Gcina Malandela is a master's research trainee at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) within the Development, Capable and Ethical State Division. She is working towards a masterâs degree in urban and regional planning at the University of Johannesburg, and her thesis is titled, Spatial analysis for climate resilience: a GIS-based flood risk adaptation approach for informal settlements in Johannesburg.
Malandelaâs research portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing urban inequality and climate vulnerability. Her research interests encompass urban and regional planning, geographic information systems, climate change, and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on socially inclusive infrastructure and community resilience.
Since joining, she has been part of several projects, such Democracy at 30, Indicators for Monitoring the Socio-Economic Impacts of the Just Energy Transition in South Africa, Human Dimensions of Climate Change and W20. Malandela was selected as a track delegate for the Inclusive Social Development and Fighting Inequality theme at the Youth 20 (Y20) Summit and participated in the second cohort of the Climate Research Workshop, a six-month programme aimed at developing independent African climate researchers. Through these platforms, she continues to advocate for climate justice and evidence-based policy interventions that protect vulnerable populations.
