Evaluating the use of ICT for disaster preparedness support in South Africa

Abstract

The frequency and severity of disasters in South Africa have escalated in recent years, shifting the focus to the critical role of disaster preparedness in reducing vulnerability and strengthening community resilience. Information and communication technology (ICT) has emerged as a transformative tool across all phases of disaster risk management (DRM), yet its integration into disaster preparedness efforts in South Africa remains inconsistent and uneven. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) highlights the importance of leveraging ICT to enhance early warning systems (EWSs), coordination, and information dissemination factors that are essential for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR). This dissertation investigates the current status of ICT integration in disaster preparedness in South Africa. It identifies key obstacles and proposes actionable solutions to improve ICT use for more effective DRM. The research begins with a comprehensive literature review to establish the evolving disaster risk profile of South Africa, the theoretical foundations for the use of ICT in disaster contexts, and relevant national and international policy frameworks. This is followed by an empirical study employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to a purposively selected sample of 18 disaster management officials at national, provincial, and municipal levels across South Africa. Quantitative data from closed-ended questions were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages), while qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis following the six-phase framework of Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings indicate that while ICT tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), early warning platforms, and digital communication systems are increasingly recognised as vital, there are substantial disparities in their adoption and effectiveness. Notably, 14 out of 18 respondents (77.8%) identified financial constraints as the primary barrier to ICT integration, and only 12 out of 18 (66.7%) reported using ICT tools always or often in their disaster preparedness work with three respondents, all from rural municipalities, reporting they never use ICT at all. Barriers include limited financial resources, skills shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and policy fragmentation, with rural municipalities being particularly disadvantaged. Furthermore, issues such as inconsistent training, lack of standardised protocols, and fragmented stakeholder coordination further impede the widespread adoption of ICT in disaster preparedness. Based on these findings, the study recommends the development of enforceable national ICT standards, dedicated funding for technology upgrades and training, and the fostering of partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. These interventions are essential to bridge the digital divide, build institutional capacity, and enable proactive, data-driven disaster preparedness. Ultimately, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to strengthen disaster resilience and reduce vulnerability in South Africa through the effective integration of ICT.