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Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) commemorated the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) at Tsherane Multipurpose Centre in Botlokwa, Molemole Local Municipality, on 16 October 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, protecting communities and building resilience against natural and human-induced hazards.
The commemoration was held under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home: Building Resilient Communities Through Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action.” The global theme for the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on 13 October, was “Resilience Starts at Home.” It highlighted the importance of safer homes, household preparedness and community involvement in reducing disaster risks.
The event brought together learners, educators, community members, government departments and disaster management stakeholders to raise awareness about disaster risks and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect lives, property and the environment.
The programme featured presentations and practical demonstrations by CDM’s Fire and Rescue Services, Working on Fire, Road Safety and Special Focus Programmes, alongside contributions from the Department of Education and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre. Learners also participated through singing and drama, using creative performances to communicate messages about disaster prevention, environmental protection and community safety.
The MMC for Community Services, Cllr. Elizabeth Rahlana, emphasised the importance of building communities that were informed, prepared and capable of responding effectively to emergencies.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction promotes global awareness of the need to reduce disaster risks before emergencies occur. It encourages governments, institutions, businesses and households to identify potential hazards, reduce vulnerabilities and invest in preparedness rather than relying solely on emergency response and recovery. The observance also supports the objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, which promotes reducing disaster losses through improved risk understanding, stronger governance, investment in resilience and enhanced preparedness. <Cite refs={[“turn579010search3″,”turn579010search2”]}/>
In line with these objectives, the commemoration highlighted the importance of reducing communities’ exposure to floods, veld fires, severe storms, lightning and drought, particularly as climate change continued to intensify environmental risks. Residents were encouraged to understand the hazards in their surroundings, follow weather warnings, prepare emergency plans and take appropriate precautions to protect their families and property.
Practical fire and rescue simulations formed part of the programme, demonstrating emergency response procedures and educating participants on appropriate actions during life-threatening situations. These demonstrations helped reinforce the importance of knowing how to respond during emergencies and seeking assistance from the relevant emergency services.
The 2026 theme also highlighted the role of safe housing and household preparedness in disaster risk reduction. Homes located in high-risk areas or built without adequate protection against hazards can expose families to serious danger. Effective risk reduction therefore requires appropriate land-use planning, safer building practices, accessible early-warning systems and ensuring that vulnerable households receive the information and support needed to act in time.
The commemoration followed a series of disaster risk reduction awareness activities conducted across the district, targeting traditional leaders, schools and communities. These initiatives formed part of CDM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster awareness, promote community participation and build partnerships with stakeholders.
Through these engagements, Capricorn District Municipality continued to encourage households, schools and communities to take shared responsibility for disaster preparedness. The Municipality recognised that effective disaster risk reduction depended on early action, reliable information, coordinated emergency services and the active involvement of communities.
Residents were reminded to report emergencies through the Municipality’s toll-free emergency number, 0800 666 777.
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