SA Weather Service says stronger government and community leader partnerships could help save lives

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says stronger partnerships with government and community leaders could help save lives during extreme weather events.

It follows recent torrential rains that have killed nearly 90 people and left more than 4,000 others displaced across parts of the country.

The agency believes training local leaders to communicate warnings directly and assist residents in moving to safety could fill gaps where people lack access to media platforms.

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SA Weather Service spokesperson Lehlohonolo Thobela says the approach could be a game-changer in remote or informal areas.

“We can have more of partnering with local stakeholders, community leaders, train community leaders to be able to receive a warning and be able to share the warning in a more personal way.”