The Disaster Management institute of Southern Africa (DMISA) was founded in 1985 and still maintains its position as the premium professional association for Disaster Management professionals and associated disciplines in Southern Africa. DMISA is committed to providing learning, networking and alignment opportunities for the Disaster Management / Disaster Risk Reduction community of practice in Southern Africa. We encourage interaction between practitioners, researchers, legislators, stakeholders and leadership across Southern Africa to build capacity and resilience, reduce risk, and improve our common understanding of disaster risk. Our common goal is to reduce the impact of disasters on society and to build future ready sustainable communities.

DMISA is is a non-statutory, SAQA-recognised professional body. They have four professional designations:

1. Disaster Management Technician (DMT);
2. Disaster Management Associate (DMA);
3. Disaster Management Practitioner (DMP);
4. Disaster Management Professional (PrDM)