Abstract
This study critically examined the critical success factors that influence disaster risk management (DRM) in South Africa’s local government for improved sustainable development. In the context of increasing disaster frequency and climate-related vulnerabilities, the research aimed to determine which institutional, legislative, and operational factors enable or constrain municipalities in effectively implementing DRM. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study combined quantitative and qualitative data across three metropolitan municipalities, namely the City of Johannesburg, the City of Tshwane, and the City of Cape Town. The quantitative phase employed descriptive statistical analysis to identify prevailing trends and challenges. These findings informed the qualitative phase, which utilised semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore practitioner experiences and contextual dynamics in depth.
The findings revealed that while municipalities demonstrate awareness of DRM principles and possess foundational policy frameworks aligned with the Disaster Management Act of 2002 and the National Disaster Management Framework, implementation remains fragmented. Key challenges include limited interdepartmental collaboration, insufficient resource allocation, inadequate capacity development, and poor integration of DRM in broader developmental and spatial planning processes. Furthermore, public awareness and community participation are inconsistent, which constrains resilience at grassroots levels. Despite these challenges, several enabling factors were identified, including legislative guidance, political support, and emerging partnerships, which strengthen preparedness and sustainability linkages.
Through triangulation of both datasets, the study found convergence in the recognition of DRM’s strategic value, complementarity in how the qualitative findings elaborated on quantitative trends, and dissonance in areas such as resource adequacy and technological adoption. The research concludes that achieving effective DRM in local government requires a systems-based approach that links institutional coordination, human capacity, stakeholder participation, and sustainable planning. The recommendations of the study include strengthening cross-sectoral integration, expanding capacity-building initiatives, improving monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and embedding DRM into all municipal planning frameworks. This study...