Why do we take action in disastrous situations?
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
The Challenge
When calamity strikes, local and national government does not have the infrastructure, resources or manpower to respond adequately and effectively.
In numerous crises (both natural and manmade), civil society has had to rally to the cry for help in the immediate aftermath, in the subsequent rehabilitation of affected communities and in the longer-term preparation for mitigation of future calamities.
In recent years, KwaZulu Natal has experienced many disaster situations: COVID-19 lockdown; widespread flooding and devastating civil unrest, in addition to sporadic xenophobic disturbances, shack fires and localised flooding.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda set global aims such as eliminating poverty, providing clean water and sanitation for all, and guaranteeing peace, and justice. The disasters mentioned above, often interrupt progress in achieving these aims.
Our Solution >>
PREPAREDNESS
By pooling skills and resources with like-minded groups, well-defined roles and structures are in place to mitigate the effects of future disasters. Preparedness is key, with a 24-hour turn-around time to respond effectively and efficiently in the event of disaster. The ensuing recovery and rebuilding process must be both physical and psychological.
SKILLS TRAINING
Systems are in place for effective mitigation preparedness, so that on-the-ground needs, (who, what and where the stakeholders are) are known, so those affected by disaster can access relief most effectively, and distribution data be inputted into a single platform showing where relief has been distributed and ensuring double distribution is avoided.
Community resilience is established through social-cohesion and psychosocial workshops in severely affected areas, so that, in the event of future disasters, communities ‘see each other’ and cooperate.
Opportunities for Involvement
The Domino Foundation Disaster Response Unit depends on local, national and international individuals, corporate businesses, schools and churches as first responders!
TIME
This is moment in national solidarity when people come together quickly to pack hampers, deliver or support the processes of collection and distribution.
TALENT
In an emergency we need skills and gifts to mobilise resources, create campaigns and account for distribution with ease and efficiency. Please contact marketing@domino.org.za
TREASURE
You could partner financially, sign up as a monthly R250 direct debit donor, give a once-off gift via EFT/Credit Card/PayPal, or choose DRU as your CSI partner or Fundraising Event beneficiary – contact accounts@domino.org.za
Preparedness
Regular education and prevention training ahead of time, as well as stocking up of various resources and provision ahead of time to ensure communities are ready to face the difficult times ahead in the aftermath of the disaster. This includes setting up networks of contact groups, names, contact details, policies, procedures and protocols.
Response
The Domino Disaster Response Unit (DRU) values being a ‘first responder’ to support to communities when disasters strike. The team of equipped volunteers have agility and efficiently to provide immediate relief for displaced people in a mobilised and strategically co-ordinated response.
Recovery
The recovery phase of disaster management seeks to re-build and uplift communities to return to full capacity prior to the disaster event.
MITIGATION
Workshops, training and strategies are conducted to create resilient communities who are have capacity building opportunities to gain knowledge from past disaster experiences to apply mitigation practices to prevent future impact from similar disasters. These workshops are aimed at empowering communities to develop localised action and response plans to develop early warning systems and hazard identification.
OUR IMPACT IN RECENT YEARS
The Domino Foundation Disaster Response Unit (DRU) has been running since 2016 and has worked with Disaster and Humanitarian Relief, on a number of occasions, both locally and internationally, assisting with natural, biological and man-made disasters.
Partnerships to date:
- 2015 – Domino worked with the SA Red Cross to manage the Phoenix Refugee camp during the Xenophobic attacks
- 2016 – Domino assisted in Inhambane in Mozambique during the Cyclone
- 2017 – assisted eThekwini Disaster Management with Floods, Storms and Shack fires
- 2019 – Domino worked with JAM international and the United Nations in Beira Mozambique, to provide relief from Cyclone Idai
- 2019 – Domino also assisted after the Tornado in New Hanover, KZN
- 2019 – Domino partnered with the eThekwini Disaster Management Committee to assist during the KZN Floods
- 2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic; Domino partnered with the KZN Response Team (CityHope Disaster Relief, The South African Red Cross Society, Zoë-Life, and KwaZulu Natal Christian Council in response to the COVID 19 Pandemic >> VIEW DETAILS
- 2021 – Civil Unrest; Domino partnered with the KZN Response Team (CityHope Disaster Relief, The South African Red Cross Society, Zoë-Life, and KwaZulu Natal Christian Council in response to the Civil Unrest experienced in KwaZulu Natal >> VIEW DETAILS
- 2022 – KZN Floods; Domino partnered with the KZN Response Team (CityHope Disaster Relief, The South African Red Cross Society, Zoë-Life, and KwaZulu Natal Christian Council in response to the wide spread flooding that devasted many areas in KwaZulu-Natal >> VIEW DETAILS
Monitoring & Evaluation
It has been both a privilege and challenge moving into the Disaster space. Whilst there is no doubt a huge work to be done, being prepared and ready is key while ensuring we are not creating dependence.
Prepare – Respond – Mitigate!
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Contact Details
Cathy Whittle
Email: nutrition@domino.org.za
Phone: +27 (0) 31 563 9605
Fax: +27 (0) 31 563 1001
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Cathy Whittle
