Dr Takudzwa Charisse Taruza is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She holds a PhD and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the North-West University, a BSc in Rural and Urban Planning from the University of Zimbabwe and a Post Graduate Diploma in Developing Social Housing Projects from the Institute of Housing and Urban Development, Rotterdam.Her areas of research expertise and interest include informal settlement upgrading, sustainable spatial planning, sustainable and resilient community development, social housing development, human settlement planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. Her current postdoctoral research focuses on Integrated human settlement planning in addressing climate change related disasters faced in vulnerable settlements within Kwa-Zulu Natal.In addition to her academic pursuits, she has practical experience as a Town Planner and GIS Consultant at AGES Alpha (Pty) Ltd in South Africa. This professional background enhances her understanding of urban planning processes and informs her research. She is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by marginalised communities and seeking innovative solutions for urban development.
