The Joe Gqabi District Municipality Disaster Management Unit today hosted the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction programme at Bensonvale in Sterkspruit, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Santam, Imdaad Foundation Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The event brought together various stakeholders, including Stenden University, the University of the Free State (UFS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, PG Bison, Ubomi Foundation, Gift of the Givers and other partners, in support of strengthening disaster awareness, preparedness and resilience within communities.
The event followed a series of build-up activities conducted at schools across the district, where learners were engaged on disaster preparedness, prevention, safety and environmental responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, JGDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa, unpacked the theme of the day, “Resilience Starts at Home,” emphasising the role that individuals, families and communities can play in preventing and reducing disaster risks.
Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon. M.E.C. Zolile Williams, delivered the keynote address, highlighting key measures for preventing and reducing disaster risks and reinforcing the importance of preparedness, prevention and coordinated action.
The programme provided an important platform for stakeholders, communities and young people to share knowledge and strengthen their understanding of disaster risk reduction.
The event reaffirmed that disaster management is a shared responsibility, with resilience beginning at home and extending throughout our communities.
