This declaration, announced by Elias Sithole of the National Disaster Management Centre, enables the national government to mobilize resources and coordinate relief efforts across provincial lines. Under the Disaster Management Act, such a classification is used when a crisis exceeds the capacity of provincial response mechanisms and requires national intervention.

Since June 9, communities across the country have faced worsening weather patterns, highlighting the limitations of existing contingency plans. The national designation allows the activation of the SANDF, SAPS, and other national bodies, enabling a unified, more robust emergency response. Government departments and agencies will now be tasked with coordinating relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery efforts.

KwaZulu-Natal had already been operating under a provincial disaster classification earlier this year due to flooding, but this broader national declaration now incorporates multiple affected regions. According to the government, the focus will be on restoring services, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and supporting displaced or affected citizens. Updates and progress will be monitored and reported regularly.

The disaster classification will remain in effect until the situation no longer meets the criteria or is officially revoked. Citizens, churches, and aid groups are being encouraged to participate in relief efforts and prayer.

Prayer Pointers:

1. Pray: protection and strength for families displaced or grieving due to loss, and for quick recovery of essential infrastructure.
2. Pray: for God to guide leaders coordinating disaster relief to act with clarity, compassion, and urgency, leaving no community overlooked.
3. Pray: for long-term resilience against climate-related disasters and for wisdom to build systems that protect the vulnerable.

Prayer: Praying for the grieving, displaced and leaders Lord, we lift South Africa to You. Bring comfort to the grieving, strength to the responders, and shelter to the displaced. Guide leaders with clarity and compassion. May Your mercy flow through every floodplain and heart. Restore what the storms have broken.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

More: https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/828522/national-state-of-disaster-declared-in-south-africa/