National Disaster Risk Management Authority

National Disaster Risk Management Authority The Nation's resilience hub.

04/09/2026

As Indigenous knowledge takes its place alongside scientific drought monitoring, participants have challenged Umvalo Wesive to look beyond natural hazards and examine what communities believe to be human-induced disasters. The discussion here at Esibayeni Lodge raised questions about alleged deliberate manipulation of rainfall, commonly referred to in some communities as “man-made rain”, and whether such claims should form part of the broader disaster-risk conversation.

03/09/2026

“Indigenous knowledge is very important because, as the years go by, we are gradually forgetting it. Yet, this knowledge has guided our communities for generations and remains valuable in helping us understand our environment and anticipate changes. It is therefore important that we document and preserve it, while integrating it with citizen science to strengthen our early warning systems and improve drought monitoring.”

Umvalo Wesive Acting CEO, Sandile Shongwe, said this here at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha, where a two-day meeting is being held on the application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in drought monitoring and the establishment of a citizen science network to enhance community participation in the country’s drought monitoring efforts.

03/09/2026

“In the yesteryears, we did not have calendars or modern instruments, yet we knew how to tell time by observing shadows and understood many other signs from nature. There is so much knowledge that young people may not know about, and unfortunately, some of it is also being forgotten by older generations.

We are therefore happy that Umvalo Wesive has brought us together to combine citizen science with scientific knowledge. Bringing these two forms of knowledge together gives us an opportunity to learn from each other, preserve what our communities know and explore how it can contribute to strengthening Eswatini’s early warning system.”

03/09/2026

Senior citizens are already sharing valuable Indigenous Knowledge, including traditional observations of specific bird species and what their presence, behaviour or calls may indicate about changing weather conditions. This knowledge will form part of a unique early warning approach for Eswatini, integrating community-based observations with scientific information to strengthen drought monitoring, improve preparedness and support timely action to protect lives and livelihoods.

03/09/2026

Umvalo Wesive (NDRMA), in partnership with the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), is training more than 400 volunteers on the application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in drought monitoring and the establishment of a Citizen Science Network.

The training will equip communities to identify and document indigenous indicators such as birds, animals, plants, clouds, wind and the moon to strengthen drought monitoring and ensure that valuable community observations contribute to early warning systems.

As El Niño looms, NDRMA is strengthening drought preparedness by placing communities and their knowledge at the centre of early warning and disaster risk reduction, so that we can anticipate drought risks and take timely action to protect lives and livelihoods.

02/09/2026

So much appreciation to the Deaf and sign language community for the wonderful interactions and engagement during their visit to our stand here at the trade fair. It was a pleasure connecting, sharing and exchanging knowledge with you.

The trade fair is still on! Come through to our stand and learn more about our work in building an adaptive, resilient and disaster-safe Kingdom of Eswatini. We look forward to welcoming you!

Emakhosikati had an insightful engagement with the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Thulisile Dladla, and the Board Chairpers...
30/08/2026

Emakhosikati had an insightful engagement with the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Thulisile Dladla, and the Board Chairperson Lomathemba Hlope during their visit to the Umvalo Wesive stand at the trade fair.
They were taken through the NDRMA's mandate, with particular emphasis on preparedness for the looming El Niño conditions and the importance of strengthening community resilience ahead of potential climate-related impacts.
Visit us at Hall 1 to learn more about our work and how you can play your part in building an adaptive, resilient and disaster-safe Kingdom of Eswatini.

The Trade Fair is on, and Umvalo Wesive is ready to welcome you here at Hall 1. Come through, meet our team, learn more ...
29/08/2026

The Trade Fair is on, and Umvalo Wesive is ready to welcome you here at Hall 1.

Come through, meet our team, learn more about what we do, and discover how you can be part of building an adaptive, safer and more resilient Eswatini.

Umvalo Wesive (NDRMA) joined global efforts to strengthen drought resilience and sustainable land management at the UNCC...
29/08/2026

Umvalo Wesive (NDRMA) joined global efforts to strengthen drought resilience and sustainable land management at the UNCCD COP17 here in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

NDRMA CEO, Victor Lusekwane Mahlalela, formed part of the Eswatini delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Eswatini Environment Authority.

Eswatini actively contributed to high-level discussions, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening drought resilience, sustainable land management and drought risk financing.

COP17 secured renewed commitments of approximately US$1.3 billion towards land restoration and drought mitigation, alongside initiatives seeking to mobilise more than US$400 million for water security and nature-based solutions.

The work does not end here in Mongolia but the focus now is on translating these global commitments into practical action, stronger resilience and tangible benefits for our entire communities in the Kingdom.

Our hearts are with Nepal. Devastating flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border have claimed lives and left many missing....
27/08/2026

Our hearts are with Nepal.

Devastating flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border have claimed lives and left many missing. We stand in solidarity with all affected families and rescue teams.

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SMVA Fund Park, 3rd Floor Mbhilibhi Street
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