Partnerships the key to strengthening Community Resilience

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) in partnership with the Federation Regional Delegation in Harare hosted the Southern African launch of the World Disaster Report.

The Soweto Community Home Based choir dresses in colourful traditional dress, gave guests a warm welcome.

To set the tone the Federation’s audio visual production” Where the Street have no Name” was screened. The strong visuals, depicting the devastating impact of disasters on the human condition were a powerful introduction to the launch.

In his welcoming address the Secretary General of SARCS thanked the Federation for choosing South Africa to host the launch. “Not only does it give SARCS the opportunity to emphasize the needs of people effected by disaster but it also focused on natural, financial, social and physical factors that contribute to the resilience within communities.” said Mondo.

Ms Françoise Le Goff, the Federation Head of Delegation for Southern Africa, responded by explaining that for many years victims of disasters were portrayed to be helpless, yet these same people save and support each other. She went on to say must prioritise resilience, rather than just reducing vulnerability. “ The aid community has to put much stronger emphasis on assessing local strengths and resources , rather than just focusing on need or vulnerability.”

Ms Le Goff went on to use the AIDS pandemic as an example of the complexity of disaster response and of the enormous resilience of communities. She asked the private sector and humanitarian organizations to take responsibility for building community capacity as AIDS affects us all.

The launch was attended by representatives form Foreign Affairs, several Local Government Disaster Directorates, members of the Disaster Management Institute of South Africa and representatives of the local and international media.

As the choir sang a closing song, one was reminded that as volunteer home carers, they deal with the impact of the AIDS pandemic on a daily basis. Through singing they relax, support one another and bring joy wherever they perform. A shining example of what it means to be resilient.