Transformative policy and legislative strategies for flood disaster management in post-apartheid South Africa

Abstract This article discusses the evolution and effectiveness of flood disaster management policies in post-apartheid South Africa amid climate change challenges and rapid urbanisation. Utilising various research methods, it charts a shift from reactive to proactive risk reduction strategies since 1994, citing key milestones like the Green Paper and White Paper process on Disaster Management in 1998 and 1999, respectively. It also discusses the genesis and culmination of the country’s game changing Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002), its active participation in the international and African treaties and agreements, and, more importantly, the subsequent reforms targeting increased community resilience. While noting significant progress made over the years, certain difficulties still persist such as policy implementation gaps, funding constraints, and coordination problems. Although R1 billion was released as emergency relief following the April 2022 floods, bottom-up estimates indicate that at least R4.5 billion per year is required to upgrade high-risk municipalities’ stormwater and drainage infrastructure; current allocations meet less than half of this need. This analysis aims at informing future decisions with the intent to bolster a resilient disaster management framework throughout South Africa. To enhance flood disaster management in South Africa, the market participants must strengthen the implementation frameworks that would ensure that distinct roles are assigned and accountability is implemented. In addition to increasing funding in the area of disaster risk reduction (DRR), they must ensure that considerable efforts are invested in building robust monitoring and evaluation systems.