The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) Qacha'snek has launched a three-day Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training programme aimed at equipping District Disaster Management Team (DDMT) members with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters effectively. The training, which began on Monday and concludes on Wednesday, brings together district stakeholders to strengthen disaster management structures and improve coordination in emergency response. On the first day of the training, participants were taken through disaster risk management terminology, the disaster management cycle, legal and institutional frameworks, the roles and responsibilities of DDMT members, as well as the dissemination of the 2026 Vulnerability Assessment results.

The remaining sessions will cover additional aspects of DRR aimed at further strengthening participants' capacity to effectively manage disasters. Addressing participants, DDMA Disaster Management Officer Ms. Ithabeleng Koneshe said the training had become necessary following staff turnover, which resulted in many former DDMT members leaving the district. She explained that the workshop seeks to orient newly appointed members while refreshing the knowledge of existing members on the mandate of the DMA and DDMT.

"This training will enable members to effectively carry out their respective roles and responsibilities in disaster management," she said. Ms. Koneshe noted that the programme is designed to deepen participants' understanding of DRR principles and concepts, clarify the responsibilities of DDMT members before, during and after disasters, and strengthen teamwork in identifying and addressing hazards affecting the district.