Trower’s participation formed part of a Rescue South Africa five-day initiative in Nacala, Mozambique, to contribute operational expertise to regional disaster preparedness and strengthen collaboration between emergency response agencies across Southern Africa.
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Rescue South Africa was represented by directors Travis Trower and Connor Hartnady, Dagmar Muhlbauer Roets and Aidan Justus.
The exercise brought together disaster management authorities, humanitarian organisations, emergency responders and technical specialists from across Southern Africa and the wider international community.
It tested regional early-warning systems, emergency coordination mechanisms, rapid deployment procedures and interoperability during a simulated large-scale cyclone and flood disaster affecting multiple SADC Member States.
From left, Aidan Justus, Dagmar Muhlbauer Roets, Travis Trower and Connor Hartnady
The exercise also provided an important platform for participants to exchange practical experience, identify gaps and strengthen relationships between national governments, the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), international humanitarian organisations, search-and-rescue teams, Emergency Medical Teams and other specialist response agencies.
Reflecting on the experience, Trower said: “Exercises such as the SADC SIMEX allow emergency response agencies to evaluate their coordination, interoperability and operational readiness before they are confronted by a real disaster.
“Having participated in several flood and cyclone responses across Southern Africa, I was privileged to share practical lessons from these operations, while also learning from specialists representing different countries and organisations.
The knowledge and experience gained during the exercise will contribute directly to student education and preparation.
Bringing current operational lessons into the classroom enables students to better understand the realities of disaster response, multi-agency coordination and international humanitarian operations, Trower added.
“This Rescue South Africa initiative demonstrates the important role the organisation plays in supporting disaster preparedness and response development across the region. It was an honour to represent both Nelson Mandela University and Rescue South Africa, while contributing to the collective effort to strengthen disaster response capabilities throughout the SADC region.”
As climate-related disasters increase in frequency and severity across Southern Africa, regional initiatives, such as SIMEX remain essential for strengthening cross-border collaboration, building trust between response agencies and improving the region’s collective ability to respond effectively when disasters occur, he says.