Sandton: By prioritising investment in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the world not only safeguards vulnerable communities but also strengthens global infrastructure and economies - proving that every cent spent on prevention helps protect lives and livelihoods.
According to South African Government News Agency, this statement was made by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, during his opening remarks at the Group of 20 (G20) Ministerial side event on scaling up investment in DRR, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton. The event coincides with the G20 Leaders' Summit, as delegates convene amidst increasingly complex global risks.
'Climate change, rapid urbanisation, ecosystem degradation, and widening inequality continue to expose millions to disasters that are predictable, preventable, yet devastating,' said the Minister.
Hlabisa referenced the 2025 Global Assessment Report, highlighting the discrepancy between rising global risks and current resilience investments. The realities of these risks are evident in South Africa, demonstrated by the KwaZulu-Natal floods of 2022, recurrent droughts, and pressures on municipalities, illustrating the cost of inaction surpassing that of preparedness.
'Every rand invested in disaster risk reduction saves lives and protects development gains,' Hlabisa emphasized, noting the government's commitment to proactive, risk-informed planning. South Africa has launched the Early Warning for All Road Map and is reviewing its Disaster Management System to better integrate resilience into planning and infrastructure investment.
The Minister called for bold partnerships involving public institutions, the private sector, development finance institutions, researchers, and communities to scale up investment. This requires innovative financing mechanisms and resilient infrastructure to protect the most vulnerable.
The side event, co-organised with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, is a key initiative of the Presidency, advancing the G20 High-Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in DRR, which guide the transition from risk identification to funding solutions.
Hlabisa stressed that resilience is not abstract but embodies the ability of communities to endure and recover from shocks without losing hope or livelihoods. He underscored the importance of leaders' proactive capacity to anticipate and mitigate potential risks effectively.
The Minister urged the gathering to cultivate strategic partnerships and mobilise financing to turn innovative ideas into measurable actions, aligning progress with Agenda 2063, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
'Together, we can build a future marked by resilience and sustainability, where communities thrive even in the face of adversity,' Hlabisa concluded.