy snowfall in the eastern Free State, which left numerous motorists stranded for hours without adequate emergency support.
In previous natural disasters, such as the mine dam collapse in Jagersfontein and destructive hailstorms in Mangaung, relief was provided by multiple departments, including Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Health, Agriculture, and the Premier’s Office.
Assistance included the distribution of food parcels, psychosocial support, temporary shelter, cash vouchers, and other essential supplies like mattresses and blankets.
The devastation in Jagersfontein, where houses and vehicles were swept away by floodwaters after the collapse of a mine dam wall, stands as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for effective disaster risk management.
The affected residents received support ranging from emergency accommodation to counseling services to help them cope with the trauma.
Similarly, in 2023, after hailstorms damaged more than 250 homes in Mangaung, the Free State government organised early Christmas relief efforts for victims. Community members were housed in temporary shelters, and the public and businesses were urged to contribute to the relief efforts.
