Community politics: A factor eroding hazard resilience in a disadvantaged community, Imizamo Yethu, South Africa

Abstract

Imizamo Yethu is an informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa, characterised by abject poverty and high vulnerability to environmental hazards. On February 8, 2004, a major fire caused significant damage to the settlement’s housing and infrastructure, resulting in widespread homelessness and loss of personal possessions. Despite the intensity of the event, there were minimal casualties and the community re-grouped after the fire despite overwhelming odds. What was the source of this resilience amidst such disadvantage? A survey focusing on this question was conducted in 2004 with Imizamo Yethu residents. Results identified social networks and some formal community institutions as the most significant factors enhancing respondents’ resilience during and after the fire. However, the survey also disturbingly revealed that political divisions centering on a land rights dispute within the community, and on-going housing issues, were undermining community resilience. Disrupted social networks and eroded community cohesion caused by political factors have the potential to further diminish resilience against hazards in the future.