A postdoctoral fellow from the University of the Free State (UFS) Centre for Development Support (CDS) hopes her participation in conferences hosted by the International Geographical Union (IGU) creates opportunities to build strong research networks.

Dr Lucia Leboto-Khetsi, who is a member of the IGU Commission: Geography of Governance, also hopes to collaborate with scholars from across the world and get her research published, which is integral to her academic career.

In August this year, she attended both the annual conference of the IGU Commission Geography of Governance as well as the 35th International Geographical Congress in Ireland.

“The conferences were hosted by the IGU, an international, non-governmental, professional organisation dedicated to developing the geography discipline through initiating and coordinating geographical research and teaching in all countries.

“Its work is conducted through its national committees, commissions and task forces which host annual conferences. Participating in these conferences was an insightful experience that enabled me to share my works and thoughts with peers and experts. I also received feedback for the improvement of my research and new ideas from international research. I also learned about vast differences and similarities in European and African geographical issues,” says Dr Leboto-Khetsi.

Annual Conference

During her participation in the IGU Commission Geography of Governance, Annual Conference, Dr Leboto-Khetsi delivered an oral presentation titled The Socio-Economic Implications of COVID-19 in a South African Township and Post-pandemic Strategies. The research presentation assessed the impact of COVID-19 on social and economic activities in Bochabela township in Bloemfontein.

“It explored the strategies and mechanisms utilised for community resilience during lockdowns. Economic disruptions included widespread business closures, job losses, and financial insecurity. The government's response to these challenges was the COVID-19 social and business relief fund. Social disruptions included food insecurity, health implications, school closures, community protests and strain on families.

“These issues were primarily addressed by various stakeholders and institutions providing food and essentials. The research sought to develop post-pandemic policy recommendations, which included building economic resilience, strengthening social infrastructure, enhancing crisis preparedness, and promoting community engagement in South African townships,” explains Dr Leboto-Khetsi in her presentation.

Congress

A few days later, Dr Leboto-Khetsi delivered another oral presentation at the 35th International Geographical Congress, with the theme 'Celebrating a world of difference'. The title of this presentation was: Towards Sustainable Rental Housing for Migrants in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The presentation, says Dr Leboto-Khetsi, examined the connection between migration and sustainability, with a focus on rental housing in Mangaung townships. The research investigated the housing needs and challenges faced by migrants, as well as the socioeconomic and legal factors influencing their housing situation. The aim was to propose sustainable housing solutions in this context.

“In terms of environmental sustainability, migrant housing suffered from poor solid waste management and environmental disasters such as flooding and collapsing. Economically, most migrants were self-employed, with an average monthly household income of between R1 600-R3 500 which led them to seek affordable yet inadequate housing options, such as those in Bochabela.

“Socially, migrants encountered hostility and contempt from locals, including landlords. They experienced break-ins and attacks and lived in overcrowded houses with limited privacy because of challenges in accessing housing as migrants. Potential housing solutions included affordable housing initiatives, community integration programmes and services to mediate landlord-tenant conflicts.”

She has attended the annual IGU Commission Geography of Governance conferences since becoming a member in 2020. In 2020 and 2021, the events were held online due to the global pandemic. In 2022, she made an oral presentation in Mexico City, and in 2023, she presented in Budapest, Hungary. This was her first participation in the IGU International Congress, which brought together an estimated 3,000 global scholars. The congress covered various themes, including population geography, urban development, local governance, and migration.