Private Sector Disaster Relief Fund (PSDRF) Update Meeting

26 Mar, 2025

Yesterday, the Private Sector Disaster Relief Fund (PSDRF) met with the National Disaster Relief Committee (NDRC) at Business Botswana’s boardroom to provide an update on the Fund’s activities. The meeting was led by the Board Chair, Mr. Butler Phirie, who provided valuable insights into the progress and objectives of the initiative.

The National Committee on Disaster Management (NCDM) comprises key stakeholders, including the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), the Botswana Police Service, the Red Cross, BOCONGO, UNDP, and Business Botswana. The NCDM serves as a policy-formulating and planning body, while the government’s disaster management committees, such as the NDFRO and Motlamedi, focus on addressing immediate needs during disasters.

Mr. Phirie explained that the primary goal of the PSDRF is to create a permanent and sustainable resource to assist in disaster relief and recovery efforts. Mr. Phirie highlighted that within a short period, P15 million was raised, demonstrating the initiative’s potential and its ability to mobilize resources swiftly.

The PSDRF’s partnership with the government is seen as vital in ensuring the fund’s effectiveness. The Fund’s multisectoral approach makes it versatile, allowing it to address a wide range of disaster-related challenges. To facilitate the response across the country, Business Botswana’s branches will play a key role in managing committees tasked with identifying and assisting communities affected by disasters.

The committee provided a summary of how the P15 million raised has been allocated, with a total, P5.5 million dispersed to various initiatives aimed at addressing immediate needs caused by the recent floods and other local challenges.

During the meeting, members of the committee reflected on the ongoing challenges and ways to refine processes. Notably, there has been an increase in other types of disasters, such as a malaria outbreak and an army worm infestation, which require immediate attention.

Committee members emphasized the need for early warning systems, such as impact-based forecasting, to detect potential disasters more effectively. Mr. Nkosiyabo Moyo, a representative from the National Disaster Management Office, highlighted that district structures should play a more significant role in informing national structures, ensuring that responses are timely and well-coordinated.

The Red Cross representative Mr. Kutlwano Mukokomani, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the PSDRF and the Botswana Red Cross, which also responds to disasters and provides immediate relief. An MOU will be developed to formalize the partnership, ensuring that both organizations align their efforts and resources more effectively, preventing duplication of efforts and better coordinating their responses.

In conclusion, Mr. Moilwa, in his closing remarks, expressed gratitude to Business Botswana for facilitating the ongoing efforts and collaboration between the various committees and organizations. He reiterated the importance of continued partnership and coordination in addressing the challenges posed by disasters in Botswana.

The PSDRF remains committed to being a sustainable and effective resource for disaster relief, with a focus on proactive measures, innovation, and capacity building to ensure that future responses are timely, efficient, and comprehensive.