Abstract
This paper explores the impact that human agency may have on strengthening a community beyond their immediate developmental demands, to enable them to act, self-organise and build resilience. This relationship is examined within a context of a particular set of institutional conditions implemented as part of a case study in Noordgesig, Johannesburg, South Africa. Through an analysis of the process, the study traces how human agency was built, what correlative impact was established on the community’s resilience, and the opportunities presented in establishing a human-centred approach to building resilience. The research adopts a single case study strategy informed by both primary and secondary data. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with citizens who participated in the project. Three experts who formed part of the project team were also interviewed. In addition, secondary data was gathered from local and social media sources and project records. The data analysis reveals rich insights into the relationship between human agency and community resilience, showing the correlative impacts of developing an ability to act in the community and their transformative, self-development of capacity not only to continue, but proactively change the course of their lives. The findings suggest a transformative and integrated approach to building resilient cities and holds enticing proposals for future policymaking in the domain, integrating strands of knowledge from both urban, and human development.
