KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli. | KwaZulu-Natal Government
Durban — A prominent Durban-based environmentalist has lauded KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli for announcing the formation of the Climate Change and Sustainability Council to address the looming climate crisis.
On Thursday, Ntuli revealed plans to establish the council within the next four weeks.
This is amid the series of disastrous weather patterns that have tragically claimed lives and displaced thousands in the province.
South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) coordinator Desmond D’Sa asked Ntuli to consider collaborating with all stakeholders in finding effective solutions. D’Sa said that nobody should be sidelined when Ntuli forms the council.
“We have been fighting this battle for 30 years. We are ready to work with the premier to find the much-needed solutions to climate change,” he added, emphasising a crucial need for action over mere rhetoric.
Ntuli said the council, which he described as “groundbreaking,” would include representatives from the provincial government.
Traditional and Khoisan leadership, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), local government, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, business sectors, and leading climate experts.
“The 7th Administration is embarking on a sustained multi-sectoral approach in addressing the issues related to climate change.”
Ntuli made these remarks following his recent participation in Climate Week in New York City, where he led a high-powered delegation from KZN to engage in global discussions on climate issues.
In a bid to curb the scourge of inclement weather caused by climate change, Ntuli said the provincial government will host a Climate Change and Sustainability Dialogue.
Ntuli said: “We must make sure that vulnerable communities in townships and rural areas are not left behind but play a major role in shaping a future that is resilient to the harsh realities and conditions of an ever-changing environment and climate.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 bill into law, which Ntuli stated “was a major step for the country to unite its effort against the negative impact of climate disruption”.
Ntuli also announced that KZN has also forged an alliance with the State of Maryland in the United States, which he said would be instrumental in addressing the adverse effects of flood disasters that have become increasingly frequent in the province.
“Following our meeting with the coastal and port State of Maryland during the New York Climate Week, we concretised discussions on exchange programmes in various fields, including climate change, agriculture, and nutrition,” he explained.
This partnership, he added, “Will be structured to work with all 54 municipalities in KZN. We are looking to solidify our tourism offerings while also opening up new opportunities for collaboration.”
On higher education exchanges, he said: “Maryland already has a programme with Durban University of Technology for training focussing on women to take up science, mathematics, engineering and other scarce skills. We have proposed that Mangosuthu University of Technology be considered for partnership as an institution in the township.”
Further, he said the government would be identifying TVET Colleges who would join the exchange.
Ntuli's address came as KZN was still grappling with the repercussions of devastating floods in April 2022 that claimed lives and led to financial losses exceeding R40 billion.
Inclement weather events, such as a tornado in oThongathi in June and raging fires across the province in July, have further strained the province’s capacity for disaster readiness.
Two weekends ago, heavy snowfall on the N3 highway stranded dozens of commuters, resulting in two fatalities.
Ntuli said it can not be business as usual amid the setbacks that the coastal province has suffered.
“We can no longer behave as if everything is normal.
“Even scientists have warned us that our seasons will be wetter and hotter, we may have long droughts and rains in the wrong season, and this could lead to a long-term catastrophe,” he said.
WhatsApp your views on this story to 071 485 7995.
Daily News