By Prudence Mathenjwa
Climate change has been a concern in much of the world and South Africa has seen the real impact of it which has led to repeated flooding in cities that include Durban. “Rising global temperatures are contributing to more extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, wild fires, which pose significant threats to lives, infrastructure and economies,” says Mbandlwa.
Because of this, Durban university of Technology (DUT) lecturer, Prof. Zamokuhle Mbandlwa, has launched a book he calls Challenges, Strategies, and Resiliency in Disaster and Risks Management. He says that it’s because of his observation and concern on climate change and technology evolvement on communities and economies across the world. “Studying disaster management is crucial for the global community especially as climate change intensifies and increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters,” he explains.
He said his aim to educate about the changes that are taking place in the world and to channel conversations about measures that can be taken to prevent and manage the risks of these disasters that are taking place not only locally but also globally.
Dr Maliga Reddy, Contributing Author and Associate Director in the Department of Public Management & Economics at DUT says the university has a risk management programme. “We have been in a very fortunate position as DUT, where had our second and third level, disaster and risk management students having been involved as management during the floods,” Reddy explains.
Reddy stresses that DUT can’t do it alone. “Through the collaboration and partnership that we share with the Ethekwini municipality, our students are in privileged positions to assist in various activities, be it post-disaster or given in times of risk reduction initiatives,” he continues.
She further mentioned that the Department will taking be risk and disaster management students to the Tongaat tornado affected areas as part of the relief and response measures within the affected Tongaat area.
Mbandlwa says support came from the DUT Library Book Club and urges them to urge the student community to read.
