Page 28 - IRMSA Risk Report 2023

ADVOCATE
KEVIN MALUNGA

6.1 INTRODUCTION

A review of the past 12 months presents an opportunity for integrated risk
management to come into its own. Advocate Kevin Malunga introduces the
overwhelming pace of developments: “The current situation is truly awe-
inspiring, as it seems to be constantly evolving with new developments
every hour. From the emergence of artificial intelligence and the impact of
social media to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there is a lot happening in
the world. Amidst all of this, it feels like we are always on the edge, with the
lingering threat of COVID-19 still present.”

The need for multidisciplinary conversations is highlighted by the complex
effects of risks (threats and opportunities), both locally and globally. The
diversity of drivers and events requires a broad understanding and an
integrated response, not only from within the risk profession itself, but
through a deepened engagement with other areas of specialisation.
All contributors to the conversation highlight the relationships between
infrastructure, energy, economy and society. Issues such as state capture,
corruption, electricity, the environment, inflation, unemployment and
political will illustrate what Justice Malala referred to, in an IRMSA March
webinar, as a polycrisis.

28 IRMSA RISK REPORT 2023/24