History of the NDMA

An adaptive, resilient and disaster safe Kingdom of Eswatini.

Establishment of NDMA

Historically, Swaziland’s response to disaster has been largely ad-hoc and reactive to disaster events focusing mainly on meeting basic needs and subsequent rehabilitation requirements. There have been no permanent institutions of the Government of Eswatini established to deal with disaster management until the establishment of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in 2015. Prior to this, the National Disaster Task Force (NDTF) focused on disaster relief and emergency response.

Timeline

  • 1992Establishment of the NDTF

    In 1992, when Eswatini faced a devastating Drought disaster, the government appointed an adhoc committee to provide immediate relief, they were named the National Disaster Task Force (NDTF).

  • 2006Disaster Management Act

    As our world evolved, we faced new threats, we had to change our approach. In 2006, the Disaster Management Act was enacted, promoting an Intergrated and Coordinated System of Disaster Management, focused on decreasing vulnerability and increasing preparedness and our mitigation capacity.

  • 2014Legislation of NDMA

    After recognizing the need for a more proactive approach in combating disasters, the National Disaster Management Agency was legislated in 2014.

  • 2015NDMA Begin Operations

    After her legislation in 2014, the National Disaster Management Agency started operating in 2015. Our journey focuses on Prevention, Preparedness,Mitigation,Response and Recovery which forms the foundation of our Disaster Risk Management Framework. With a clear vision in mind, we strive to build a disaster safe Kingdom of Eswatini through innovation, technology and Collaboration.

About NDMA

The National Disaster Management Agency is the Principal Institution for disaster Management established by Government, with the responsibility for the coordination and implementation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRR/M), including disaster prevention, mitigation, adaptation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation.