Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
SADC has approved the composition of the inaugural Sadc Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) Governing Board and the operationalisation of the regional bloc’s Emergency Response Team (ERT).
In a communique yesterday, the regional bloc’s Secretariat said the developments marked significant progress towards strengthening regional disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
SHOC’s composition was approved during a virtual Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management chaired by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
Located in Nacala, Nampula Province in Mozambique, the SHOC is responsible for the coordination of regional disaster risk preparedness, response, and early recovery to support member States affected by disasters.
The centre facilitates the supply chain management of equipment and supplies that SADC responders require during the deployment of humanitarian support to member States.
“The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) convened a virtual Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management from 12–13 May 2025.
“The meeting was chaired by Honourable Daniel Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Committee.
“The session was also attended by Ms. Angéle Makombo N’Tumba, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration at the Sadc Secretariat, who delivered opening remarks,” reads the statement.
The Sadc Secretariat said the ministers had discussed the full operationalisation of the SHOC and the Emergency Response Team ahead of the Council of Ministers set for August.
In terms of the SHOC, the Governing Board will review and endorse its staffing structure and budget for submission to the Council.
“The ministers deliberated on two critical agenda items in preparation for submission to the SADC Council of Ministers: Full operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC). Operationalisation of the SADC Emergency Response Team (ERT).
“Key outcomes included the approval of the composition of the inaugural SHOC Governing Board and a directive to the Secretariat to convene its first meeting.
“The Governing Board will review and endorse the SHOC staffing structure and budget for submission to the Council.
“Ministers also recommended extending the contracts of SHOC interim staff to March 2026, with costs covered by the 2022 approved interim operational budget,” said the Secretariat.
On the Emergency Response Team, the ministers approved the proposed list of team members selected to represent a broad spectrum of disaster response expertise.
“The Secretariat was urged to continue collaborating with Member States and SHOC to train the ERT for rapid deployment in response to regional disasters,” said Sadc.
