The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, led the South African commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) in Polokwane , 11 October 2024.

The day is observed annually on 13 October as a global event aimed at promoting a culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction. 

In observing the importance of disaster risk reduction as an all of government and society responsibility, Minister Hlabisa was joined by the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo; Deputy Ministers, Dr Namane Masemola and Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe of CoGTA, David Mahlobo of DWS and Mmapaseka Letsike of DWYPD; MEC Basikopo Makamu of COGHSTA; Mayors of Capricorn District, Cllr Mamedupe Teffo and Cllr Mosema Mpe of Polokwane Local Municipality as well as Cllr Sabina Mtsweni from SALGA and other Councillors, Business representatives, Practitioners and Civil Society Organisations to optimise the promotion of an informed, alert, and self-reliant society capable of playing part in all aspects of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction.

The theme for the 2024 IDDR is: “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future”. This theme captures the essence of what we aspire to achieve; a future where all young people, regardless of their circumstances, are equipped, empowered, and ready to face the challenges of a world increasingly shaped by natural or manmade hazards, climate change, and complex global dynamics.

The programme today animated the theme with active and enthusiastic participation from learners, which underscores the pivotal role of education in preparing younger generations to face and mitigate the impacts of natural and human induced disasters.

Following insightful discussions at the commemoration which put a spotlight on the role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future, Minister Hlabisa emphasised the importance of empowering everyone to respond promptly and effectively in case of emergencies and disasters.

Disaster risk reduction is not just about responding to disasters when they occur; it’s about creating a culture of prevention and preparedness, where vulnerabilities are reduced, and resilience is built into the fabric of our communities. Education is the cornerstone of disaster risk reduction. Through education, we can instil a culture of prevention, preparedness, and resilience. We can teach our children not only how to respond in the face of disaster but, more importantly, how to anticipate, mitigate, and prevent these disasters from occurring.

The commemoration comes at a time when South Africa like many countries is experiencing unprecedented myriad of hazards and disasters such as, drought, floods, storms, lightning strikes, extreme heat, veld fires, cold spells, snow, tremors, etc. This, therefore, not only calls for effective DRR mechanisms but also early warnings, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts.

Today’s IDDR event was crucial as it reiterated the need for proactive and collaborative efforts in reducing disaster risks. The event emphasised and fostered a culture of prevention and preparedness, to build safer and more resilient communities worldwide.

Teaching the youth about the role of disaster risk reduction is a much required investment in the future which augurs well with this year’s theme that advocates for a youth led global movement for disaster risk reduction initiatives.

The speakers at this commemoration called for the incorporation of disaster risk reduction in the curricula starting at primary schools to universities, disaster risk education must become an integral part of our teaching and learning processes.

Education is the most powerful tool that we can use to build resilience. It is through education that we can empower youth to take control of their futures and become leaders in disaster risk reduction.

Deputy Minister Masemola indicated during his scene setting address that, the International Day for Disaster Reduction is a day reserved to acknowledge the ever-present risk of disasters whether natural or manmade. But most importantly, it is a day to inculcate a universal culture of risk averse behaviour through raising awareness and empowering communities to champion disaster risk reduction especially youth.

Kgosi Seatlholo, raised the need for capacity building targeting traditional leaders to guide traditional land use to avert settling in flood plains which lead to disaster.

The two-day commemoration was characterised by engagements with learners from various shools focusing mainly on how to empower youth to safeguard lives and livelihoods, especially by minimising human induced disasters by employing young people as agents of change in pursuit of resilient societies.

Participants further agreed that disaster reduction requires collaborative approaches that also integrates partnership, technology and innovation as well as indigenous knowledge.

This is a challenging task, but it is not an impossible one. We have the knowledge, the tools, and the resources to make this vision a reality.

Disaster risks reduction should also be inclusive to cater for vulnerable members of the communities including persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+

As we move forward, our goal must be to build a culture of preparedness. We need a culture where disaster risk reduction is embedded in our daily lives, our educational systems, and our governance structures. This culture must be one that is inclusive, where every young person, regardless of who they are or where they come from, is empowered to contribute to a disasterfree future.

Today, all stakeholders reaffirmed the commitment to the protection and empowerment of our youth, whilst also recognising the diversity of our young people. We need to ensure that our efforts are inclusive, equitable, and far-reaching.

The future we aspire to; a future where disasters no longer devastate lives and communities; is within our reach. But it requires everyone to act now, to educate, to empower, and to involve our youth in every step of the journey. Together, we can build a disaster-free future. A future that is safe, resilient, and just for all.

Delivery the concluding remarks Deputy Minister Burns-Ncamashe recommitted the resolve by all stakeholders to use education as a responsive and anticipatory catalyst for disaster reduction.

As they say, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

Ends –
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