Nkosi Davies V, Mbola Patience, Maleka Evelyn R, Mapheto Dikeledi M, Ngwenya Engetelo P, Mokwena Thabang S, Mohlala Silas, Langa Nchang J, Kgopa Lethabo S, Komane Octavia M
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa.
Emergency Services, Department of Disaster Risk Management, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Pretoria South Africa.
Jamba. 2025 Jul 18;17(1):1890. doi: 10.4102/jamba.v17i1.1890. eCollection 2025.
The increasing frequency of hazards such as floods, droughts, socio-political unrest, emerging diseases and rising temperatures has affected South Africa. In line with the Sendai Framework Principles (2015-2030), which anticipate that these hazards can deplete local resources and lead to disaster declarations, this empirical study investigated community vulnerabilities in Tswaing informal settlement during South Africa's dry winter season. Researchers collaborated with community leaders and officials from the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality to gain access to the study area. Using vulnerability capitals, hazard indicators were systematically identified and recorded according to a standard vulnerability assessment formula. Seven groups of students from the Environmental Health Programme at Tshwane University of Technology undertook transit walks throughout the settlement. RG101 drones equipped with Global Positioning System and smartphone connectivity were utilised for imaging and to survey inaccessible areas.
The vulnerability levels of each capital, along with corresponding indicators and trigger points observed during the transit walks, were calculated. The results indicated that while the community demonstrates a degree of resilience and adaptive capacity, several critical weaknesses remain. These include prevalent illegal electricity connections and poor waste and water quality management. The study highlights the significant role of public participation in hazard management, emphasising the importance of community engagement to ensure water quality management, basic hygiene and electricity safety awareness. These participatory measures are essential for raising awareness about potential hazards and reducing the risk of subsequent disasters.
洪水、干旱、社会政治动荡、新出现的疾病以及气温上升等灾害发生频率的增加已经对南非产生了影响。根据《仙台框架原则》（2015 - 2030年），预计这些灾害会耗尽当地资源并导致发布灾害声明，这项实证研究调查了南非干旱冬季期间茨瓦因非正规住区的社区脆弱性。研究人员与茨瓦内市大都会市政当局的社区领袖和官员合作，以进入研究区域。根据标准的脆弱性评估公式，利用脆弱性资本系统地识别和记录了灾害指标。茨瓦内理工大学环境卫生项目的七组学生在整个住区进行了巡查。配备全球定位系统和智能手机连接功能的RG101无人机被用于成像和勘测无法进入的区域。
计算了每次巡查期间观察到的每种资本的脆弱性水平以及相应指标和触发点。结果表明，虽然该社区表现出一定程度的恢复力和适应能力，但仍存在一些关键弱点。这些弱点包括普遍存在的非法电力连接以及垃圾和水质管理不善。该研究强调了公众参与灾害管理的重要作用，强调了社区参与以确保水质管理、基本卫生和用电安全意识的重要性。这些参与性措施对于提高对潜在灾害的认识以及降低后续灾害风险至关重要。
