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eThekwini Municipality is boldly embracing modern technology to transform disaster risk management and protect communities. Following a groundbreaking three-day Drone, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Conference, the City is charting a bold path toward smarter, faster, and more resilient disaster preparedness.
The conference concluded with a powerful drone demonstration by leading tech companies, showcasing how innovation can transform early warning systems, rapid response, and recovery efforts, a crucial advancemente for a city that has endured devastating climate-related disasters. The conference was hailed as a turning point for the region, bringing together experts and delegates from across the SADC region to share best practices, forge cross-border collaborations, and explored how technology can be democratized to drive real-world impact.
The central theme focused on integrating drones, AI, and GIS to build safer, smarter cities.
Discussions emphasized that as urban risks and climate change intensify, traditional methods are no longer sufficient. EThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni said the City is embracing the future with courage and clarity. “This conference has shown us that using technology for disaster preparedness is about saving lives, protecting communities, and building a city that can withstand the storms,” said Deputy Mayor Myeni, adding that the Municipality plans to invest in drones to assess damage in real time, AI to predict risks before they happen, and GIS to guide planning with precision. “Our goal is to move from reactive to proactive governance, where every decision is informed by data and every community is empowered to respond,” said the Deputy Mayor.
The Municipality will now integrate these tools into its disaster management framework, enhancing early warning systems, accelerating response times, and supporting resilient infrastructure planning. The conference also aligned with eThekwini’s Smart City Road Map, reinforcing its commitment to data-driven governance and sustainable urban development. Deputy Mayor Myeni emphasised that modern technologies will enable the Municipality to act before disasters strike.
Drones will be deployed for real-time damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and monitoring of critical infrastructure. High-resolution data will inform the design and placement of resilient infrastructure, such as stormwater systems and housing developments, while capacity-building workshops will ensure local disaster teams and communities are equipped to use these technologies effectively. The conference was more than just a showcase, it was a call to action to shape the future of cities through innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
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