Reimagining social work responses to disaster-induced housing loss: Harnessing ubudlelane

Abstract

Disasters, including heavy rainfall and flooding, frequently result in devastating consequences for disadvantaged communities, particularly through the loss of housing as a critical form of shelter. Notably, the role of social workers in disaster response often remains largely unrecognised; however, it is fundamentally central to addressing the challenges faced by victims, grounded in the profession’s foundational pillars of support, empowerment, and resilience-building. This conceptual paper examines how social workers could apply the philosophy of ubudlelane to enhance responses and interventions during disaster crises. In the aftermath of disasters, ubudlelane has the potential to situate social work interventions within human-centred responses that bolster disaster preparedness by reinforcing existing community networks and enhancing local capacities to confront future crises. The paper contextualises this perspective through the Ubudlelane-disaster response framework, which enables social workers not only to address immediate material and emotional needs but also to cultivate long-term social cohesion and sustainable recovery. Furthermore, the paper highlights practical strategies such as facilitating community healing circles, organising collective resource mobilisation initiatives, and collaborating with local leadership structures to co-develop culturally responsive disaster interventions. Ultimately, the application of the ubudlelane philosophy in disaster social work contributes to Afrocentric, context-specific, and community-driven approaches that empower disadvantaged communities to rebuild not only their homes but also the social fabric essential for resilience and well-being.