Centrality of power and networks in co-producing urban resilience in South Africa with SECURe and GESI

Summary

This report documents the piloting of the SECURe decision support framework in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa, with a specific focus on Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion and the role of power and networks in co‑producing urban resilience.

Drawing on a detailed context analysis and a community‑based intervention centred on flood risk and early warning systems, it examines how knowledge, relationships and governance processes operate across informal settlements, local government and research institutions.

The findings show that applying the SECURe framework helps surface and address horizontal and vertical power relations, strengthen community research capacity, and enable more inclusive knowledge sharing, while also highlighting the importance of long‑term engagement, intermediaries and flexible, context‑sensitive approaches to building climate resilience in vulnerable urban communities.