A total of 60 young unemployed women from communities around Mahikeng, received certificates and First Aid kits after completing a short disaster management course they were doing.

The young ladies were drawn from disadvantaged communities like Ottoshoop, Tsetse, Magokgwane, Miga, Ramatlabama and Ikopeleng villages.

They were trained in disaster risk management and first aid after the local government department and the Mahikeng local municipality partnered, to equip women in poor communities.

Local government spokesperson Dineo Lolokwane said: “The purpose of the training is to provide youth especially young women with the necessary skills to deal with disaster incidents when they arise and be able to apply first aid lessons.”

One of the graduates, Bonolo Sefularo, 25, from Ramatlabama village said she had been unemployed since matriculating in 2004 and this training would give her something to do.

“I acquired a certificate of competency in first aid which covers artificial respiratory and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). With this, I will be able to save lives of residents in my community.

“I now know how to assist those who sustained different injuries including stab wounds. I’m intending to make a meaningful contribution to my community since the local clinic is not open 24 hours,” she said.

Refiloe Mooketsi, 21, from Maruping village is among beneficiaries who completed a basic disaster risk management course that was offered at the University of North West.

“I’m able to identify hazards which pose danger to residents and can come up with mechanisms to eliminate them. For instance here in Maruping village, there are a lot of trenches which are hazardous to us, especially children and animals. We can involve the community as well as the municipality to fill such trenches.”

Mapatane Kgomo, who spoke on behalf of local government MEC Manketsi Tlhape, said: “Communities are the backbone of our survival as they are the first people to respond to any incident especially when disaster strikes. This is part of our efforts to ensure that we equip them with the necessary skills to help themselves.

“Your areas were chosen after several disaster cases were identified which left you vulnerable and exposed to hazards. We expect all graduates to manage all disaster risks and bring change to your communities.”

At the same occasion, other women working for fire and emergency centres in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district, were also given certificates of recognition for their contribution in disaster management and fire services.

Kgomo said the initiative would be taken to other districts.
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