By: Buhle Mbhele
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called for accelerated national action to support municipalities facing escalating climate-related disasters, warning that local government is increasingly ill-equipped to respond to the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Recent floods, storms and wildfires across several provinces have destroyed homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, claiming more than 30 lives and placing immense pressure on already strained municipal resources.
Provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and parts of the Western Cape have been particularly hard hit in recent years, with climate-related disasters causing billions of rands in damage.
SALGA Emergency Services and Disaster Management Working Group chairperson Mluleki Nkosi has cautioned that outdated disaster management systems and ageing infrastructure continue to leave municipalities under-resourced and reactive rather than prepared. He noted that many local authorities lack adequate funding, skilled personnel and modern technology to effectively manage disaster risks.
Nkosi has urged the government to prioritise the modernisation of disaster management frameworks, including the upgrading of critical infrastructure, the expansion of early-warning systems, improved climate risk mapping, and comprehensive community education programmes. He emphasised that proactive planning and investment are essential to reduce loss of life and economic damage, particularly as climate change accelerates.
SALGA has also reiterated the need for stronger coordination between national, provincial and local government, as well as the effective implementation of South Africa’s Disaster Management Act and Climate Change Act, to ensure municipalities are better prepared for future climate shocks.
