Cogta Minister Hlabisa urges municipalities to use disaster funds responsibly
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.
Image: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs / Facebook
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned municipalities to use the money allocated to them for disasters promptly and for the express purpose they are intended.
He was speaking during an event to announce the allocation of disaster grants in Sandton on Monday, where he provided details of the funds released to municipalities and provinces for disaster interventions following the various weather-related events that occurred in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and the severely affected Eastern Cape.
In June, a total of 107 lives were lost due to disasters. Out of these, 103 were in the Eastern Cape, 3 in KwaZulu-Natal, and 1 in the Western Cape.
Hlabisa said, “The government urges communities in affected areas to remain alert and follow early warning advisories issued by the South African Weather Service as a critical measure to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods.”
He explained that the Disaster Management Act highlights the importance of self-funding for disaster risk management, requiring state organisations to utilise their own resources for disaster interventions. In instances where public infrastructure is damaged, the relevant state organ bears the responsibility for financing the repair costs.
The overarching goal is to prevent and mitigate disaster risks, necessitating the implementation of effective disaster management practices and the development of comprehensive contingency plans.
“With regards to disaster grants, adherence to Section 12 of the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) is crucial. The funds disbursed must be utilised exclusively for sanctioned purposes and may not be redirected to unrelated expenditures, such as employee travel,” Minister Hlabisa stated.
“After the National Disaster Management Centre transfers funds, municipalities are expected to use these resources promptly,” he emphasised.