Following the panic that gripped Johannesburg on Monday when emails and SMSs said an alleged tornado was about to strike the city, the Cabinet has decided to ask the national disaster-management centre to find ways in which such situations could be better managed in future.
Themba Maseko, the government spokesperson, said on Thursday that the government wants to make sure that clear communication guidelines and procedures are developed and communicated to the public.
The Cabinet observed that the rumours persisted through most of Monday afternoon, despite assurances from the South African Weather Service that although a severe storm was on its way, there was no tornado or anything of the sort about to happen.
”Some employers responded by sending their staff home early out of a genuine concern for safety,” Maseko said. ”This resulted in panic and led to huge traffic congestion in many parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.”
The Cabinet appealed to all members of the public to be more vigilant and not react to rumours ”that may lead to mayhem, damage to property and unnecessary loss of life”.
”Even if there was some truth in the rumours,” Maseko said, ”sending everyone home at the same time could itself constitute a disaster.”
Employers and the media were advised to check with the relevant authorities before sending out messages that could cause unnecessary panic.
”It would be prudent for employers and the media to check with the relevant authorities before broadcasting or publishing information of this nature,” he said. ”The South African Weather Service is the most reliable and primary source of information on the weather and we advise everyone to check with them before sending out messages that could lead to chaos and destruction.” — I-Net Bridge