Indigenous pathways to resilient decision-making process in rural South African youth

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.