The Constitution obliges the government legally to ensure the personal and environmental health as well as the safety of its citizens. In terms of Section 41 (1)(b) of the Constitution all spheres of government are required to “secure the well-being of the people of the Republic.” Section 152 (1)(d) also requires that local government “ensure a safe and healthy environment.” Section 26 (g) of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 as well as sections 52 and 53 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 compels each municipal entity to develop a disaster risk management plan as part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The City of Tshwane has thus prepared its Disaster Management strategy in line with these requirements. The City of Tshwane seeks to make disaster risk management a functional reality through a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach. In terms of community safety, the quality of life for the people of Tshwane is realised as people enjoy a safe environment in which to play, work and pray. Clean and safe energy further improves the quality of life in Tshwane. The City has a resilient disaster management plan that is ready to deal with different kinds of disasters, both manmade and natural. The City has a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan with clear lines of responsibility and authority (organisational structure), thus ensuring a coordinated approach to disaster management in the centre. This also ensures accountability. The Plan establishes the operational procedures for disaster risk reduction planning as well as emergency procedures to be implemented in the event of a disaster occurring or threatening to occur in council’s area. Of great importance is adherence to the National Disaster Risk Management Framework and solicitation of public comments and participation before final approval.
Over the next four decades of game changing the City of Tshwane will work with its partners to strengthen community safety and disaster management capacity through a number of strategic actions presented below.
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TSHWANE VISION 2055