We recently hosted an Innovation for Inclusive Development Seminar in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) as part of the DSTI's Innovation for Inclusive Dvelopment Seminar Series. The online event explored how emerging technologies, data-driven tools, and policy innovations are transforming the way we prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. With climate-related risks intensifying and urban vulnerabilities becoming more complex, the discussion highlighted the importance of integrating multi-hazard early warning systems, decision-support platforms, and people-centred approaches into disaster planning and response frameworks.
Drawing on insights from policy experts, researchers, practitioners, and technology developers, the session:
- Highlighted innovative solutions and practical tools that strengthen disaster resilience.
- Explored strategies to enhance preparedness and reduce disaster impacts across South Africa and beyond.
- Featured municipal perspectives on embedding innovation in disaster risk reduction and everyday service delivery.
To see the recording of the event, please go to our YouTube channel.
Here's an overview of the presenters and links to their presentations:
- Ms Tinashe Dube is a socio-spatial researcher at the CSIR, working across policy, infrastructure, and sustainability in South Africa’s human settlements sector. Her expertise includes green building policy, housing innovation, and climate-responsive design. She has contributed to initiatives such as Johannesburg’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Strategy and the national STI4SHS Roadmap, focusing on heritage and culture. A PhD candidate at Wits University, her research explores how rural–urban migrants adapt domestic spaces in postcolonial African cities. She also leads youth-focused citizen science projects linking architecture, digital tools, and sustainability.
See presentation (PDF, 7.71 MB)
- Mr Faizal Seedat is the Senior Manager for Strategic Planning in eThekwini Municipality’s Human Settlements Directorate, leading inputs into the IDP, SDF, and related plans. He has received awards for pioneering the Informal Settlement Programme and advancing the Collaborative Informal Settlement Action approach as part of the City’s Resilience Strategy. As joint Technical Lead on the UK Prosperity Fund’s ISIMS project, he championed data-driven informal settlement planning. He also chairs the Informal Settlement Incremental Upgrading Forum, driving the City-Wide Incremental Upgrading Strategy.
See presentation (PDF, 5.09 MB)
- Dr Sandile Mbatha is the Founder and Chief Solutions Officer of SM digital, where he leverages technology and data to solve Africa’s complex development challenges. A recognised data strategist, he views data as a critical infrastructure for inclusive and efficient service delivery. Until recently he served as the first National Chief Data Officer at the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) where he championed the establishment of the National Strategic Hub which is South Africa’s Single Source of Truth. Dr Mbatha holds a PhD in Architecture and Town Planning from the University of Stuttgart, which focused on informal transactions in low income housing in South Africa. He has more than 16 years of experience working in the public and non-governmental sector through developing and implementing high impact programmes.
See presentation (PDF, 4.01 MB)
For a full list of our other webinar please see our Index of uKESA Webinars.
Conference Partners
CSIR
eThekwini Municipality Human Settlements Directorate
SM digital
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