Date: 2025-11-03 05:37:54

Mapping Resilience As Drone Tech Tackles Disaster Risk Head-On

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 MAPPING RESILIENCE AS DRONE TECH TACKLES DISASTER RISK HEAD-ON

EThekwini Municipality is set to transform how it responds to disasters and builds resilience.

From today, 3 to 5 November, the City will host a groundbreaking drone conference that places drone technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and geographic information systems (GIS) at the forefront of disaster risk management.

This marks a bold step toward smarter, faster, and more effective emergency response, reshaping how Southern Africa prepares for and recovers from crises.

Hosted by QP Drone Tech in partnership with South Africa Flying Labs, WeRobotics, and Esri, the 4th Annual Southern African Drone, AI and GIS Conference will bring together government leaders, SADC dignitaries, drone operators, GIS specialists, academics, and civil society to explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Today, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa will deliver the keynote address, joined by eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Councillor Zandile Myeni. 

They will be joined by other high-level dignitaries. 

Their insights will set the tone for a dynamic programme of keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical workshops, and live demonstrations.

The conference will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in uMhlanga, with a live drone demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, 5 November at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Attendees will witness real-time simulations and hands-on GIS workshops led by Esri, showcasing how data-driven technologies are reshaping emergency response capabilities.

Members of the media are invited to attend this landmark event as follows:

DATE: 3–5 November 2025

VENUES: Radisson Blu Hotel – uMhlanga; Live drone demonstration at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (5 November)

TIME: 08:30

For enquiries and to RSVP contact Jack Shilubane on 072 334 2844.

Alternately you can send an email to jack@qpdronetech.co.za

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate on behalf of QP Drone.