Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future: South Africa's 2024 IDDR Commemoration

Polokwane Municipality, located in the Capricorn District, kicked off the 2024 International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) event, highlighting the crucial role of education in disaster preparedness. Under the theme "The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future," the two-day commemoration is a collaborative effort between the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and local authorities. The event commenced on Thursday and is set to conclude on Friday, 11 October 2024.

Key Highlights:

Education as the Foundation of Resilience

Dr Elias Sithole, Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), emphasised that building a resilient South Africa starts with educating the youth. "By equipping the younger generation with knowledge and skills in disaster risk management, we're laying the groundwork for a resilient nation," he stated.

?Interactive Learning for Youth

The event featured engaging activities for primary school learners from the Capricorn District, including quizzes and presentations on disaster risk reduction (DRR). These activities demonstrated the ongoing integration of DRR education into the school curriculum.

?School Safety and Early Warning Systems

Dr Sithole stressed the importance of integrating schools into disaster Early Warning Systems (EWS) and equipping them with emergency plans. He urged for age-appropriate education on disaster risks, highlighting youth's potential as active participants in disaster risk management.

?Private Sector Involvement

Tersia Mdunge from SANTAM provided insights into the private sector's role in DRR. She called for a shift from protection to prevention in the insurance industry and emphasised the need for more research on incentivising DRR-related investments.

?Department of Traditional Affairs Involvement

The secretary of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) Abram Sithole presented on the involvement of children and youth in disaster risk reduction, particularly focusing on prevention and mitigation during initiation season. He highlighted the Customary Initiation Act of 2021, which establishes structures to manage initiation practices and ensure the safety and well-being of initiates. Mr Sithole emphasised the importance of preserving cultural practices while prioritising the protection of lives, dignity, and rights of children participating in initiation ceremonies.

?Polokwane Municipality's Proactive Approach

?Municipal Manager Thuso Nemugumoni emphasised Polokwane Municipality's commitment to disaster preparedness, particularly for vulnerable communities. The municipality is actively implementing strategies to ensure the city can anticipate and respond effectively to disasters.

?Challenges and Opportunities

The event addressed barriers to DRR implementation, including limited institutional capacity and lack of coordination. It highlighted the need for public-private partnerships and platforms to enhance collaboration in disaster risk efforts.

The delegates also focused on inclusivity, ensuring that children from rural areas and under-resourced schools are not left behind. Through prioritising DRR education, South Africa is laying the foundation for a resilient generation that can navigate the challenges posed by climate change and increasing disaster risks.

As the event continues into its second day, stakeholders will further explore the role of policy, infrastructure, and community engagement in disaster risk reduction, concluding with a political session led by the Minister of CoGTA, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa.

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