Page 33 - Research Report 2025.1

Participant 5
“They are DMOs, disaster management officers, and the field workers that have been, employed by the Alfred Ndzo to make
sure Alfred Ndzo is always prepared for disasters. They are disaster management plans and policies here in Alfred Ndzo. Okay.
That, yeah, responsive to or, preparing the municipality for whatever that can happen. There’s also the in terms of institutional arrangements within the disaster management, yeah, unit within the Alfred Ndzo that there is a disaster management forum where the district as a whole, that the Alfred Ndzo district municipality, and the all the family of municipalities forming up Alfred Ndzo. They sit together and discuss the issues of the of the disaster. Also, there is a JOC. That was established during the pandemic, and it’s still working today..”
Participant 6
As local municipality, we have many programs in place to say let’s have awareness’s. We are busy with awareness campaigns just to sensitise people but Function relies with the district municipality. The disaster does not happen for the district municipality but for us. And people do not know the district municipality they know us. Hence, I’m saying we have awareness campaign and have some precautional measures in place to say about let’s advice in terms of building. There are structures, as to what shape they should be, not to build in certain places.
SOME KEY IMPLICATIONS
Awareness Campaigns and Preventative Measures
To mitigate disaster risks, awareness campaigns and preventative measures have been implemented by the local government. Participant 6 described how these programs aim to educate the community on disaster preparedness and safe building practices, stressing the importance of public engagement in reducing vulnerability.
The Temporary Nature of NGO Support and the Need for Long-term Solutions
The reliance on NGOs and local businesses during disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the community’s dependence on external support. Although NGOs such as the Red Cross, Alumdad Foundation, and Gift of the Givers played a critical role in providing relief ranging from food parcels to water provision via boreholes their aid is often temporary. Participant 4 underscored the impermanence of such support, noting that “there are NGOs that are here supporting, but they can’t be here forever.” This implies a critical need for developing more sustainable, long-term solutions that can reduce reliance on short-term external aid and build local capacity for disaster resilience. As Participant 5 mentioned, partnerships with entities like Old Mutual and Santam focus on capacity building, but these efforts must be scaled to foster self-reliant local systems.
Exploitative Microfinancing Practices Hampering Recovery
Microfinancing, while designed to provide financial aid to vulnerable populations, has been criticised for its exploitative nature in the region. Participant 4 noted that microfinancing in the Alfred Nzo District often worsens the financial condition of those already struggling, with individuals borrowing small amounts but repaying exorbitant sums. This presents a significant obstacle to sustainable economic recovery following disasters. The misuse of microfinancing perpetuates economic instability rather than offering a path toward financial recovery, especially in post-disaster contexts where vulnerable groups require accessible financial tools to rebuild.
Institutional Structures for Disaster Management and Gaps in Efficiency
The district has established formal disaster management structures, including the Joint Operations Centers (JOCs), which coordinate disaster responses across multiple government departments. Participant 3 explained that disaster management officers (DMOs) and field workers are actively involved in preparing for and responding to disasters. However, there are lingering concerns about the effectiveness of coordination and the speed at which these institutions can respond to emergencies.While the existence of such frameworks is essential, as Participant 5 outlined, the effectiveness of these structures is dependent on consistent execution and intergovernmental coordination. There is a need for improvements in operational efficiency, particularly in handling large-scale or multiple disasters simultaneously.
Preventative Measures and Public Awareness Campaigns
Efforts have been made by local government institutions to prevent and mitigate the impact of disasters through awareness campaigns and public education programs. As Participant 6 mentioned, these campaigns focus on sensitizing communities about safe building practices and disaster preparedness. However, the impact of these campaigns is limited by inconsistent implementation and challenges in reaching all areas of the district. A more robust, continuous awareness strategy is needed to ensure community engagement and preparedness in the face of recurring disasters, such as floods and droughts.
Broader Implications for Disaster Resilience
Building Sustainable Disaster Response Systems
To reduce dependency on short-term aid from NGOs and local businesses, it is crucial to strengthen local disaster management capacity. This includes developing long-term strategies, such as bolstering local infrastructure and providing permanent solutions to water and food security challenges,especially in the face of recurring disasters like droughts and floods.The efforts of external actors must transition from short-term aid to capacity building for local communities.
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