The Nelson Mandela Bay University in the Eastern Cape, is the host of this year’s National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), on Africa, Europe and Middle East (AEME).
Discussions will centre on Earthquake Response Exercise (ERE) across these continents.
The exercise is from 1 to 5 December 2025 in Gqeberha.
It is part of the global programme of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), mandated by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150, to strengthen international cooperation and coordination for urban search and rescue (USAR) in major disasters.
Attendees are national, provincial and municipal stakeholders, international USAR teams, Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) experts and humanitarian partners from across the AEME region.
Velenkosini Hlabisa, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), is expected to speak about South Africa’s largest disaster readiness simulation to date.
This includes cascading hazards such as flooding, hazardous material incidents and service interruptions.
The Exercise will also validate national protocols for requesting, receiving, and coordinating international support in a major disaster.
Hlabisa said “hosting the AEME Earthquake Response Exercise highlights South Africa’s commitment to global disaster cooperation and our responsibility to protect lives. This exercise strengthens our readiness, sharpens our coordination systems, and positions our country as a leader in regional and international emergency response.”