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Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi embarks on Weather Awareness Road Show in communities
10 Feb 2012 The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi together with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) will from 13 to 14 February 2012 embark on a Weather Awareness Road Show in Duduza, Ekurhuleni and Evaton, Emfuleni Municipality, respectively. The theme for this road show is, "power our future with weather, climate and water". On 2 October 2011 an F2 tornado struck the community of Duduza, leading to severe damage to property and one loss of life, while earlier in 2011, in the Eastern Cape, lightning killed several people, while snow caused huge discomfort in the area. KwaZulu-Natal also experienced deaths brought about by lightning, as well as serious flooding.
The government has elevated the priority in dealing with weather related hazards and in response to that SAWS in 2010 reviewed the early warning system in collaboration with Department of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs.
As disaster preparedness is important in the case of severe weather events, the South African Weather Service in cooperation with disaster management, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and municipalities are reaching out to affected communities through a public awareness drive that will educate the public and empower them with the ability to act in an appropriate manner.
The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Mr Mondli Gungubele and Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality Ms Greta Hlongwane will join the Deputy Minister during the road show.
Media is invited to attend the road show as follows: Day one Date: Monday, 13 February 2012
Venue: Duduza Multipurpose Community Centre
Time: 10h00
Day two Date: Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Venue: Evaton Fire Station
Time: 9h00
For RSVP and media enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za Kenosi Machepa
Tel: 012 367 6075
Cell: 083 259 7223
E-mail: kenosi.machepa@weathersa.co.za Issued by: Department of Water Affairs
10 Feb 2012
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