DMISA Founders Day 2026 – 40 Years!

Honouring Our Past. Advancing Our Profession. Building a Resilient Future.

On 25 April 2026, the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa (DMISA) commemorates over 40 years of leadership, collaboration, and professional advancement in disaster management across Southern Africa.

Established in 1985, DMISA was founded with a clear mandate: to promote disaster management as a recognised profession, strengthen capacity across institutions, and foster knowledge-sharing among practitioners.

Reflecting on Our Legacy

DMISA’s journey is rooted in the vision and commitment of its founders, who recognised the need for a coordinated and professional approach to managing disasters. For over four decades, it has played a pivotal role in advancing disaster management across Southern Africa and has helped transform the field into a recognised profession, promoting proactive risk reduction, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

Its legacy is reflected in the strong network of practitioners it has built, the promotion of best practices, and its contribution to more resilient communities. By fostering collaboration across government, academia, and the private sector, DMISA continues to influence how disasters are managed and mitigated.

This enduring legacy remains a foundation for the future, guiding ongoing efforts to build a more prepared, coordinated, and resilient society.

Responding to a Changing Risk Landscape

The disaster risk environment is becoming more complex due to climate variability, rapid urbanisation, ageing infrastructure, and increasingly interconnected emergencies. These factors are leading to more frequent and severe disasters, while also increasing exposure and vulnerability in both urban and rural areas.

As risks overlap and intensify, disaster management must shift from a reactive approach to proactive, risk-informed planning. This requires stronger early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, integrated development planning, and improved coordination across sectors.

Overall, the evolving risk landscape demands continuous adaptation, innovation, and collaboration to better protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.

Looking Ahead