Innovation for Resilience: The South Africa Flying Labs and QP Drone Tech Annual Conference on Drones, AI, and GIS in Disaster Risk Management.

Written by Queen Ndlovu - QP Drone Tech

Imagine standing in a room buzzing with excitement—a gathering of experts, innovators, and policymakers, all sharing one goal: using technology to save lives and critical infrastructure This is what the South Africa Flying Labs (SAFL) in partnership QP Drone Tech Annual Conference feels like. It’s more than just an event; it’s a movement that brings together brilliant minds to explore how Drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can transform disaster risk reduction (DRR).

For the past three years, Cape Town in South Africa has been the home of this groundbreaking conference. Now, as we approach our fourth edition in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)—a region often battered by devastating floods—the significance of our work has never been clearer. Not only do we focus on the conference, but we go beyond theoretical knowledge by offering hands-on GIS 2 days workshops and drone demonstration sessions that allow participants to witness the use of Drones, GIS software and AI. This was held at one of the prestigious universities in South Africa, Stellenbosch University.

Our host, Ms Queen Ndlovu( QP Drones Tech CEO and Managing director of SAFL) opened the conference with a bang. She highlighted the importance of empowering communities through technology. In her words “ If a drone can lift a 5kg payload, imagine what it can do for someone’s future.

Disaster Risk Reduction: A Global Imperative

Globally, disasters—both natural and man-made—pose an increasing threat. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), economic losses from climate-related disasters have soared over the past two decades, reaching $2.97 trillion globally (UNDRR, 2023). Africa is highly vulnerable due to limited resources and weak early warning systems in place. In South Africa alone, the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods caused damages exceeding R17 billion and claimed over 450 lives (SA National Treasury, 2023).

The urgency to adopt effective Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Leaving No Behind principles has become a global priority, with UNDRR leading the charge. Their Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) calls for strengthened multi-hazard early warning systems to mitigate disaster impacts. It is within this framework that the SAFL ,QP , WeRobotics and Esri conference aligns its mission—bridging technology and disaster preparedness.

Disaster Risk Reduction: A Global Imperative

Globally, disasters—both natural and man-made—pose an increasing threat. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), economic losses from climate-related disasters have soared over the past two decades, reaching $2.97 trillion globally (UNDRR, 2023). Africa is highly vulnerable due to limited resources and weak early warning systems in place. In South Africa alone, the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods caused damages exceeding R17 billion and claimed over 450 lives (SA National Treasury, 2023).

The urgency to adopt effective Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Leaving No Behind principles has become a global priority, with UNDRR leading the charge. Their Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) calls for strengthened multi-hazard early warning systems to mitigate disaster impacts. It is within this framework that the SAFL ,QP , WeRobotics and Esri conference aligns its mission—bridging technology and disaster preparedness.

Highlights from the 2024 Conference

This year’s conference was a melting pot of innovation, collaboration, and thought-provoking discussions. From high-level government officials to grassroots

community leaders, everyone came together to explore how cutting-edge technology can build resilience against disasters.

From the words of our amazing co-organizer, Mr Jack Shilubana (COO of QP Drone Tech), “ It was like a dream”.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Strategic Partners

ESRI

We are incredibly grateful to Esri for their support! As a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, Esri has been instrumental in transforming the way we collect and use spatial data for real-world impact. SAFL and QP are forever grateful to Olivier, who is The Head of Humanitarian agency who has been a sponsor with a social impact in mind for the past 3 installments. .

WeRobotics

We extend our deepest gratitude to WeRobotics for their unwavering support and dedication to empowering local expertise in drone and robotics technology.

WeRobotics led by Ms Sonja and her colleagues Kenneth and Dan....... played a very

significant role in making this conference a huge success . She played a crucial role in growing the conference into SADC and facilitated the presence of some of the sponsors. SAFL and the Fls community is in good hands. Flying Labs worldwide has played a crucial role in advancing our mission to drive innovation, education, and impact through drone technology and other emerging technologies

Wingtra

At QP Drone Tech and South Africa Flying Labs, we are committed to using

cutting-edge drone technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and social impact. Our mission is made possible by incredible partners who share our vision—like Wingtra!

We want to express our sincere gratitude to Wingtra and Karsten Robbins for their support and for providing industry-leading drone solutions that are revolutionizing the way we collect and analyze aerial data.

Santam Insurance

Risk management and drone technology go hand in hand, and Santam Insurance has been a game-changer in promoting safer and smarter applications of drone services. Their support has empowered us to expand our disaster relief initiatives and ensure a greater impact in vulnerable communities.

Lenovo

We are also incredibly grateful to Lenovo, whose expertise in computing and Innovation has been vital in making our Workshop a success. Their dedication to providing computers aligns perfectly with our vision when it comes to Tech.

RCMRD (Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development)

We extend our deepest gratitude to RCMRD for their support, expertise, and dedication to advancing geospatial technology for sustainable development. Their leadership in mapping, remote sensing, and data-driven decision-making is transforming industries and communities across the region.

To our Technical partners.

● Spencer Horne Cloudline who showcased his airship innovation and offering transport and catering at the Cloudline farm.

● Integrated Aerial systems by Dexter Tangocci, Thank you for your unwavering

support, providing water during disaster scenarios.

● The Western Cape health department was represented by Fabian Higgins

and his excellent team has played a crucial role for the past 3 years. We are humbled by

their support.

To all the municipalities that were present, from National to provincial. We are grateful for the support. Amathole District Municipality, Capricorn District Municipality, Vhembe District Municipality, Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs

We encourage our community to show appreciation by following our sponsors on social media and exploring their services. Their support is helping drive innovation and transformation in the drone industry!

Once again, thank you to our amazing sponsors for believing in our mission. We look forward to continuing this journey together!

Keynote Speakers: A Gathering of Visionaries

The conference welcomed Director-General(DG) from Department of Cooperative governance and Traditional Affairs , Mr. Mbulelo Tshangane, alongside esteemed experts such as Dr. Elias Sithole (Head of South African National Disaster Management centre), Darryl Epstein from Delta Scan, Ireen Mutowbwa-Shumba from Red Cross South Africa, and Rudzani Malela from South Africa Weather Service, Mr Patric McKay from World Food Program, Mr Divan De Bruyn from GeoArc, Mr Nepal Khoza from Santam, Mr Sam Twala from Ntsu Aviation, Mr Ernest Khosa: Chairperson of South African civil aviation, Lobang Thabantso from South African Civil aviation authority, Mr Leka Tingitana (Tanzania FL), Ms Phuti Rampya (Capricorn District Municipality). These thought leaders shared groundbreaking insights into the evolving role of drones and AI in disaster response.

In his address, Mr. Tshangane emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, stating: "South Africa must move beyond reactive disaster response and embrace predictive technologies to safeguard our communities."

This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Sithole, who highlighted how AI-driven predictive analytics are revolutionizing disaster preparedness.

Not only did we focus on South Africa but we also had other Flying labs participating in this conference. We are truly grateful to Zambia FL, Zimbabwe FL, Botswana FL, Tanzania, Nepal FL and Nigeria FL. The Flying Labs network embodies the spirit of local expertise, global impact. Through this powerful community, we have been able to:

● Exchange knowledge and best practices in drone technology, data analysis, and

humanitarian applications.

● Collaborate on cross-border initiatives that drive innovation in disaster response,

agriculture, environmental conservation, and public health

● Support and uplift each other through training, mentorship, and resource-sharing.

● Strengthen our collective impact in making drone technology more accessible and locally

led.

We also had a few members from SADC SHOC and NDMA’s who were part of the panel focusing on southern Africa Community-Humanitarian and Emergency Operational Centre:

Geospatial methods for regional DRM.

● South Africa- Mr Thabo Khupari

● Zambia- Mr Malic Chishimba

● Malawi- Mr Hanke Ndau

● Eswatini- Mr Siboniso Mavusa

● Namibia- Ms Mercy Mahoto

Interactive Workshops: Learning by Doing

Beyond discussions, the conference featured hands-on workshops led Esri supported by WeRobotics These sessions provided practical demonstrations of:

● GIS applications for emergency planning and resource allocation Whilst on the other

hand SAFL and QP lead the drone demonstrations

● Drone piloting for real-time disaster mapping

● AI-driven risk assessment models

Participants, ranging from municipal disaster managers to tech developers, gained firsthand experience in deploying these technologies in real-world scenarios.

Panel Discussions: Municipalities Taking the Lead

A key highlight was the panel on Municipal Disaster Preparedness, featuring representatives from disaster-prone regions such as Gauteng Disaster Management Centre. The discussions focused on integrating technology into municipal disaster plans and addressing funding challenges.

The conversation took an interesting turn when a representative from one of the muni shared:

"With climate change intensifying, municipalities must adopt tech-driven solutions to mitigate risks. Drones are no longer a luxury but a necessity in early warning systems."

Networking and Collaboration: Where Ideas Turn into Action

The SAFL conference has always been a catalyst for new partnerships. This year, NGOs, academic researchers, and government officials connected to discuss potential projects, including:

● A drone-enabled flood monitoring initiative in the Eastern Cape

● A pilot project for AI-powered landslide prediction in Limpopo

● Strengthening GIS adoption within rural disaster management programs

These collaborations are proof that the conference isn’t just about discussions - it’s about driving real-world impact.

Entertainment

Our supportive partner Sonja Betschart spotted a beautiful, talented group from Khayelitsha Township when they were performing in Waterfront Cape Town.

This cultural group performed before our high end dinner while our guests were sipping on all types of wine harvested from the lovely garden of the conference centre (Hazendal Golf and Wine Estate).

We are incredibly grateful for Isibane seAfrica, an NPO facilitated by Zolani. Thank you for bringing joy to our conference.

The Power of Drones in Disaster Risk Reduction

Drones have become indispensable in disaster response. According to Kenneth Ramah from WeRobotics, who authored a comprehensive report on the conference: "Drones are fundamentally reshaping how we assess, respond to, and recover from disasters - providing faster, safer, and more cost-effective solutions."

Some of the ways drones are currently used in disaster management include:

● Rapid damage assessment: Quickly identifying collapsed buildings, blocked roads, and

affected areas.

● Search and rescue operations: Deploying thermal imaging drones to locate survivors in

inaccessible areas.

● Humanitarian aid delivery: Transporting emergency medical supplies and food to disaster-

stricken zones.

Artificial Intelligence: A Game Changer for Disaster Management

AI has transformed disaster risk assessment by analysing vast amounts of data in real-time. During the conference, discussions centered on how AI is being leveraged to:

● Predict disasters before they occur using machine learning models.

● Process satellite imagery to assess damage faster than manual evaluations.

●  Automate resource allocation during emergency responses.

With initiatives such as UNDRR’s Global Risk Assessment Framework, AI is playing a growing role in shaping evidence-based disaster policies.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Mapping the Future

GIS remains a cornerstone of disaster risk management by providing spatial insights critical for decision-making. Discussions at the conference showcased how GIS is being used for:

● Identifying high-risk areas prone to flooding, fires, and landslides.

● Tracking real-time disaster evolution through drone and satellite data integration.

● Optimizing evacuation planning by mapping safe escape routes.

One of the most compelling moments came from a GIS specialist from Esri, who demonstrated how live drone feeds can be overlaid on GIS platforms to provide instantaneous situational awareness for disaster response teams.

South Africa’s Commitment to Disaster Preparedness: Insights from the 2025 Budget Speech

The 2025 South African Budget Speech underscored the growing investment in disaster resilience. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an increase in disaster relief funding, emphasizing the role of technology in mitigating

climate-related disasters. Notably, the budget highlighted:

● R2.5 billion allocated to early warning systems and disaster recovery.

A national strategy to integrate AI and drones into municipal disaster response plans.

● Increased funding for GIS-driven climate risk assessments.

These commitments align with SAFL’s mission, reaffirming that South Africa is embracing technology-driven solutions for disaster management.

A Future of Innovation and Resilience

As the SAFL conference continues to grow, so does its impact. Every year, new ideas emerge, partnerships strengthen, and communities become better equipped to face disasters head-on.

In the words of one of our panellists from UNDRR:

"Technology alone won’t save lives - but people using technology the right way will."

This is the heart of what we do at SAFL: empowering people with the tools to build a safer, more resilient future.

SAFL and Partnership with QP cannot wait to host another 4th installment of SADC based Drones, AI and GIS in Disaster Risk Reduction.