The Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre, together with
the Gauteng Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR SA 01), is proud
to announce its participation in the Africa, Europe and Middle East
International Earthquake Simulation Exercise. The exercise is
organised by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group
(INSARAG) under the United Nations, in partnership with the South
African National Disaster Management Centre. It will take place from
1 to 5 December 2025 at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha,
Eastern Cape Province.
This large-scale simulation is a critical platform designed to test,
strengthen and coordinate national and international urban search
and rescue capabilities. Participants will engage in a range of high-
intensity, real-to-life scenarios covering key elements of disaster
response, including evacuation and logistics, emergency medical
support, post-disaster recovery planning and humanitarian
coordination.
The participation of Gauteng’s teams underscores the province’s
commitment to enhancing disaster readiness and operational
excellence.
“This simulation is an invaluable opportunity for us to collaborate with
international partners, share expertise and further refine our
operational strategies,” said Mr Tshepo Motlhale, Head of the
Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre and Fire Services.
“Our goal is to remain fully prepared to respond effectively to any state
of disaster, protecting our communities and saving lives.”
Throughout the week-long exercise, teams will rehearse and evaluate
their response capabilities in a controlled environment that mirrors
real-world emergencies. This collaborative effort will strengthen
coordination among multiple agencies and organisations involved in
disaster management, ensuring a swift and unified response during
actual crises.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Gauteng
has expressed full support for the participation of USAR SA 01, noting
the exercise’s importance in enhancing local government response
capacity.
“As the first responders to incidents, this exercise is essential for local
government practitioners to strengthen their disaster response
mechanisms,” the organisation noted.
The Chairperson of the Local Government Turnaround Workstream
on Disaster Management and Climate Resilience emphasised that
lessons drawn from the exercise will be vital in reviewing and
strengthening disaster management policies and standard operating
procedures. These improvements are expected to accelerate the
province’s state of disaster preparedness amid growing risks linked to
climate change, extreme weather events and geological hazards
ISSUED BY THE GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
