An Assessment of Disaster Management Coordination Mechanisms

This study sought to investigate the nature of coordination strategies, opinions on response aspects as well as challenges encountered in the response phase of disaster management in Buffalo City Municipality. Disaster management is considered as one of the most fundamental functions of government at all levels, local, provincial and national level as it deals with human lives and protection of property. In an effort to achieve a healthy and safety environment the government of South Africa fostered some legislative frameworks, the Disaster Management Act, (Act 57 of 2002), the National Disaster Management Framework among other pieces of legislations all based on the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 which is the supreme law of the Republic of South Africa. The local government, as the government closest to the people is often seen as important in combating disasters and mitigating their effects at operational level. Literature has shown that disasters have been experienced in the past and are being experienced in contemporary times.