What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic influences community support and relationships in South Africa.

May 24, 2026Open Access

Community action in the time of COVID-19: moving at the speed of trust; sitting with complexity

Key Points

The research aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic influences community support and relationships in South Africa.
Conducted a survey by HSRC and University of Johannesburg.
Analyzed community responses through volunteer groups in Cape Town.
A significant proportion of South Africans believe the pandemic will enhance mutual support.
Examples of effective crisis responses through human relationships and solidarity are documented.

Abstract

A significant proportion of South Africans believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will make people more supportive of one another. This finding of a survey conducted by the HSRC and University of Johannesburg is borne out by stories of human agency unfolding in Cape Town community responses to COVID-19. Together with other self-driving volunteer groups, these illustrate the centrality of human relationships, solidarity and trust in effective crisis responses. The challenge will be for the government to work with these social initiatives going forward.

Community action in the time of COVID-19: moving at the speed of trust; sitting with complexity

Key Points

Abstract

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