KAMESH, SOUTH AFRICA – A new disaster preparedness training programme aimed at equipping young people with emergency response skills and digital knowledge has been launched in Nelson Mandela Bay following the devastating floods that affected parts of the metro in 2024.
The programme, launched by DARA International and the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Nelson Mandela Bay District Youth Crime Prevention Desk, is designed to prepare young people to respond to disasters while strengthening community resilience. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the initiative was developed in response to the severe flooding that struck Kariega, Kamesh and KwaNobuhle in June and September 2024.
The launch took place at the United Reformed Church Ebenhaeser in Kamesh and was attended by senior SAPS officers, disaster management officials, community leaders, local residents and representatives from partner organisations. 
Among those present were Kamesh Station Commander Colonel Du Preez, Brigadier Hlomza representing Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Humphries, Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Prevention Youth Desk Chairperson Tim Macquire, Community Police Officers from stations across the district, DARA International representatives led by Pinky Harawa, and the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation delegation led by Chief Operating Officer Philani Sangweni.Eastcape Midlands TVET College also announced its partnership with the programme and committed to providing technical support and expertise.
The programme included a panel discussion on disaster preparedness, community resilience, youth empowerment and partnerships. Panel members included Brigadier Hlomza, Eastcape Midlands TVET College Assistant Director for Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations L. Sdeba, Disaster Management representative Gavin Boucher and Tim Macquire. Community members and young people participated by asking questions and sharing their views.
Speaking on behalf of the Barloworld Empowerment Foundation, Chief Operating Officer Philani Sangweni said the foundation was supporting the programme to provide practical disaster preparedness training to young people involved in crime prevention initiatives, as well as vulnerable and differently abled youth.
He said participants would also receive training in coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and robotics to help improve their future employment opportunities while building stronger and more resilient communities.Sangweni said the United Reformed Church Ebenhaeser was chosen as the launch venue because it served as a place of safety and shelter for residents during the 2024 floods.
According to SAPS, the programme aims to train young people across the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro to become first responders and community leaders who can assist during disasters. The long-term initiative will combine emergency preparedness with technical and digital skills development to strengthen community readiness for future emergencies.
Disaster preparedness programmes help communities reduce the impact of natural disasters by improving emergency planning, response skills and public awareness, particularly among young people who can play an active role in supporting their communities during crises.
