The conference brought together academics from 26 South African universities, international delegates, students and emerging researchers. The programme covered a broad range of geographical disciplines, including human and physical geography, environmental management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, agriculture, food security, tourism, mining and conservation.
Opening the academic conference was SSAG President Professor Zarina Patel addressed delegates before keynote presentations examined the changing landscape of geographical scholarship and the need for innovative approaches to complex societal and environmental challenges.
The first address was by Postcolonial Geographer, Professor Patricia Noxolo, focusing on Quantum Theory and the rise of Generative AI, followed by Professor Sifiso Xulu who presented GIS and Remote Sensing.
Professor Patricia Okolo from the University of Birmingham explored the intersections between human geography, quantum theory and generative artificial intelligence, while Professor Fiso Kulu from the University of South Africa focused on remote sensing and contemporary environmental challenges.
The conference also provided an opportunity to engage with issues particularly relevant to Mpumalanga, including mining, tourism and conservation. Five parallel sessions enabled academics to present research across different geographical fields, encouraging dialogue and knowledge exchange among researchers from different institutions.
Promoting Transdisciplinary Approaches
A key focus of the conference was the need to move beyond disciplinary boundaries. In her keynote address, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the One Ocean Hub at the University of Cape Town, Dr Philile Mbatha, highlighted the importance of integrative and transdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental and social challenges.
She noted that issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change cannot be adequately addressed by treating human and physical geography as separate fields. Instead, she emphasised the importance of understanding social and ecological systems as interconnected.
Dr Mbatha also examined the growing importance of the ocean as a frontier for economic development through the Blue Economy, where sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy and mining compete for marine resources.
She highlighted the need for governance approaches that bring together government, industry, researchers, civil society and local communities. She further emphasised the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and local knowledge in environmental decision-making, particularly in communities that have historically experienced exclusion from coastal resources and decision-making processes.
The discussions reinforced the role of geographers in producing knowledge that can contribute to policy, sustainable development and more inclusive decision-making.
The programme extended beyond academic presentations, with delegates participating in field trips to locations including the Kruger National Park and Capsey Woop. These activities provided opportunities to connect geographical scholarship with real-world landscapes and communities.
Participants were encouraged to use the society as a platform for professional development and collaboration.
Supporting Emerging Researchers
The fourth day focused on the SSAG Student Conference, providing a dedicated platform for Honours, Master’s and PhD students and other emerging researchers.
Held under the theme Geography and Geographers in a Changing Environment: Emerging Trends and Challenges, the student conference encouraged young researchers to present their work, receive constructive academic feedback and engage with established scholars and fellow students.
Chair of the Local Organising Committee for the student conference, Mr Sakhile Nsukwini, said the event was particularly important for emerging researchers who may be presenting their research formally for the first time.
The programme covered areas including human geography, physical geography, environmental management, environmental science, GIS and remote sensing, while also emphasising professional networking and future research collaboration.
Welcoming students to the conference, SSAG President Professor Onisimo Mutanga encouraged participants to use the society as a platform for professional development and collaboration. He emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange and building relationships beyond students’ immediate institutions, encouraging them to engage with researchers from universities across South Africa and internationally.
Professor Mutanga also highlighted the value of developing scientific communication and publication skills. Students were encouraged to participate actively in discussions, make use of SSAG writing workshops and take part in activities such as three-minute presentation competitions to strengthen their ability to communicate research effectively.
He further encouraged emerging researchers to embrace transdisciplinary approaches, noting the increasing importance of collaboration between academia, government, industry and non-governmental organisations in developing research that responds to societal needs.
The student conference therefore provided more than a platform for research presentations. It created opportunities for young geographers to build professional relationships, exchange ideas and become part of a wider geographical community.
The programme was supported by the SSAG Council, UMP leadership, the Local Organising Committee and various partners, including the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and Israel-South Africa.
The conference provided an opportunity for established academics and emerging researchers to examine how geographical knowledge can respond to changing environmental and socioeconomic realities. For UMP, it also created a platform to connect geographical scholarship with the distinctive environmental, social and economic contexts of Mpumalanga, while contributing to broader national and international conversations within the discipline.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga Pictures JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.