Umhlanga: Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has urged Southern African parliaments to take bold, people-centred action to confront what she described as an escalating climate crisis threatening development, human security, and the right to adequate housing across the region. Simelane was addressing the Symposium of the 58th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly, held at Coastlands Hotel and Convention Centre in Umhlanga, north of Durban.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event, held under the theme: 'The Impact of Climate Change in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Mitigation and Adaptation', brought together over 300 delegates from countries including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Simelane emphasized the need for collective leadership and regionally aligned solutions to tackle climate change.
Simelane highlighted that the SADC region is experiencing climate impacts of 'unprecedented scale,' pointing out the increased severity of storms, droughts, floods, and heatwaves. She referenced recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the displacement in Umshwathi Local Municipality as evidence of the devastating effects of climate change. Simelane stressed that climate events transcend national borders and require a unified response.
Drawing on South Africa's Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, Simelane noted that rural communities, residents of informal settlements, and women, youth, and children are disproportionately affected by climate disasters. She called for greater involvement of women and young people in climate decision-making and highlighted their potential as drivers of innovation and resilience.
Simelane outlined South Africa's Climate Change Response Strategy, proposing three strategic pillars for the SADC region: settling people in safe areas, addressing vulnerable settlements, and establishing climate-resilient infrastructure standards. She emphasized the importance of innovative building technologies and community-driven processes in building climate-resilient communities.
Simelane urged lawmakers to integrate climate-risk considerations into legislation, align human settlements laws with regional frameworks, and effectively mobilize climate finance. She challenged delegates to proactively build resilience rather than reacting to disasters and to view climate challenges as opportunities to strengthen communities and democracies.