2020: Block course on Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Development
Venue: DiMTEC computer lab, University of the Free State
Date: 17–28 February 2020
The overall goal of the block course was to highlight the complexity and importance of vulnerability and resilience in the field of disaster management, development, and risk reduction. The recent shift in focus was on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A number of activities have taken place such as lectures, group presentations, simulations, and field research addressing issues of community vulnerability and resilience.
The 2020 block course participants are ready to conduct a rapid vulnerability assessment at Caleb Motshabi informal settlement on the outskirts of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein.
The participants (not in any particular order):
Moddie Nyawo, Mthembi Walker Chauke, Toyi Maniki Diphagwe, Mendi Sigenu, Mukondeleli Magada, Tendachandapiwa Makota, Sylvester Dandure, Nokuzola (Zola) Mnika, Israel Ropo Orimoloye, Mosekama Osia Mokhele, Akani Prudence Baloyi, Hlonolofatso Mathe, Martha Jouert, Lemohang Mokoka, Simon MN Iilonga, Renay van Wyk, and Moipone Hlole.
Accompanying the students are disaster management officers (MMM), Dr Alice Ncube (course coordinator and facilitator), Dr Johanes Belle (facilitator), Prof Kees Boersma (facilitator), Prof Andries Jordaan (facilitator), and Prof Joerg Szarzynski (facilitator).
After the course, a report was compiled by some of the participants in the group together with the facilitators, as part of the findings from the fieldwork. See report here.