On 7 August 2025, HSRC researchers participated in a hybrid colloquium held at the Bolivia Lodge, Polokwane in Limpopo. This inaugural colloquium was organised by the University of Limpopo’s Faculty of Management and Law, School of Economics and Management, Department of Development Planning and Management.
Professor Samuel Koma, the Director of the School of Economics and a governance expert, welcomed the delegates. The former Research Director in the HSRC’s Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) division, Prof. Tlou Ramoroka introduced the guest speaker, Dr Takalani Makananisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs who spoke on “Developing a Climate Resilient Economy through Strategic Governance”. Dr Makananisa highlighted that disaster risk mitigation is a choice, but adaptation to disaster is inevitable. Before the scientific presentations kicked off, panelists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), University of Limpopo, Santam Insurance Company, Resilience 4 Development Institute (Pty) (Ltd) and Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa held a robust discussion with the guest speaker under the theme: Insights on Disaster Risk Planning, Governance, and Policy in the Southern African Context. The panel discussion also highlighted a critical need for professionalization of Disaster Risk Management so it can be taken seriously by all citizens.
DCES was physically represented by Dr Simangele Dlamini, who presented on the “Impacts of Climate Shocks on Food Production in South Africa” and Dr Ntombizodumo Mkwanazi whose presentation was titled “Multivocality and Converged Media in COVID-19 Disaster Communication”. The DSTI-HSRC intern Ms Ndifelani Precious Tshiwalule had an opportunity to virtually present “Disruptive Technologies in Disaster Risk Management (2015-Present)” on a paper co-authored with Dr Wilfred Lunga. Ms Swazi Hlatshwayo, the DSTI-HSRC intern was also in attendance online. DCES presentations were concluded by Dr Bernard Hlalele who presented virtually on “Evaluating Synergies in South Africa’s Disaster and Climate Governance Frameworks.”
The Africa, BRICS and the Global South division’s (ABGS) Dr Nomcebo Ubisi‘s presentation was on “Mobile Digital Toolkits for Disaster Risk Preparedness among Farmers” whilst eRKU’s Dr Qinisile Dlamini presented on the “Plausibility of Databases for Disaster Decision-Making in Africa.” The Equitable Education and Economies division’s (EEE) Dr Selelo Matimolane abstract on “Climate, Inequality and Water Access in Limpopo” had also been accepted. The papers submitted for the colloquium will be peer-reviewed for consideration in a Special Issue of the DHET accredited African Journal in Development Studies.
The Climate Change and Futures Conference will be taking plan over 29 October – 1 November 2025. The Windhoek, Namibia 2025 conference will focus on the theme “Risk in Time and Space,” highlighting the variability of disaster risks over time and space. The conference will bring together experts in climate change, disaster risk reduction, and community-based participatory research to present cutting-edge trends and advancements in the field. Register here.
