- National initiative targets all 44 district municipalities.
- Focus on technical support, policy alignment and implementation capacity.
- Programme aligned with Climate Change Act and just energy transition priorities.
South Africa has launched a nationwide initiative to strengthen climate responsive development at municipal level as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.
Municipalities are central to the country’s climate response through service delivery, infrastructure planning and community engagement. However, many continue to face capacity, coordination and funding constraints that limit effective implementation.
Speaking in Pretoria, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said that while South Africa has developed strong climate policy frameworks, the real measure of progress lies in delivery at local level.
He said the impact of climate change is most directly experienced within municipalities, making local execution critical to national success.
The announcement coincided with the launch of the Climate Action Planning Support Project, led by the South African Local Government Association in partnership with the African Climate Foundation.
The initiative, which has already been piloted in nine district municipalities, will now be expanded to cover the remaining 35 districts, bringing total coverage to all 44 district municipalities nationwide.
The programme is designed to provide targeted technical and institutional support to municipalities to review, strengthen and implement Climate Action Plans. These plans will be aligned with the Climate Change Act, national climate policy and South Africa’s just energy transition and broader development priorities.
Government is simultaneously advancing implementation of the Climate Change Act, Act 22 of 2024, including the development of National Climate Change Adaptation Scenarios. These scenarios will provide a scientific foundation for shaping the country’s adaptation strategies.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed that the scenarios will undergo stakeholder consultation to ensure they reflect conditions across urban, rural and coastal communities.
In parallel, the department has developed technical guidelines to support adaptation assessments and climate response planning across sectors. The guidelines aim to improve consistency, strengthen planning quality and assist municipalities in meeting legislative requirements.
Beyond project rollout, the initiative is expected to strengthen coordination between stakeholders, mobilise partnerships and improve access to resources. It also reinforces the role of municipalities as frontline implementers of South Africa’s climate strategy.
The programme further positions the South African Local Government Association as a key driver of climate responsive governance and cross sector collaboration.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
