Page 73 - Research Report 2025.1

Build roads to access Municipal services
Participants highlighted the lack of road infrastructure in rural areas as a major barrier to accessing basic municipal services. Poor road networks mean that residents in some communities have to travel long distances, often by foot, to reach health care facilities, schools, or administrative offices. This limits their ability to receive timely services and increases their vulnerability during emergencies, such as pandemics and natural disasters.
SOME KEY IMPLICATIONS
Participant 7
In our area, we still have areas which does not have access, just to roads. Roads infrastructure. So if we do not have access road which means we cannot be able to then access municipal services. For example, basic government things to go to a clinic. Some areas will go for about 2 hours to
access a clinic.
The results from the study highlight several key recommendations for improving resilience and sustainable recovery from pandemics and disasters in rural areas. These recommendations are drawn from different aspects of governance, planning, community engagement, and infrastructure development. Below is an analysis of the findings, categorised by the thematic codes.
Integrated and Inclusive Planning for Resilience
The findings emphasise the need for coordinated and inclusive planning processes that involve all community members. Participant 1 stressed the importance of government and community collaboration in planning, particularly during disasters, to ensure equitable distribution of services.The notion of“accounting for each and every person”reflects the need for accurate data collection and engagement to make sure that no community members are left out of planning efforts. Additionally, the mention of economic opportunities as a factor in resilience underscores the importance of long-term economic planning alongside disaster preparedness.
This highlights that resilience to disasters is not only about immediate response mechanisms but also requires a deeper understanding of the community’s demographics, needs, and economic vulnerabilities. Inclusive planning ensures that marginalised groups, including those with unstable income sources, are taken into account, fostering long-term resilience.
Responsive and Accountable Leadership
Participants identified the need for leadership that is both responsive and accountable during times of crisis. Participant 2 and Participant 6 pointed out that political leadership must be able to effectively manage resources, involve the community in decision-making, and ensure that monitoring and evaluation processes are in place. Effective leadership was seen as key to ensuring community trust and transparency in resource allocation.
The findings suggest that disaster resilience is heavily dependent on the quality of local leadership. Leaders must not only be capable of making decisions in crises but must also be proactive in engaging the public and demonstrating accountability. This would enhance community participation and strengthen public trust in leadership, which is crucial during emergencies.
Culturally Appropriate and Inclusive Solutions
The results emphasise the need for culturally appropriate and inclusive disaster recovery strategies. Participant 3 pointed out that disaster assistance must be sensitive to the diversity within communities, including LGBTQIA groups, disabled individuals, and cultural differences. The need for inclusive solutions was also linked to broader planning efforts, such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), ensuring that diverse voices are incorporated in policy-making.
Tailoring disaster response and recovery efforts to the cultural and social context of each community ensures that no group is marginalised or excluded. By integrating diverse voices in planning, local governments can provide more effective and equitable recovery efforts. It also fosters community cohesion, as diverse groups feel recognised and supported during times of crisis.
Education and Capacity Building
The findings point to education and capacity building as key factors in improving disaster resilience. Participant 4 and Participant 5 highlighted the role of education in reducing deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the importance of equipping communities with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. They also mentioned the need to train communities in building more resilient homes and preparing for future disasters.
Educating communities about disaster preparedness and risk mitigation is a critical element of building resilience.This not only saves lives but also helps communities respond more effectively during crises. Furthermore, capacity building ensures that individuals are better equipped to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and livelihoods. The investment in education creates long-
term benefits by fostering a culture of resilience.
Collaboration with Higher Learning and Research Institutions
The results highlight the importance of collaboration between local governments and higher learning institutions to develop research-based solutions for disaster resilience. Focus group participants pointed out that recurring hazards, such as veld fires, could be better addressed through partnerships with universities, which would provide insights into local hazards and help develop
RESEARCH REPORT 2025 | 71