On 9 October 2026, Prof Bernard Moeketsi Hlalele represented the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) at the National Dialogue on Integrated Disaster Management, held at Tsitsikamma Hall, Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, Pretoria, from 08:30 to 16:30. The dialogue was convened by the National Planning Commission (NPC), in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), under the theme ‘Building a Resilient Nation Through Integrated Disaster Risk Management and Collaborative Governance’. The engagement provided a national platform for policymakers, government departments, municipalities, research institutions, disaster management authorities, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening South Africa’s disaster risk management arrangements. Prof Hlalele participated on behalf of the HSRC, contributing scientific evidence and policy-oriented perspectives on disaster vulnerability, resilience and the integration of research into governance and development planning.
Purpose of the National Dialogue
The dialogue was organised to promote an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster risk management across different spheres of government and society. It responded to growing concerns regarding the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, rapid urbanisation, socioeconomic inequalities and institutional limitations on the country’s disaster preparedness and resilience. The principal objective was to encourage collaboration among institutions responsible for disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while identifying opportunities to strengthen policy implementation, governance arrangements and sustainable development. The discussions addressed climate change and disaster risk reduction, institutional coordination, community resilience, technological innovation, early warning systems and financing for disaster preparedness and recovery. Particular emphasis was placed on moving beyond fragmented and predominantly reactive disaster management practices towards proactive, inclusive and evidence-informed approaches that address the underlying drivers of vulnerability. The dialogue also sought to generate practical recommendations, strengthen institutional partnerships and inform national policy deliberations on sustainable disaster risk management.
HSRC Representation and Contribution
Prof Hlalele represented the HSRC as a research specialist with expertise in climate change, disaster risk assessment, vulnerability analysis and resilience. His participation formed part of the Council’s broader commitment to producing policy-relevant research that supports evidence-informed decision-making and sustainable development. He contributed to Panel 3: Integrated Governance and Coordination for Disaster Risk Management, delivering a presentation entitled ‘Research Evidence on Vulnerability and Resilience: Social Dimensions of Disasters and How Evidence Can Inform Policy, Planning and Monitoring’.
The contribution drew upon research undertaken through HSRC initiatives and associated scientific investigations to demonstrate the importance of understanding disaster vulnerability beyond physical exposure to hazards. Prof Hlalele communicated how socioeconomic inequalities, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential services and institutional capacity constraints influence the ability of communities to prepare for, withstand and recover from disasters. The presentation also demonstrated the practical relevance of HSRC research in supporting government institutions to identify vulnerable populations, prioritise interventions and strengthen disaster risk reduction planning. Through this engagement, the HSRC contributed an evidence-based social science perspective to discussions involving institutions responsible for disaster management, municipal development, public infrastructure and national planning.
Key Message Delivered on Behalf of the HSRC
The central message delivered was that effective disaster risk management requires the systematic translation of scientific evidence into policy decisions, institutional planning, resource allocation and measurable interventions that reduce vulnerability. Prof Hlalele emphasised that disaster vulnerability is not determined solely by the occurrence or intensity of natural hazards. Rather, disaster impacts are shaped significantly by existing socioeconomic inequalities, settlement conditions, access to services and the capacity of institutions and communities to anticipate and manage risks. He further highlighted that South Africa possesses considerable research knowledge and technological capabilities for assessing vulnerability and monitoring disaster risks. However, the availability of scientific evidence does not automatically translate into improved preparedness or reduced disaster losses. Institutional fragmentation, weak coordination, limited technical capacity and inadequate integration between research findings and government budgeting processes continue to constrain the application of available evidence. Accordingly, the HSRC contribution advocated stronger institutional mechanisms through which vulnerability assessments and early warning information can directly inform development planning, resource prioritisation and anticipatory disaster risk reduction. A further message concerned the importance of monitoring actual improvements in resilience rather than merely reporting the completion of disaster management activities, plans or projects.
Strategic Significance for the HSRC
Participation in the dialogue provided an important opportunity to demonstrate the HSRC’s contribution to national disaster risk governance and climate resilience. The engagement strengthened the visibility of HSRC research among policymakers, government departments, municipalities and scientific institutions participating in the national dialogue.
It also provided a platform for communicating the practical value of vulnerability assessments, socioeconomic research and technological innovations in addressing disaster risks. The participation highlighted opportunities for continued institutional engagement, particularly in research translation, municipal vulnerability assessments, integrated early warning systems, capacity development and evidence-informed disaster management planning.
Furthermore, the engagement reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and closer relationships between research institutions and government structures responsible for implementing disaster risk reduction interventions.
Conclusion
Prof Hlalele’s participation in the National Dialogue on Integrated Disaster Management constituted an important contribution to the HSRC’s research communication, policy engagement and stakeholder collaboration activities.
Through his presentation, the HSRC reinforced the importance of integrating scientific evidence, socioeconomic vulnerability considerations and institutional accountability into disaster risk governance. The engagement demonstrated the Council’s capacity to contribute research-based recommendations supporting improved preparedness, coordinated governance and resilient communities. It also provided a foundation for further engagement with relevant institutions to strengthen the application of research evidence in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development across South Africa.
