Patterns of flood preparedness and perception in a marginalised community in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, in the Northern Cape.

Flooding poses a growing threat to South Africa's urban poor, yet limited research has examined how socio-demographic factors and governance intersect to shape household preparedness in marginalised townships. This study addresses that gap by analysing flood preparedness and risk perception in Green Point, a historically under-resourced settlement within the Sol Plaatje Municipality. Data were collected from 114 households through structured questionnaires and open-ended responses, using a mixed-methods design. Quantitative analysis combined chi-square tests, a random forest classifier and multiple correspondence analysis to identify the key socio-economic predictors of preparedness, while qualitative data were thematically analysed to capture the lived experiences and perceptions of municipal performance. Education and employment strongly determined preparedness ( Contribution: Overall, the study finds that flood risk in Green Point is not only a function of environmental exposure but also systemic governance and socio-economic exclusion. Residents are aware of the risks and are willing to contribute to solutions, yet structural support is lacking. The study concludes with targeted, equity-focused recommendations for policy and community engagement in DRR.