Sindisiwe Mkhize

Comms @IFRC Pretoria Cluster Delegation 👩‍💻 . A mother. Views are my own

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

@ifrc Pretoria Cluster Delegation team and @BotswanaRed engaged the Ministry of International Relations and the National Disaster Management Office in Botswana to discuss the proposed Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED) treaty.

https://t.co/iKLFRnM8Lh

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

Earlier today, I presented my credentials to Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, followed by a two-hour policy dialogue between President Duma Gideon Boko and the diplomatic community.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

From thriving home gardens to restored water systems serving more than a thousand families and facilities in Qhuthing and Qacha’s Nek in Lesotho, resilience is growing through local action supported by @LesothoRedCross and volunteers, supported by @IFRCAfrica Pretoria Cluster.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

A visit in Mafeteng, 🇱🇸 is centred on communities: what worked, what did not, and how support can go further. @IFRCAfrica Pretoria Cluster Delegation & @LesothoRedCross are using these insights to strengthen future drought projects.
Local Action,
Global Reach.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

After Ha Ntlama’s, 🇱🇸, water system burst, families faced long walks and uncertainty. Today, a rehabilitated source brings safe water closer to home, improving health and daily life.

Through @IFRC_DREF & EA, @LesothoRedCross is strengthening community resilience to drought

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

Three days of collaboration and forward-looking dialogue at the Youth Africa Leadership Academy (YALA) Co-Creation Workshop in Mozambique 🇲🇿.

Bringing together young leaders, National Societies and partners to shape the future of youth leadership across Africa.

Supported through financing by @crocerossa, the event featured remarks from our IFRC Africa Deputy Regional Director @PKremer1 on the critical reach and impact of the youth in shaping resilient communities.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

It was great meeting with Pablo Torrealba, Head of Office for DG ECHO in Southern Africa, to discuss strengthening partnerships. We explored opportunities for closer collaboration to enhance humanitarian impact across the region. Looking forward to advancing our joint efforts.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

Productive engagement between @IFRC_Africa Pretoria Cluster Delegation, @DIRCO_ZA Humanitarian Affairs Department, and @RedCrossSA.
Fruitful discussions on strengthening collaboration and expanding areas of humanitarian cooperation to better serve vulnerable communities.

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

Communities in Limpopo, South Africa, continue to be affected by ongoing floods.

@RedcrossSa Musina Branch volunteers are currently conducting assessments in Tshakhuma village, where the situation remains challenging.

Alongside these assessments, volunteers are providing psychosocial support (PSS) to affected communities, offering emotional care and much-needed relief during this difficult time.

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

Parts of Eswatini are experiencing heavy rains, which have affected households and livelihoods.

@redcrosseswatin teams and volunteers are conducting assessments.

There is an urgent need for immediate assistance to support affected households.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

Our hearts are with Limpopo & Mpumalanga, 🇿🇦.
Relentless floods have claimed at least 31 lives and left 1 600+ homes damaged or destroyed in Limpopo alone.
As @RedcrossSa remains on the ground providing emergency relief, we stand in solidarity with affected families.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

It was great meeting with Jean-Nicolas Paquet-Rouleau, Head of @ICRC_Africa Regional Delegation for Southern Africa

Discussions on strengthening collaboration between Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in Southern Africa to better serve communities across the region.

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

In 2023, African Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies committed to increasing women’s leadership by 30%. That commitment is now in action with the launch of the IFRC-led African Female Leadership in Humanitarian Context Programme
Learn more: https://t.co/q3BO4WY3Xj

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

As we wrap up 2025, I am pleased to share our final newsletter of the year, highlighting key activities across Southern Africa carried out by @RedcrossSa @redcrosseswatin @NamibiaRedCross @LesothoRedCross & @BotswanaRed & volunteers supported by @IFRC PCD https://t.co/MHY1uuKnrl

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

@IFRC_Africa Pretoria Cluster Delegation is hosting the Africa Youth Programming: Uniting Through the Power of Football workshop. African National Societies and partners have come together to discuss NS plans, sports-based approaches, and scaling youth action through sports

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

Safety matters everywhere!

The risk of Sexual and Gender Based Violence exists at home, during disasters, at work, on the street and increasingly online.

Our colleague @tumi_phihlela is calling for online spaces to be safe, inclusive, and free from harassment, especially for women and girls.

#16DaysofActivism #16Days #NoExcuse

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

Across Southern Africa, SGBV continues to threaten lives, dignity, and safety. Women and girls face heightened risks made worse by shrinking services and recurring disasters. Now more than ever, prevention, protection & accountability are essential. #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

Yesterday I visited the Tlamelong Rehabilitation Centre with the SG of @BotswanaRed and the team. The Centre empowers children living with disabilities through sewing, farming, and creative arts, and has supported over 850 people needing physiotherapy from government hospitals👏

[Mercy Laker @MercyLaker]

In Botswana, attending the Women Leadership in Humanitarian Context Workshop, hosted by @IFRC & @BotswanaRed. Great to see women leaders from across Africa united to reflect & exchange ideas on feminist leadership in humanitarian action.
#AfricanFemaleLeadersInHumanitarianAction

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

Underway in Botswana; the Women Leadership in Humanitarian Context Workshop. Women leaders from across African National Societies are exploring feminist leadership, power and purpose in humanitarian Action.

#WomenInHumanitarianAction #WomenInLeadership