Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on Search and Rescue ZA

How do we deal with the consequences of extreme weather events and natural disasters? 

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with two ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things: Grant Tyson and Ivor Rimmer of Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA).

SARZA is a group of volunteer 4x4 owners who provide search and rescue services to people stranded in remote locations. SARZA is typically called in when conventional emergency services cannot perform a rescue because of rough terrain. 

SARZA played a critical role providing relief to victims of the floods which devastated parts of KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022, where over 40,000 people were displaced, 4,000 homes were destroyed and more than 460 people lost their lives. 

During this time, SARZA volunteers served as a "force mulitplier" in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Defense Force (SANDF). 

We speak about the incapacity of the state to deal with natural disasters of this magnitude. Ivor believes that many brave police officers and soldiers on the the ground were let down by poor management and budget cuts from "head office". 

We discuss the important role that community-led volunteer groups such as SARZA and Gift of the Givers play in filling the gaps left by the retreating state.

We also discuss the need for continuous training and readiness, the emotional toll of working in rescue and recovery operations, and the ongoing funding requirements of such a complex organisation.

We conclude the conversation by reflecting on the need for South Africans to get more involved in their communities through volunteer work.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) Ivor Rimmer on the history of SARZA and its work

(03:21) Grant Tyson on the KZN floods

(08:29) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on the KZN rescue operation

(17:49) Ivor Rimmer & Grant Tyson on the capacity of the state

(23:37) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer working with Gift of the Givers

(30:39) Ivor Rimmer & Grant Tyson on training & readiness

(33:38) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on the SAPS Canine Unit

(38:14) Ivor Rimmer on the emotional toll

(41:07) Ivor Rimmer on funding SARZA

(44:42) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on professionalizing SARZA

(47:18) Grant Tyson on volunteering with SARZA

(49:41) Ivor Rimmer on community-led initiatives

(51:29) Conclusion

LINKS

Donate to SARZA: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sarza-fundraiser

SARZA website: https://www.sarza.co.za/

Get involved with SARZA: https://www.sarza.co.za/join-us/