MINISTER HLABISA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SOUTH AFRICA’S EARLY WARNINGS FOR ALL (EW4ALL) ROADMAP

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AJairs (CoGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, this evening oJicially launched South Africa’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Roadmap, on the sidelines of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Ministerial Meeting held in Cape Town.

Delivering his address at the launch, Minister Hlabisa expressed his gratitude to fellow G20 Ministers, Members of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders led by Chairperson Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr. Narend Singh, development partners, knowledge institutions, and delegates from across the world who gathered to witness this milestone.

“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of pride that I speak to you today on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa. We are inspired by the collaboration and solidarity shown by our G20 member countries, development partners, and international organisations that have converged here in Cape Town for this momentous occasion. Together, we aspire to foster sustainable development and create pathways for shared prosperity,” said Minister Hlabisa.

The Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative is a flagship eJort to ensure that every person in South Africa and, by extension, the African continent is protected by life-saving early warning systems by 2027. The Roadmap represents a bold national commitment to advance disaster risk reduction and climate resilience by harnessing innovation, technology, and data-driven solutions.

Minister Hlabisa emphasised that this is not merely a technical achievement but a symbol of national resolve. “Through this Roadmap, South Africa demonstrates its readiness to innovate by using advanced technologies and data analytics to enable proactive responses to environmental risks and natural disasters. It reflects our determination to build a future where early warning systems are seamlessly integrated into disaster management practices, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient world for all.”

Reflecting on the G20 Presidency principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, the Minister noted that disasters do not respect borders, and collaboration and inclusivity are imperative. “Solidarity calls for international cooperation and shared knowledge. Equality demands that we confront structural disparities that make some communities more vulnerable than others. Sustainability reminds us that resilience is not only about surviving the next disaster but about safeguarding future generations. No community, urban or rural, formal or informal should be left behind.”

The Minister acknowledged significant progress under previous G20 Presidencies, including India’s leadership in establishing the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, and Brazil’s current emphasis on climate justice, inclusivity, and equitable financing. South Africa, he said, will build on this foundation by ensuring that the unique voices and challenges of Africa are eJectively represented within the G20 framework.

South Africa’s own experiences highlight the urgency of early warning systems. “The floods in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022, which claimed over 500 lives, and the Eastern Cape floods two months later, which claimed more than 100 lives, are painful reminders of why this initiative matters,” the Minister said.

“The launch of the EW4All Roadmap today is our coordinated response to such tragedies, a commitment to achieving universal early warning coverage by 2027.”

The Minister concluded by outlining a clear roadmap for the next 12 months:

- Launch the G20 DRR Continuity Taskforce, co-chaired by South Africa, India, and Brazil, with UNDRR as Secretariat.

- Host the G20 Resilience Financing Dialogue in Durban, Q1 2026.

- Develop the Local Resilience Toolkit, in partnership with Singapore, Norway, and the AfDB.

- Pilot the Recovery Readiness Framework in three South African municipalities.

- Convene the G20 Resilience Innovation Forum alongside the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

- Monitor and report on EW4All implementation quarterly, with support from SAWS and the ITU. The Minister further called on all partners to continue working in unity and purpose. “The journey before us is not without challenges, but it is filled with opportunities for progress and transformation. Together, let us uphold the spirit of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, building a resilient Africa and a safer world for all. Filled with immense pride and responsibility, I am honoured to oJicially launch South Africa’s Early Warnings for All Roadmap,” he said.

Ends

For media inquiries, please contact: Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose

Media Liaison OJicer for the Minister – 082 7721 709

Mr. Legadima Leso

Head of Communications, CoGTA – 082 800 3475

Issued by:

Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AJairs