This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of South African risk management research published between 2006 and 2026, aiming to map thematic trends, intellectual structures, and knowledge gaps within the field. Using 707 documents retrieved from the Scopus database, the analysis employed VOSviewer and Scopus analytical tools to examine publication patterns, keyword co-occurrence, funding sources, and subject area contributions. The findings reveal risk management as the central research theme, with risk assessment and human-centric risk factors emerging as significant focus areas. Four thematic clusters were identified: institutional risk management encompassing corporate governance, project management, and human resources; human factors and public health risks; climate change and sustainability; and governance frameworks including COVID-19 responses. Social Sciences (21%), Business, Management and Accounting (18%), and Economics (16%) constitute the dominant contributing disciplines, with the National Research Foundation leading research funding and articles representing the primary publication type (76%). Despite robust research output, notable gaps persist in under-researched areas such as project management within risk contexts, human resource management practices, SME-focused risk strategies, and risk perception studies. This systematic mapping provides evidence-based insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and academic institutions to align research efforts with South Africa's evolving risk landscape, supporting curriculum development, funding priorities, and the contextual adaptation of global risk management frameworks.