14 October 2026 MINISTER HLABISA CALLS FOR A SHIFT TOWARDS PROACTIVE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
By Communications on October 15, 2026
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, today led the national commemoration of the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) in Mbombela, calling for stronger investment in disaster prevention, resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation.
Held under the theme, “Resilience Starts at Home: Building Resilient Communities Through Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action,” the commemoration highlighted the importance of protecting lives, livelihoods and development gains through capable institutions and resilient communities.
The Minister was joined by Deputy Ministers Dr Dickson Masemola and Rev. Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, with the latter serving as Programme Director. Mpumalanga COGHSTA MEC Speed Katishi Mashilo delivered the welcome remarks, while traditional leadership representatives, including INkosi Nomvula Mkhatshwa, delivered messages of support.
As part of the programme, Minister Hlabisa, accompanied by Deputy Minister Masemola and MEC Mashilo, visited the Mpumalanga International Food Market and the Karino-Tekwane South Bridge Project, showcasing how strategic investments in food security, climate-smart innovation and resilient infrastructure can reduce disaster risks while supporting economic development.
Minister Hlabisa emphasised that a municipality that works is a municipality that protects its communities from disaster and stressed that South Africa's success should increasingly be measured by the disasters prevented, the lives protected and the losses avoided.