KEY POINTS
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Zimbabwe plans to establish the Institute of Civil Protection and Disaster Management, the first of its kind in Southern Africa.
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The institute will offer specialized training in disaster and firefighting engineering, with the first phase involving international training for personnel.
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The initiative aligns with regional efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience, complementing programs like South Africa’s proactive disaster management model and Zimbabwe’s Resilience Building Fund.
Zimbabwe has announced plans to establish the Institute of Civil Protection and Disaster Management, marking the first institution of its kind in Southern Africa.
TVbrics.com reports that this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the region’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and climate-induced emergencies.
The institute will commence with a certificate course in disaster and firefighting engineering. The initial five-year phase involves sending personnel abroad for specialized training, laying the groundwork for the institute’s full establishment over the next decade.
Regional collaboration and capacity building
The establishment of this institute aligns with regional efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response. South Africa, for instance, has been advocating for a proactive, community-centered model that emphasizes prevention over reaction.
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) in South Africa is forging stronger partnerships with both public and private sectors to ensure communities are prepared before disasters strike.
Zimbabwe’s initiative also complements the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF), which aims to build resilience in vulnerable rural communities. Launched in collaboration with the UNDP and FAO, the ZRBF focuses on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and building strong institutions to better withstand shocks and crises.
The new institute is expected to serve as a hub for training, research, and policy development in disaster management. It will collaborate with regional and international partners to develop comprehensive curricula and training programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by Southern African countries.
By investing in education and capacity building, Zimbabwe aims to position itself as a regional leader in the management. The institute will not only enhance the country’s own preparedness but also contribute to the broader goal of building a more resilient Southern Africa.
