Abstract:
The focus of this study was to contribute knowledge on indigenous pathways to
resilient decision-making process in youths from a rural stricken community in
Limpopo, South Africa. The purpose included an investigation of the key factors that
promote resilient decision-making process in youths living in an at-risk rural
community, in HaMakuya. I conducted a qualitative secondary data analysis, based
on the data collected for the Indigenous Pathways to Resilience (IPR) project.
The IPR project took place at two research sites, namely, Mpumalanga and
Limpopo. The aim of the project was to contribute toward indigenous psychology
knowledge by exploring resilience from an indigenous outlook. I purposively
selected the participants based on the needs of my study. The data I used included
audio recordings, verbatim transcripts of English and translated audio recordings,
photographs, and field notes. Responses from younger participants were prioritised,
however, information reported by older participants was also considered.
Indigenous Psychology (IP) was the theoretical framework used for guidance
throughout the study and to interpret and analyse the findings. Trustworthiness was
maintained by not altering the primary data provided. The study adopted a thematic
analysis for the interpretation of the secondary data sources where three main
themes emerged. In rural communities, a pattern of reliance on communal
authorities involved in the decision-making process to solve communal problems
was discovered. The findings of my research contribute to the developing African
perspective on indigenous knowledge base and resilient decision-making process.
