EThekwini Municipality launches Municipal Forum for Climate Change

As part of the eThekwini Municipality’s commitment to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the city inaugurated the Municipal Forum for Climate Change at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Thursday.

This collaborative platform aims to implement the Durban Climate Change Strategy, reinforce South Africa's commitments as outlined by the Paris Agreement, and ensure inclusive climate action that prioritises those most affected.

The initiative highlighted the municipality's proactive approach to mitigating climate impacts, aligning seamlessly with the newly enacted Climate Change Act, No. 22 of 2024, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2024.

EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, spoke about the critical need for this initiative. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat. In April 2022, eThekwini was struck by its most devastating floods, resulting in over 450 fatalities, displacing thousands, and inflicting damage worth billions of rands.

Scientific evidence indicates that rainfall during this catastrophic event was 30% higher as a result of climate change, a figure projected to potentially double by 2050-2070. We must act now to prepare for these impacts,” said Xaba.

The Forum was designed to bring together diverse stakeholders, including civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, academia, youth, and others, to oversee both mitigation and adaptation efforts, with a specific focus on vulnerable communities.

Mikateko Sithole, Director of Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation: Impact and Adaptation from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), noted the importance of structured action.

“The Climate Change Act provides a clear framework for coordinated action across all spheres of government. Forums like this are essential to ensure that local implementation aligns with national priorities and that communities are empowered to respond effectively to climate risks,” said Sithole.

EThekwini boasts a history of climate leadership; it was the first African municipality to adopt an integrated climate change strategy in 2015 and has launched a Climate Action Plan that aligns with the global 1.5°C global warming reduction target.

The current guiding document is the Durban Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan, which received approval in June 2022.

The launch event included insightful presentations from representatives of DFFE and the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), detailing both national and provincial requirements under the Climate Change Act, as well as how these align with municipal efforts.

Forum members were also provided with a comprehensive overview of the City’s climate initiatives and upcoming actions.

DAILY NEWS