Natural disasters : communal traditional coping strategies among members of Runnymede, South Africa

Abstract

The changing of global warming and the participation of human activities has seen the rise of disasters globally. In their nature, natural disasters leave vulnerable community members homeless and health challenges. As a result, those affected tend to be in serious need of counselling; that is where social workers get involved. On that note, this study aimed to explore and describe the communal traditional coping strategies used by Runnymede community members in the face of natural disasters. This study adopted a qualitative research approach using exploratory-descriptive research designs. The study was conducted at Runnymede Village, found in Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researchers used a purposive sampling design to sample community members at Runnymede village who could shed light on the factors contributing to natural disasters and coping strategies. The researchers used individual semi-structured interviews to interview 9 participants in the study. The collected data was then analysed thematically using Thematic Content Analysis. The study found that socio-economic factors predispose community members to natural disasters. It further indicated that several strategies, that is, traditional practices and prayers, are adopted by community members to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The study concludes that even though community members are exposed to the rampage effects of natural disasters, they still use their indigenous knowledge to mitigate those effects.