Page 54 - Research Report 2025.1

Community-Based Financial Networks
Another form of resilience comes from community-based financial networks, such as burial stokvels. These informal savings groups bring community members together to pool resources, which can be used to provide financial support during times of crisis, such as funerals. The focus group noted that these stokvels not only offer monetary assistance but also contribute food and other essential items, fostering a sense of solidarity and financial security among rural families.
Focus Group participant
“ The social networks that, the communities I have seen. Belong to, community burial Stokvel Okay. Where you find that in the event, that a member of whatever family has passed on. They would come in and contribute some whether it’s money, 20 Rands, or it’s food in the terms of food. So that they would they would show support of on the on the family of the deceased..”
The results show that social networks are essential to strengthening the resilience of rural communities, particularly in disaster situations and during periods of economic difficulty. These networks operate at multiple levels, providing a mix of informal and formal support that enhances the community’s ability to recover from crises and sustain livelihoods over time.
Social networks rooted in traditional leadership and community-based organisations play a significant role in providing direct support to affected individuals. Participant 1 emphasised that rural communities still maintain a strong sense of Ubuntu, where neighbors, friends, and family provide essential support to one another,including shelter and resources during disasters.These support structures are closely tied to traditional leadership and religious leaders, who are often seen as trustworthy figures in the community.
Social networks also function as hubs for information dissemination, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. Participant 2 highlighted that even individuals living in urban areas, such as Sandton, use social networks to send crucial information back to their rural communities. This flow of information is key for accessing resources, learning about available aid, or preparing for potential disasters. Additionally, Participant 6 pointed out that some local government strategies include providing Internet access in rural zones to further enhance communication and ensure that communities are informed about opportunities that can help alleviate poverty.
Social media has emerged as an important tool for crisis communication in rural areas. Participant 3 explained that government bodies like disaster management units and health departments use platforms like Facebook to share information about crises, services, and interventions. WhatsApp groups are used to reach ward committees and community leaders, ensuring that critical information is quickly disseminated to the grassroots level. This rapid communication helps communities prepare for and respond to emergencies more effectively, even when formal communication channels are slow or unreliable.
A notable illustration of social networks can be seen in the mutual assistance provided by farmers during times of agricultural crises.. Participant 4 described how farmers in Matatiele came together to help each other during a severe disaster, with even farmers from neighboring districts, such as Harding and Drakensburg, providing assistance. This sense of solidarity and mutual aid was instrumental in ensuring that those affected did not face complete financial ruin. This highlights how social networks, especially in agriculture, are critical for recovery and resilience in the face of economic shocks.
Another key aspect of resilience-building through social networks is the use of community-based financial structures such as burial stokvels. These informal savings groups help families handle financial burdens in times of crisis, such as during funerals. As highlighted by the focus group, these stokvels not only provide financial contributions but also food and other resources, enabling community members to support one another in difficult times. Such collective financial security measures are crucial in rural areas where access to formal financial services may be limited.
SOME KEY IMPLICATIONS
The findings underscore the critical role that social networks play in strengthening resilience in rural communities. These networks whether based on traditional leadership, mutual aid, social media, or community-based financial structures provide essential support during crises, enabling communities to recover and sustain their livelihoods. The implications of these findings are wide-ranging and impact future strategies for disaster management, community development, and policy formulation.
1. Importance of Strengthening Traditional Leadership and Community Support Systems
The reliance on traditional leadership and the spirit of Ubuntu for community-based support demonstrates the importance of preserving and strengthening these traditional networks. These systems enable rapid and organised responses to crises, where community members help each other by providing shelter, food, and other resources. The implication is that any future policy aimed at building resilience in rural areas should include measures to formalize and strengthen these community based structures. Governments and NGOs should collaborate with traditional leaders to ensure that these informal support systems are integrated into broader disaster management and recovery plans.
2. Enhancing Access to Information through Social Networks
The role of social networks as information hubs is crucial in bridging the communication gap between rural and urban areas. Access to timely and relevant information can make a significant difference in how rural communities prepare for and respond to crises. The implication is that improving access to digital communication platforms, such as social media and Internet cafes, can further enhance
52 | STUDY OBJECTIVE II