UJ rescue specialists deployed to Mozambique amid severe flooding crisis

Staff members from the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) newly launched, state-of-the-art Rescue Simulation Centre have been deployed to Mozambique as part of a critical humanitarian mission.

The team is responding to the ongoing flooding emergency following a formal request for assistance from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

The mission is being conducted under the South African flag, coordinated by Rescue South Africa in alignment with international humanitarian protocols and South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC).

The team, a multidisciplinary group of specialists led by Connor Hartnady, acting manager of UJ’s Rescue Simulation Centre, alongside Travis Trower, Dr Dagmar Muhlbauer Roets, Bradley Hatfield, Francois Pretorius and Xavier Millar.

The deployment includes specialist swift water and aviation rescue teams designed to navigate the high-risk conditions currently affecting the region.

This operation highlights a powerful partnership between Rescue South Africa, UJ and the Nelson Mandela University, combining academic technical expertise with rapid-response operational readiness.

Following confirmation from the NDMC that no additional domestic emergency support is required within South Africa at this time, resources have been pivoted to support our neighboring state.

This deployment underscores South Africa’s commitment to regional stability and its capacity to provide world-class humanitarian aid during climate-related crises.