Masters Degrees (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC))

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC)) by Advisor "Raphela, Tlou"

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    Dissemination of disaster early warning messages for floods in Vosloorus Township
    (University of the Free State, 2021-10) Ekeke, Nompumelelo Sibongile; Raphela, Tlou
    The implementation of early warning systems by municipalities affects how communities cope with disasters such as floods. Although the technical aspects of the collection of weather and climate data have improved over the years, the dissemination of effective early warning messages to semi-urban communities remains a challenge. The main aim of this study was to investigate how the City of Ekurhuleni disseminated early warning messages to the community of Vosloorus Township during the 2019 floods from the perspective of the community. Most of the respondents stated that they did not receive early warning alerts from the municipality pertaining to these floods. Furthermore, the community’s perception is that the mechanisms used by the City of Ekurhuleni to dissemine early warning messages are not effective enough to enable community members to save lives and their properties from impending disasters. The objective of this study also included investigation of the methods and procedures used by the city to communicate early warning messages to the community of Vosloorus Township. An investigation was undertaken of disaster management policies and strategies that underpin the communication of disaster information to communities in informal settlements within Vosloorus Township. In addition, coping mechanisms implemented by the affected communities to lessen the impacts of floods were also assessed in this study. Begg, De Ramon & Lese (2021) argue that government entities must pay attention to both climatic and non-climatic information when building resilience against disaster impacts within communities. This study was conducted using mixed methods. Mixed method is defined as the implementation of two methods used to investigate a singular phenomena in a study.(Abro et al., 2015). This study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyse data but also deal with the social components of early warning systems in the City of Ekurhuleni. The results of the study showed that the community of Vosloorus Township preferred the formation of community flood management committees as a measure to mitigate challenges relating to the dissemination of effective early warning messages to the community. The City of Ekurhuleni should consider implementing some improvements in the existing early warning systems to bridge the gap between the collection of weather data and ensuring that the disseminated disaster alerts reach the targeted communities.
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    The prevalence of trauma symptoms and coping used in a disaster-affected community in Johannesburg, South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Parkins, Colleen Ann; Raphela, Tlou; Du Plessis, Edwin
    Worldwide, the prevalence of trauma symptoms and coping mechanisms used in a disaster-affected community have received little attention, especially in developing countries. This study, therefore, assessed the prevalence of trauma symptoms and coping mechanisms in the Setswetla informal settlement located within the flood line of the Jukskei River in the Alexandra township, in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The area is subject to disasters such as floods and shack fires. This study used the Harvard trauma questionnaire to assess the prevalence of trauma symptoms in Setswetla, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, known as the brief COPE questionnaire, to determine the coping mechanisms used in the community. The results of the study indicate that 86% of the respondents have experienced or witnessed a disaster, and there is evidence of trauma symptoms among them. Whether the respondent has witnessed a disaster, as well as their income and employment status, relates to the prevalence of trauma symptoms. The Brief COPE questionnaire indicates that respondents exhibiting symptoms of trauma use coping mechanisms. A questionnaire on the experience of the Setswetla community of the Covid-19 pandemic indicates difficulty with complying with the regulations meant to stop the spread of the virus, as overcrowding and shared facilities make social distancing difficult. Loss of livelihoods from the lockdown regulations and the pandemic is also a concern. While the scope of the dissertation does not include addressing poverty and the systemic failure of the mental health system at a national level, recommendations are made for managing trauma and stress at the community level. It is recommended that disaster management first responders, as well as community leaders and community disaster management volunteers, be trained in Psychological First Aid to render initial assistance in the event of a disaster or other traumatic event. It is also recommended that wellness and stress management programmes be introduced in the community to assist residents with alleviating symptoms of stress and trauma and starting conversations around mental health to address the stigma that is still prevalent around such issues. Addressing and preventing symptoms of trauma could lead to improved functioning in Setswetla on an individual and community level.
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    The socio-economic impacts of floods in Kudube informal settlement in the city of Tshwane, Gauteng province of South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2021-11) Moraba, Raesetje Evelyn; Raphela, Tlou
    Flooding is a common natural disaster around the world, and the City of Tshwane is not excluded from this commonality. Both informal and formal settlements in the city are affected by flooding though the impacts are not the same. Flooding has a potential to damage properties, disrupt normal daily activities, and is responsible for loss of life. It is against this background that this study assessed how flooding affects the Kudube Unit 9 community socially and economically. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires, observations and focus group interviews. This study utilised two conceptual models namely the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) and Pressure and release (PAR). CCF model examined the seven capitals for analysing Kudube informal settlement conditions. On the other hand, PAR models examined the flood vulnerability conditions of Kudube informal settlement. The raw quantitative data was analysed using SPSS statistical model. The research findings show that the most vulnerable groups are people living with disabilities as reported by participants (questionnaire). This is contrary to focus group, which reported children as the most vulnerable group in this community. Furthermore, this study found that most of the respondents are unemployed and rely on either temporary jobs or some social grants for survival. This study established that flooding has negatively affected the residents economically and socially as floods were found to be contributing to severe economic loss in this community.