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

Permanent URI for this collection

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14
  • ItemMetadata only
    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.
  • ItemMetadata only
    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.
  • ItemMetadata only
    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.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Assessing emergency response mechanisms to informal settlement fires in Cape Town
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Pienaar, Jonathan Cecil Victor; Ncube, Alice
  • ItemOpen Access
    An analysis of drought preparedness interventions in Daluka ward, Lupane district, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Ndlovu, Tobias; Belle, Johannes
    Drought is a natural phenomenon and affects almost all areas of the world. What is important is for those communities at risk to prepare and plan for drought to lessen its impact on their livelihoods. Analysis of drought preparedness, therefore, helps to explain why some communities are hard hit by the effects of drought and some are continuously affected by droughts. This study analysed drought preparedness interventions in Daluka ward of Lupane district in Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe. The research objectives that guided the research study were to; assess drought preparedness planning interventions; assess the challenges faced by communities when responding and recovering from drought disaster; determine the effectiveness of drought preparedness interventions in Daluka ward and make recommendations concerning relevant drought preparedness interventions for Daluka ward. The researcher used a case study qualitative research method to do an in-depth analysis of drought preparedness. The main findings of the study showed that Daluka ward is not prepared to deal with drought. Lack of preparedness stems from the fact that the frequency and impact of drought seem to be increasing, coupled with underlying poverty and poor soils, the community has failed to respond and fully recover from each drought event. Poverty and the increased frequency of drought have eroded the community’s adaptive and absorptive capitals. The study identified that interventions that are meant to manage drought are reactive and focus on drought response. Most interventions are meant to provide short term relief when drought strikes. The centralised management of drought makes it difficult for the community to participate in the drought preparedness and response role being handed over to the government and NGOs. On the other hand, the government and NGOs have not involved the Daluka community in drought risk assessment, information and early warning systems. Preparedness has not been effective and there is no action even after early warnings are given. Capacity building and training that is provided by the government and NGOs focus mainly on conservation agriculture which focuses on food production ignoring water resources management and other adaptive strategies. The study, therefore, recommends that drought management should be more proactive and increase the participation of community members in resources mobilisation for preparedness and response. Drought planning should thus start at the micro-level (village) and emphasis should be on preparedness and mitigation instead of response. Preparedness will ensure there is an effective drought response.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into disaster management: a case of Kwazulu-Natal Human Settlements in response to October 2017 storm damage
    (University of the Free State, 2020) Mabengu, Ncumisa; Booysen, Herman
    Geographic Information System (GIS) has been used internationally as the support system to better respond to disasters. Since South Africa is not immune to disasters the intention of the study was to establish whether GIS services are integrated into disaster management in KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements (KZN DHS) focusing on response to the October 2017 storm disaster experienced by the province. As the basis of the discussions in the study literature review was used to contextualise the study and to identify trends in the integration of GIS into disaster responses. A combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was considered for data collection and analysis. The results were presented in a tabular and graphical format to display the frequency of responses. The study revealed the existence of Disaster Management and GIS units in KZN DHS but limited interaction amongst the officials. More participants supported the notion of integration of GIS into disaster management in general in order to respond efficiently to disasters.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Re-blocking informal settlements: investigating the hazard and risk reduction strategy for Langaville, City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2020) Tsebe, Esther Shadi Morakane; Ncube, Alice
    The aim of the study was to investigate re-blocking Langaville Informal Settlement in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The study affirms that re-blocking improved the lives of community members in informal settlements in such a manner as to optimally use space to promote the health, safety and well-being of households, with particular focus on promoting accelerated service delivery to informal settlements in the City of Ekurhuleni Gauteng Province of South Africa. Core of the investigation was hazard and risk reduction strategy. To meet the objectives of the study both qualitative and quantitative research approach underpinned by the theory of risk reduction was used. The study employed a research questionnaire that was used to collect data from randomly selected community participants and a focus group discussion, of which the participants were employees at management level in the City of Ekurhuleni and were identified from service delivery departments. Primary sources of data were obtained from both community participants and managers in service delivery departments. A document review of government documents, legislation and observation was used as secondary data sources. The researcher analysed data based on the findings of the questionnaire dealing with qualitative and quantitative (using SPSS program) study of Langaville Extension 1 from 230 community members and the second part was based on the results of focus group discussion that was conducted with the project team responsible for Re-blocking in Ekurhuleni municipality to arrive at a conclusion and recommendation, The study concluded that re-blocking did indeed reduce risks within the communities in Langaville informal settlement in the City of Ekurhuleni. It further purported that service delivery water, sanitation, electrification, waste collection and other public space improved in Langaville because of re-blocking. The study indicated that the community of Langaville Informal Settlement was happy with the improvements made through re-blocking. It also showed that service delivery improved DRR through re-blocking. The advantages of re-blocking were that Informal settlements residents would have improved access to basic services (water, sanitation, electrification, waste collection and other public space improvements) in line with available resources; improved partnership with settlement communities who actively participate in the planning and implementation of projects aimed at making the settlements livable and a safer integrated public realm. Challenges in the communities were also addressed through reblocking i.e., reduced fire incidents and budgetary constraints are addressed through staggering the program. The community of Langaville ext. 1 Informal Settlement was happy with the improvements made through re-blocking and they still felt that the government should assist in building the houses. It is recommended that the existing re-blocking forum be strengthened to enable managers to coordinate all re-blocking interventions and to follow up progress in informal settlements. Regular reporting and control are of utmost importance in ensuring sufficient resources are in place.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Spirituality and its contribution to increasing psychological resilience and decreasing burnout amongst first responders in the City of Johannesburg
    (University of the Free State, 2021-04) Williams, Rebecca Jane; Du Plessis, Edwin
    First responders around the world suffer from high levels of burnout and other psychological symptoms related to their exposure to traumatic events. Psychological resilience is an important factor in mitigating the effects of this exposure, whereas the effects of spirituality/religiosity have not been clearly determined. The primary aim of this study was to determine the levels of work-related burnout and psychological resilience among first responders working in the City of Johannesburg. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the levels of religiosity and spirituality in this population and their correlation with psychological resilience and work-related burnout. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, and criterion-group design was used. Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and disaster managers employed by the City of Johannesburg were identified using purposive sampling, eventually constituting a sample of 111 participants. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Duke University Religion scale and a biographical questionnaire were used to gather information from the participants. Stepwise regression analysis was done to determine the association between burnout, resilience and religiosity/spirituality. Results from the study showed that first responders had high levels of burnout and were not always able to access the help they required. Having attended stress management training correlated with higher resilience and lower burnout scores. For the sub-group of firefighters, higher levels of spirituality correlated with both increased resilience and lower burnout scores. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for increased mental health awareness, training and access to support structures for first responders.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Assessing the resilience of female smallholder farmers to drought: a case study of Frances Baard District, South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Sigenu, Mendi; Kunguma, Olivia
    The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of drought hazards on smallholder female farmers of Frances Baard District Municipality district and to assess their coping, adaptation, and resilience to droughts as compared to smallholder male farmers in the rural communities. The study also sought to assess the vulnerability of smallholder female farmers regarding drought hazards in Frances Baard District Municipality. In addition, the study sought to investigate drought resiliency of smallholder male farmers as compared to smallholder female farmers. Furthermore, the study investigated drought coping and adaptation mechanisms of smallholder female farmers use as compared to the male farmers. Lastly, the research assessed the communication strategies employed by male and female smallholder farmers to foster drought resilience. This paved way for the provision of recommendations to address drought challenges for smallholder female farmers. The Harvard Framework guided this study for gender analysis; it was applicable and relevant in a variety of ways for this research. The study adopted a qualitative single case study. It also applied an interpretivist philosophy to understand how female smallholder farmers are affected by drought, and to what extent are they resilient compared to their male counterparts. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Primary data was collected using a Focus Group Discussion Interview Guide. This research followed Terre Blanche, Durrheim, and Kelly’s (2006) guidelines for data analysis. The study found that drought has various economic, environmental, and social consequences in Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Magareng, and Phokwane farming communities. Even though the study sought to investigate the resilience of female smallholder farmers to drought, it concluded that both male and female smallholder farmers are vulnerable to drought. The study also found that both smallholder male and female farmers are resilient, but male farmers are more resilient since they have access to and control farming resources and agricultural benefits. This study concluded that both smallholder farmers preserve agricultural income for future use, as well as harvest and keep livestock for future use. The study recommends the preservation of biodiversity, open space, and trees, and reduction of land degradation, diversification of crop varieties, crop insurance, and maintenance of soil health and continued use of communication strategies. Further research may cover other antecedents of the resilience of female smallholder farms to drought.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Assessing the possible effects of revitalisation of the Bisho Central Business District (CBD) on fire response: case study Bisho CBD in Eastern Cape
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Daniso, Nqatyiswa; De Wet, Linda
    Bisho Central Business District (CBD) was revitalised in 2016 and is now neat and presentable. However, the refurbishment is a dangerous ticking time bomb caused by the blocking of fire hydrants, narrowing of streets and inaccessibility of high-rise building by fire engines. The study aimed at assessing the probable effects of revitalisation of Bisho CBD on Fire Response, in the quest to ascertain the best methods to diminish the consequences of fire adversity risks of the high-rise building in Bisho CBD and appraising the effect of Bisho CBD revitalisation that lead to narrowing the access roads in Bisho CBD, in Eastern Cape. Structures encompass numerous primary and secondary foundations that add to fire perils; and in the occurrence of a fire adversity the building could be partially or completely destroyed. Quick responses and effective execution of fire-fighters save peoples’ lives, reduce the number of injuries and minimize property damages and therefore this is an essential part of their work. Non-probability method using purposive sampling was employed in the selection of eighty four (84) partakers from BCMM Fire Stations. The study acknowledged the mixed method approach, and the data was gathered through questionnaires and documents. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed to the potential partakers with eighty four completed questionnaires returned. Data was analysed using MS Excel. Data from the questionnaires was shown in a quantitative as well as narrative manner and presented clearly in order to conclude the impact evaluated on emergency response in Bisho CBD revitalisation and also ascertain the mitigation measures of the calamity perils caused by fires in a study area. The findings will assist in developing the recommendations of the study.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Impact of floods on rural livelihoods of people residing in flood prone areas: the case of Luhonono community in the Zambezi region of Namibia
    (University of the Free State, 2015) Mashebe, Mashebe Percy; Jordaan, Andries
    This study examined the impact of floods on the livelihoods of the community of the Luhonono area, formerly Schuckmannsburg, in the Kabbe constituency in the Zambezi region of Namibia. The problem identified is the persistent flooding in the Luhonono area, giving rise to the need to examine the impact of floods on the livelihoods of the local community. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches, utilising both descriptive and exploratory designs. The target population for the study was all the heads of hou eholds, community leaders and political counci llors of government in Luhonono area. The study applied both purposive sampling and simple random sampling techn iques. Purposive sampling was used to select three, in formation-rich key info rmants; the area Headman, the Councillor and the Community Development Committee member (CDC). A simple random sampling technique was used to choose a sample of 169 participants from a total of 800 households in the area. Structured questionnaires and an interview guide were used as research instruments to collect the data from the sample. The data collected was computed using the Excel computer program and the data was analysed by both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Chi Square tests were carried out to determine the association of villages and severity of the flooding to the respondents. Hypotheses to test this association were examined using the Chi Square method. It was established that there is no association between the villages and the overall severity of the floods in the Luhonono area. This implies that all the villages were equally affected by the flood. On the other hand, the results of the study showed that floods impacted more severely on one or more of the crops, livestock, water quality, child education, livelihoods and dwellings. The results have shown that crops and child education were the most affected. The study further recommended that the Government of the Republic of Namibia should step up the relocation drives (considering the willingness of the affected people), linked to positive incentives which would be a longterm solution, unlike the temporary provision of utilities during times of flooding.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Assessing non-governmental organizations (NGOS) drought risk management strategies in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe
    (University of the Free State, 2014) Bhebe, Babra Ontibile; Jordaan, Andries
    Drought represents a major constraint on agricultural production in Zimbabwe. Every year, NGOs intervene in drought affected areas to alleviate hunger and starvation. According to the Zimbabwe VuLnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) (2012) approximately 1 million people (12 per cent of the population) required food assistance at the peak of the 2011/2012 dry season. It is argued that, this number increased in 2013 to 1.6 million - which accounted to nearly one in five rural people in Zimbabwe (ZimVAC, 2012). Drought has had wide ranging effects to communities including; widespread malnutrition, deaths of livestock, loss of income, declining environmental health standards and massive migration. Amongst the factors that worsen drought impact in Zimbabwe are HIV/AIDS, massive dependence on rain fed agriculture and climate change. Past studies have focused on coping strategies adopted by drought distressed communities covering different case studies. Although this has been useful in understanding the survival strategies of communities, researchers have not studied the drought problem and how non- governmental organizations have contributed in mitigating it. This thesis therefore contributes new and unique evidence on the approaches employed by NGOs in mitigating drought in Zimbabwe. The study is specifically based on a case study which was conducted in Masholomoshe village located in Ward 1 of Gwanda rural district. Through the use of both secondary and documented evidence and primary data the study found out that, most NGO drought interventions are short term relief measures and do not focus on preparedness, prevention, or mitigation aspects of drought management. This thesis also reveals the need to promote proactive drought risk reduction strategies and activities to address community vulnerabilities to drought rather than relying solely on emergency response measures. This entails a 'transition from crisis management' to 'drought risk management'. The conclusions from this large and original dataset are placed within the context of the wider academic debates. The need for new, relevant and more diverse samples is emphasized to advance discussions on the effectiveness of NGO strategies in drought risk management in Gwanda.
  • ItemOpen Access
    An optimised model for the regulatory management of human-induced health and safety risks associated with hazardous facilities in South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2016-11) Niemand, Alfonso; Jordaan, A. J.; Minnaar, H. F. B.
    The society we live in is becoming more complex by the day as a result of a multitude of factors, such as economic development, wars, terrorist attacks, technological innovation and societal demands for wealth creation. Human populations are rapidly growing to extremes, where the sustainable utilisation of natural and man-made resources is stretched to the limit. The regulation of major hazard installations near densely populated areas in South Africa and worldwide has consequently become critical. South African legislation on the health and safety of people in and around hazardous facilities does not cover an exogenous, outward-focused approach by which communities around the hazardous installation are assessed to determine their vulnerability to a major disastrous incident. This legislation is largely based on legislation developed in the United Kingdom under the guidance of their Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and is fragmented and spread across several government departments. An optimised model was developed in this study for the regulatory management of human-induced health and safety risks associated with hazardous facilities in South Africa. The model is based on a systems approach, with three open and interactive domains or spheres where the hazardous facility has an influence: environment, community and the hazardous facility itself. The model further contains the concept of disaster vulnerability, not only as regards the employees at the hazardous facility and the communities around the facility, but also the organisation that houses the hazardous facility. The concepts of the social and economic sustainability of communities at and around the hazardous facility are also introduced in the model, as well as the sustainability of the organisation and business continuity, as critical parts of the regulatory management process. The model has been verified against 21 critical success factors for effective legislation in health and safety, three relevant case studies from South Africa, India and England, the South African disaster regulatory framework as well as 14 local Acts and Regulations relevant to the governance of the health and safety of people.
  • ItemOpen Access
    An analysis of agricultural development projects as a tool to increase community resilience: a case of Monze district in Zambia
    (University of the Free State, 2013-02) Banda, Bowen; Jordaan, Andries J.
    The aim of this study was to analyse why social vulnerability was on the increase in Monze District, Southern Province of Zambia despite the many agricultural development projects that were implemented. To understand this phenomenon, the study evaluated the design and implementation of current agricultural development projects in Monze District from two perspectives. The first perspective focused on the user and the second focused on the planners. This evaluation was done to understand how these developmental projects were designed and implemented, and how the projects contributed to enhancing community resilience to reduce social vulnerability among people at risk in two sampled communities in Monze. The two communities had the same weighted magnitude of risk and social vulnerability but different number of agricultural development projects being implemented. From a user perspective, one of the two communities assessed with less project interventions was treated as a control whilst the second with more project interventions was treated as the intervention study area. Thus, the study utilised a mixed design method to undertake field community resilience analysis. It further utilised the sample survey and focused group discussions. The study randomly sampled 74 households to solicit views on their inherent community resilience and how they perceived it to have been increased by agricultural development projects. Views from the community members were collected and analysed using a modified sustainable livelihoods framework. From a planner’s perspective, the projects were analysed using content analysis and personal contacts with some planners, monitoring and evaluation officers including projects officers. Results show three main outcomes. The first outcome is that Keemba Community with seven developmental projects out of twelve being implemented in Monze exhibited less resilience when analysed using the modified sustainable livelihoods model. Nalutanda with three developmental projects exhibited more resilience. The third outcome was that the communities did not attribute their current resilience capacity levels to the effects of the current developmental projects except for hazard early warning awareness. The study expectations were that Keemba should have had more resilience since it had more developmental projects being implemented. In this way the increased and enhanced resilience in Keemba would have been attributed to appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, relevancy and sustainability of the many agricultural developmental projects that were being implemented. Since the findings were contrary, the study concluded that the agricultural development projects being implemented were not effective at increasing community resilience in terms of their design, planning and implementation. As such, the projects did not contribute effectively to the reduction of social vulnerability and needed to be redesigned to mainstream disaster risk reduction. The study further discovered that poverty levels were still high in both communities studied despite the interventions. The high poverty levels contributed to the prevailing low resilience and thus to increased social vulnerability in Monze, as well.