The frequency of climate-related disasters such as floods is growing due to environmental
and human factors. This paper examines the impact of flooding and communities’ perceptions
towards responses to flooding in the cases of Maniini and Tshilungwi Villages in the Thulamela
Municipality in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A questionnaire survey was conducted
with 60 household respondents in the two selected villages and then analysed. Key-informant
interviews with community leaders and municipality officials established the key impact of
and responses to the flooding. Secondary data on flooding provided useful historical trends in
the region. Field observations assisted in corroborating information provided in interviews.
The findings indicate that communities are vulnerable to flood disasters, and these disasters
had a significant impact on infrastructure and the livelihood of the selected communities. An
increase in household income and levels of education as well as access to grants decreased
households’ vulnerability in cases of flooding. The responses to flooding by the municipality
were viewed negatively by the community who did not support permanent relocation. Hence,
the article points out the need to strengthen coping mechanisms by local governments and
communities themselves in order to cope with the impact of flooding.