African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), NWU

🌍 ACDS research featured internationally- now published in French 🇫🇷

We are proud to share that Prof. Dewald van Niekerk is featured as one of the co-authors of a powerful opinion piece published in the Belgian newspaper La Libre:

📰 “Le monde risque de perdre la mémoire des catastrophes”
(The world risks losing the memory of disasters)

The article highlights the global importance of EM-DAT, one of the world’s leading disaster databases, and warns about the risks posed by the loss of critical funding. It also emphasizes how disaster data shapes global policy, preparedness, humanitarian response, and climate resilience.

This international publication- appearing in French- is another significant recognition of the impactful work being done by researchers connected to the African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS) and NWU on the global stage.

👏 Congratulations to Prof. Dewald van Niekerk and his fellow co-authors on contributing to this important global conversation on disaster risk, collective memory, and resilience.

🔗 Read the full article here:
https://www.lalibre.be/debats/opinions/2026/05/22/le-monde-risque-de-perdre-la-memoire-des-catastrophes-XDYBUPJJIZD6BAPH6CTN6ICBQI/


Environmental Sciences & Management NWU NWU - North-West University NWU Water Research Group NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Green Team NWU: Green Campus Initiatives NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

🌍 ACDS at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹

The African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS) is currently participating in engagements at the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 21–22 May.

Representatives from the ACDS are presenting and sharing the outcomes of a long-standing research project with the AU and its member states. The project focuses on Africa’s progress in achieving the Sendai Framework and Programme of Action (POA) targets, which monitor the continent’s advancement against global indicators for disaster risk management and resilience.

Three staff members from the Environmental Sciences & Management NWU (UESM) are involved in the project:
👨‍🏫 Prof. Livhuwani Nemakonde
👨‍🏫 Prof. Christo Coetzee
👨‍💼 Mr. PW Bredenkamp

The ACDS has been actively involved in this important project since 2015, contributing towards strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts and supporting sustainable development across Africa. 🌍🤝

The ACDS and UESM are honored to contribute to these important continental discussions and collaborative initiatives.



NWU - North-West University NWU Water Research Group NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG Environmental Sciences & Management NWU NWU: Green Campus Initiatives NWU Green Team NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

⏰ Happening today!

Join ACDS/UESM’s Prof. Dewald van Niekerk as he represents North-West University on an international panel hosted by The Hague Humanitarian Studies Centre 🌍

The discussion will explore the role of data in disaster and humanitarian studies.

🗓 Today | 21 May 2026
⏰ 11:00–12:30 SAST
🔗 Register here: https://www.iss.nl/.../using-data-disaster-and...

🌍 Today marked the first day of the REPRESA Project close-out meeting.

Since its launch in 2023, REPRESA has brought together partners from across Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique to strengthen resilience and disaster risk reduction efforts in vulnerable communities. The African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS) at North-West University (NWU) has proudly contributed through community-based research across all three countries.

This week’s workshop, attended by country teams and REPRESA stakeholders, marks the beginning of the project’s official closing phase ahead of its completion in December 2026.

Although the project timeline is drawing to a close, the work and impact of REPRESA will continue long into the future. One of the initiative’s greatest achievements has been the strong partnerships formed between government departments, civil society organisations, and academia. These collaborations are essential as climate change continues to increase the risk of floods and cyclones across the region.

The knowledge shared, relationships built, and collaboration strengthened through REPRESA will remain vital in supporting more resilient communities in the years ahead. 🌱🌊


NWU - North-West University Environmental Sciences & Management NWU NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Water Research Group NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU FNAS Student Chapter Kristel Fourie Leandri Kruger

🌍 A special shoutout to Prof. Christo Coetzee for sharing expert insight on RSG’s Op en Wakker programme regarding the recent North West floods, disaster preparedness, and the importance of strengthening climate resilience and emergency response systems in South Africa.

🎧 Listen to the interview here: https://omny.fm/shows/op-en-wakker/noordwes-vloede-ontbloot-rampgereedheidskrisis

🎙️ NWU experts in conversation on some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Today, Prof. Gerhard du Preez spoke on OFM’s special NAMPO broadcast about sustainable agriculture and the role of the NWU Living Lab for Sustainable Agriculture at Pienaarskamp.

Sustainable agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all solution- practices that work in one region may not work in another. Implementing sustainable systems requires long-term thinking, practical evidence, collaboration, and innovation.

The Pienaarskamp Living Lab creates a real-world research and innovation environment where researchers, farmers, students, and industry partners work together to develop sustainable agricultural practices under practical farming conditions. It also provides valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students while positioning South Africa to become a leader in sustainable agriculture.

At the same time, Prof. Christo Coetzee joined RSG’s "Op en Wakker" programme to discuss the recent North West floods and what these events reveal about disaster preparedness, ageing infrastructure, emergency response challenges, and the urgent need for improved planning and coordination during extreme weather events.

🌱 Driving innovation in sustainable agriculture
🌍 Addressing real-world environmental and disaster challenges
🎓 Equipping the next generation with practical solutions for the future

🎧 Listen to Prof. Christo Coetzee’s interview here: https://omny.fm/shows/op-en-wakker/noordwes-vloede-ontbloot-rampgereedheidskrisis



NWU - North-West University NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU FNAS Student Chapter African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), NWU NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Water Research Group NWU Microbiology

🌍 We are proud to see ACDS/UESM’s Prof. Dewald van Niekerk representing North-West University on an international panel hosted by The Hague Humanitarian Studies Centre. 👏🎓

Join this important discussion on the role of data in disaster and humanitarian studies.

📅 21 May 2026
⏰ 11:00–12:30 SAST
🔗 Register here:
https://www.iss.nl/en/events/using-data-disaster-and-humanitarian-studies-2026-05-21

🌍 Building resilience to tropical cyclones across Southern Africa🌪️

This week, the African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS) at North-West University participated in a REPRESA workshop in Malawi, focused on strengthening Early Warning Systems (EWS) and improving community preparedness for tropical cyclones.

The workshop brought together researchers, forecasters, and practitioners from across the region to share findings, technical training, and community-based insights collected in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. 🤝

A key highlight of the project has been translating 100 climate and disaster risk terms into Chichewa and local languages such as Sena, helping make early warning information more accessible to vulnerable communities. 🌱

Together, through science, collaboration, and community engagement, we are working towards stronger climate resilience across Southern Africa.


Environmental Sciences & Management NWU NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Water Research Group NWU - North-West University NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

🌟 Call for Abstracts: UESM Postgraduate Conference 🌟

📢All Master's and PhD students
📅 Date: 4 & 5 August 2026
📍 Venue: The Roots, Potchefstroom

The Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM)’s Postdoctoral Association invites all Master's and PhD students to participate in this exciting conference under the theme:
"Navigating environmental change across systems and
scales.”

💡 Showcase your research, exchange ideas, and network with peers and experts!

🎉 Don’t miss the opportunity to join us for the Conference Gala Dinner on the 5th of August, and share in this collaborative celebration of innovation and knowledge.

Submission Deadline: 20 June 2026
Queries and Questions: [email protected]
Submission Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQSSy-77YOhSeRxOQeNc-YHf1_UCM1rlY6GT0Ibb_Ebsh9xg/viewform



NWU - North-West University NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU Water Research Group NWU Green Team NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG

📻 Radio Interview🎙️🌧️

Disaster risk expert from the NWU, Prof. Christo Coetzee, joined 'Monitor' on RSG this morning to discuss the severe weather conditions expected in the Western Cape’s Garden Route and Klein Karoo regions.

During the interview, Prof. Coetzee shared valuable insights on disaster preparedness, the importance of early warning communication, and how authorities should respond during extreme weather events such as heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous sea conditions. 🌊💨

He also stressed that clear communication with communities is critical, helping the public understand what to expect and what actions to take during rapidly changing situations. 🏠⚠️

🎧 Listen to the interview here:
https://omny.fm/shows/monitor/monitor-6-mei-2026


Environmental Sciences & Management NWU NWU - North-West University NWU: Green Campus Initiatives NWU Green Team NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Water Research Group