Exploring the perspectives of primary school children on disaster risk reduction and adaptation. A case study of flood experiences in Mamelodi East

Abstract

Floods have affected the community of Mamelodi East twice in less than four years (Mahlokwane, 2023), resulting in property loss, loss of life, and displacement. The local government has been accused of making empty promises regarding the relocation of families to alternative spaces (Mabona, 2022; Mahlokwane, 2023), raising concerns about what might happen if the community is affected again. Children, as a particularly vulnerable group, are affected by floods through loss, injury, and illnesses, yet they are seldom meaningfully consulted in decisions related to disaster risk reduction (DRR). The study used resilience theory as its theoretical framework, emphasising how vulnerabilities and protective factors affect the community’s preparedness for floods and adaptation strategies. The goal of the study was to explore the perspectives of primary school children on DRR and adaptation through a case study of their flood experiences in Mamelodi East. The study employed a qualitative research approach and used participatory action research as a subtype of applied research. The research design was an exploratory case study. Purposeful sampling was used to select four learners from grades four, five, and six at Viva Independent School as participants. Data were collected through photovoice and semi-structured one-on-one interviews. The data were analysed using the six phases of the reflexive thematic approach. The findings indicate that human behaviours, such as waste dumping in the river and vulnerable infrastructure, contribute to flooding in the community. This results in deaths and injuries, destruction of assets and infrastructure, adverse effects on livelihoods, and forced displacement. The findings further suggest that the community’s resilience is undermined by systemic issues such as poverty, inadequate access to resources, infrastructure vulnerabilities, safety during floods, and the lack of early warning systems, factors that all affect the community’s preparedness for future floods. The study concluded that behaviour modification, especially in waste management, along with good governance, could reduce the factors contributing to floods. furthermore, limited awareness of DRR and structural issues contributes to the disproportionate impact experienced by the community during floods. Additionally, a comprehensive pathway for strategic changes such as “building back better,” should be implemented with meaningful community participation. The study recommends comprehensive education on DRR, key partnerships, and sustainable development as strategies to enhance the community’s preparedness for future floods. Social work can play a role through systemic planning and interventions aimed at integrating the developmental approach in disaster risk reduction. This includes advocacy for improved service delivery on basic needs by local government, such as the relocation of informal dwellers living along floodplains, and the implementation of measures to prevent new residents from settling in vacated areas.