Zimbabwe has joined countries attending the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Ministers’ Meeting in Cape Town, which concluded today, as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in disaster management and preparedness.
Although Zimbabwe is not a G20 member, its participation was made possible through South Africa, which currently holds the G20 Presidency and works closely with SADC countries on disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Head of the Zimbabwean delegation and Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, Mr. Nathan Nkomo, said the invitation underscored the importance of regional solidarity in managing disasters.
“We are here at the invitation of South Africa, which not only recognised us as a neighbour but also as the past chair of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management,” said Mr. Nkomo.
“We are pleased that the theme, ‘Strengthening Disaster Preparedness through Solidarity and Global Cooperation,’ aligns with our regional priorities. As a SADC member, we attended with observer status and have gained valuable insights and ideas to apply both at home and across the region.”
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Representing the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, Mr. Nkomo said discussions focused on building resilience and improving infrastructure — key areas Zimbabwe continues to prioritise following disasters such as Cyclone Idai and other subsequent cyclones.
“We are learning how G20 countries have managed to tackle disasters, and we want to take those lessons home and implement them within government in the Disaster Risk Reduction sector,” he said.
“All critical aspects of the DRR sector have been addressed, including contributions from development partners. I am confident that we will be better equipped to handle such issues when they arise back home.”
He added that Zimbabwe used the meeting to benchmark effective models for its National Emergency Operations Centre, which is currently under development to enhance national coordination and disaster response.
“The meeting provided us with an opportunity to learn from best practices and strengthen our systems as we work to establish the National Emergency Operations Centre,” said Mr. Nkomo.
The ministerial meeting concluded with the adoption of a Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction, which focuses on financing strategies, governance frameworks, and implementation capacity to address emerging risks among G20 member and partner countries.
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