Hlabisa calls for SADC disaster centre to be fully operational

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged Southern African countries to get the region’s disaster coordination centre, known as SHOC, fully up and running. SAnews reported that he wants the centre to help the region prepare for emergencies and react quickly when they strike.

Hlabisa chairs the committee of SADC ministers responsible for disaster risk management. He spoke at the committee’s seventh ordinary meeting on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

What the minister asked for

According to SAnews, Hlabisa said SHOC should be the region’s main base for monitoring disasters, issuing early warnings, coordinating preparations and rallying help for member states hit by a disaster.

He said regional coordination only works when several things are in place:

• a clear mandate
• strong leadership
• enough staff
• dependable procedures
• funding that can be sustained

He called for the hiring of SHOC’s Executive Director to be completed in line with the approved roadmap. He also urged member states to pay the contributions they owe, and encouraged those that have not yet signed up to the centre to do so.

Practice runs before disaster hits

Hlabisa pointed to the first regional simulation exercise for cyclone and flood response as proof that testing systems ahead of time is worthwhile. He wants such drills to become a regular part of regional planning, so that gaps in decision-making, early warning, approvals, deployment and coordination can be found and fixed.

In his words, “no Member State should be left to confront a major disaster alone.” He added that regional solidarity has to be planned in advance, properly funded and ready to be activated when needed.

The ministers also discussed climate risks, food and nutrition security, preparedness, humanitarian logistics and anticipatory action. Hlabisa asked them to make sure their talks lead to firm decisions and action, and to turn regional knowledge into steps taken at national level.

What this means for South Africans

South Africa and its neighbours are exposed to floods and storms, and the source says the recent simulation focused on cyclones and floods. A better-resourced regional centre is meant to help countries share warnings and send aid more quickly. The report does not give dates for when SHOC will be fully operational or when a director will be appointed, so these are points to watch in future SADC announcements.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.