ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MUNICIPALITY AND SASOL STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING
Communities living near high-risk petroleum pipeline servitudes have received a major safety boost as eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with Sasol and key emergency stakeholders, hosted a high-impact Emergency Response Plan Workshop aimed at strengthening disaster readiness across the City.
The session, held at the Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre, delivered a strong message of protection, unity and proactive planning, placing people at the centre of emergency preparedness.
The workshop underscored a renewed commitment to ensuring that every family living near Major Hazardous Installations (MHI) is safeguarded through stronger, faster and more coordinated disaster response systems.
Sasol Inland Pipeline Manager Zwelakhe Mkhasibe said: “The workshop represents the industry’s commitment to capacitating the Municipality’s emergency services teams with practical tools, technical insights and unified protocols that strengthen the City’s Emergency Response Plan.”
He added: “When industry experts and Municipal responders collaborate, we create a life-saving system that responds faster, prevents avoidable disasters and protects communities living close to petroleum pipelines.”
A strengthened Emergency Response Plan significantly improves how teams manage hazardous incidents involving underground pipelines transporting crude oil and gas.
When tampered with through illegal connections, vandalism or unauthorised digging, these pipelines can pose severe risks to communities and the environment.
By equipping emergency responders with shared strategies, standardised procedures and clear communication channels, the initiative enhances the City’s ability to prevent small incidents from escalating, protect high-risk industries and build stronger public confidence in emergency readiness.
The Municipality’s Disaster Management Manager Jotham Khumalo emphasised that the plan reinforces compliance, collaboration and collective responsibility across all emergency stakeholders.
“It is a powerful instrument for building disaster-resilient communities. Strengthened coordination ensures quicker decisions, safer responses and improved protection for residents living near Major Hazardous Installations,” he said.
Once consolidated, the Emergency Response Plan will be followed by a large-scale community awareness campaign targeting high-risk areas.
This citywide education drive will empower communities with vital information on hazardous risks, safe response actions and how to recognise early warning signs of pipeline danger.
Through this initiative, the Municipality aims to build a safer, more resilient City where communities and high-risk petroleum industries work together to prevent disasters before they occur.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
