South Africa’s Climate Crisis and the Path to Resilience

The impacts of climate change have been increasing over the last few decades at global scale, with noticeable changes in precipitation and temperature patterns. Depending on geography, countries have been experiencing either extreme precipitation, resulting in heavy storms and floods, or an extreme deficit, leading to droughts. These changes in climate continue to threaten food and water security, human health, as well as socio-economic development, especially in developing countries.

South Africa is a rapidly growing country caught between the need to balance extensive economic growth and the sustainable use of natural resources, therefore, the country is highly susceptible to climate changes. In the last 10 years, the country has experienced a series of devastating extreme events. Most notable of these events are Cape Town’s infamous “Day Zero” water crisis from 2015 to 2018 that nearly led to the first major city in the world running out of water. As well as the April 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods in which 459 lives were lost, and thousands more were displaced. These events have destroyed homes, displaced families, and disrupted local economies, exposing the deep vulnerabilities within our social and infrastructural systems.

Climate change is making weather events more intense, frequent, and harder to predict. Storms, floods, heatwaves, and droughts are happening more often and lasting longer than before. These now frequent disasters have far-reaching socio-economic implications, particularly for marginalised communities living in informal settlements with inadequate housing and little access to financial resources or basic infrastructure. As a result, more families are being pushed deeper into poverty, and our government is struggling to keep up with the growing need for help and support.

South Africa is facing many connected climate problems all at once: water shortages, unreliable electricity due to our dependence on coal, biodiversity loss, rising food prices, and flooding in cities. For example, the ongoing drought in the Eastern Cape has made it harder for people to grow food and get clean drinking water. At the same time, coal power continues to pollute our air and weakens our already fragile energy supply, especially during heatwaves and dry spells.

Biodiversity loss and shifting weather patterns threaten agricultural production, particularly in rural areas where farming is the primary source of livelihood. Poor urban infrastructure in informal settlements increases exposure to climate-induced flooding and displacement. At the same time, despite South Africa’s progressive climate policies, gaps in implementation, weak governance, and a lack of accountability continue to hinder real progress on both mitigation and adaptation fronts. Addressing these challenges requires two urgent interventions: the implementation of a just transition away from coal and the strengthening of local governance to drive effective climate adaptation strategies.

The Just Transition Framework is essential to ensure that South Africa moves towards a low-carbon economy without leaving workers and vulnerable communities behind. This includes phasing out coal, investing in renewable energy, and creating green jobs in sectors like clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. Equally important is the reskilling and support of workers from fossil fuel industries, ensuring that justice and equity are central to the shift.

Local governance structures should be at the forefront of implementing strategies outlined in these frameworks as they are closest to the people. Additionally, they should play a key role in helping communities prepare for and recover from climate disasters. This means investing in early warning systems that alert people before floods or storms hit and upgrading infrastructure to withstand climate shocks. Most importantly, local government needs to work with communities in high-risk areas to design and lead their own climate solutions. Research shows that when people are involved in decisions that affect them, they are more likely to support and sustain the changes. Building local capacity and trust is essential for long-term resilience.

Moreover, climate finance must be made accessible, transparent, and effective. South Africa needs increased international support to fund adaptation projects in vulnerable communities. Stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society is critical to ensure these funds are well-managed and used for their intended purpose. Ultimately, the climate crisis is not a distant threat, it is a present and accelerating reality. The government, business community, and civil society must act now, decisively and boldly, to protect lives, livelihoods, and the future of our planet.

South Africa has the potential to be a global leader in climate adaptation and resilience, but this will only be possible through urgent and unified action. Investing in renewables, infrastructure, and community-driven solutions is not only good for the planet, it is essential for a more just, inclusive, and resilient South Africa. The question we must now answer is simple: Will we answer the call of our lifetime?

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‍Letago Kgomoeswana is a registered environmental scientist and climate change consultant. Letago is also an African eco-feminist who graduated from the prestigious Zanele Mbeki Fellowship for African Leadership.