THE SCIENCE FACULTY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN INVITES YOU TO THE 2026 SEMINAR SERIES

This seminar series is organised by the Science Faculty Research Committee.
Everyone interested is welcome to attend.

Speakers
Ms Lavenia Nicholson
Former Deputy Director of Disaster Management at Western Cape government
and
 Dr Phindile Sabela-Rikhotso
Lecturer at the Environmental and Geographical Science
University of Cape Town
 

Title
The Culture of Response: Coordination, Governance, and Disaster Management

Abstract

Disaster response is frequently framed as a technical and operational exercise centred on rescue and emergency intervention. However, response capacity is equally shaped by institutional cultures, governance arrangements, and the relational dynamics through which coordination occurs under conditions of uncertainty. Using the 75 Victoria Street building collapse in George on 6 May 2024 as a case study, this seminar examines how disaster response is produced through multi-scalar coordination between state institutions, emergency services, humanitarian organisations, and civil society actors.


Drawing on reflections from the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the presentation foregrounds the role of adaptive leadership, inter-agency collaboration, situational awareness, and rapid decision-making in shaping operational effectiveness. The seminar argues that disaster response should be understood not merely as a technical function, but as a socio-institutional process constituted through governance practices, organisational relationships, and cultures of coordination.

Speaker Biography

Dr Phindile Sabela-Rikhotso - PhD in Disaster Risk Science, (North-West University), Masters in Disaster Management (University of Free State); Honours in Disaster Risk Science (University of Cape Town); BSc. Environmental & Geographical Science, Ocean & Atmosphere (University of Cape Town).

I am disaster risk scientist passionate about issues pertaining to risk reduction, sustainable development, environmental management, and identifying new and innovative methods for mitigating everyday hazards, especially amongst vulnerable groups. I have ten years experience working within different spheres of government; including the Cape Winelands District municipality, the National Department of Environmental Affairs, and the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre. This vast experience has fuelled my desire to research further on theories of coastal pollution, disaster risk science, emergency management, crisis management and various approaches to incident management systems. I am interested on finding integrated and collaborative ways that will enhance efficient and effective decision-making in strategic institutions in areas of disaster risk science and marine pollution management.

Ms Lavenia Nicholson- ND Public Management (Technikon SA) and ND Disaster Management (Cranfield University and Technikon SA), Registered Disaster Management Professional (The Disaster Management Institute of South Africa)

I have four decades of experience in the provincial government sphere, with 26 years dedicated to disaster management. I have played a central role in shaping and implementing the Disaster Management Act of 2002, establishing a framework that continues to guide provincial resilience. My passion lies in disaster response and coordination, where I have led efforts during major crises including floods, fires, communicable disease outbreaks, and the George building collapse. Since joining the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system in 2016, I have contributed to international humanitarian missions, gaining exposure to diverse response mechanisms and strengthening my expertise in resilience, team performance, and the culture of effective coordination.