MEDIA ADVISORY: MINISTER HLABISA TO LEAD SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRE SERVICES TRANSFORMATION INDABA IN GEORGE

To All Journalists
28 November 2024

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead the Fire Services Indaba, an important event focused on repositioning fire services in South Africa. The event will take place from 5–6 December 2024 in George, Western Cape, under the theme “ Repositioning Fire Services in South Africa.”

This year’s theme emphasizes a transformative shift in fire services—moving from reactive, response-driven methods to a forward-looking, fire risk reduction approach. The Indaba will spotlight proactive and predictive mechanisms for delivering fire services more effectively.

Given that fire risk reduction is a collective responsibility across all sectors of society, the Indaba will bring together a diverse group of participants, including the Premier of the Western Cape, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Traditional Leaders, Mayors, Councillors, Businesses, Practitioners, and Civil Society Organizations.

The Fire Services Challenge in South Africa
South Africa continues to grapple with a complex set of fire hazards. These challenges are exacerbated by:
* Rapid urbanization;
* The exponential growth of informal settlements;
* Increasing wildland-urban interfaces; and
* The impact of climate change.

The Fire Services Indaba aims to build informed, alert, and self-reliant communities while fostering collaborative solutions to reduce fire risks and vulnerabilities.

Objectives of the Indaba
The annual Indaba serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to:
* Share progress, challenges, and best practices;
* Propose actionable solutions; and
* Develop recommendations to mitigate fire risks and losses nationwide.
The discussions will reinforce the importance of integrating fire safety and prevention into national and local government strategies while leveraging partnerships across sectors.

Members of the media are invited to cover the proceedings of the Fire Services Indaba scheduled as follows:

Day 1: Practitioners Session
Date: 5 December 2024
Time: 08:30
Venue: Protea Hotel, George, Western Cape

Day 2: Ministerial Session
Date: 6 December 2024
Time : 08:30
Venue: Protea Hotel, George, Western Cape

For Media Enquiries, Contact:

Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of CoGTA
+27 (82) 772 1709

Mr. Legadima Leso
COGTA Head of Communications
+27 (66) 479 9904

Issued on behalf of the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs