KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for climate change interventions to be driven and owned by communities.
Ntuli made the call while presiding over the KwaZulu-Natal Climate Change and Sustainable Development Council at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre on Friday, 3 July 2026.
The council brought together Members of the Executive Council, mayors, traditional leaders, academics, climate change experts and senior government officials to deliberate on practical interventions aimed at strengthening the province's response to climate change and advancing sustainable development.
Delivering the opening address, the Premier noted that international experience has shown that sustainable climate interventions are most effective when society actively participates in their implementation.
“When a climate change solution is owned by society, the results are evident and impactful,” Ntuli said.
He said KwaZulu-Natal must continue to build a coordinated, inclusive and resilient response to climate change, particularly as municipalities, communities and vulnerable sectors face the growing impact of extreme weather events, environmental degradation and pressure on natural resources.
The council discussed several strategic priorities, including the implementation of the provincial Climate Change Resilience Action Plan, climate change funding sources for municipalities, and proposals aimed at strengthening the province’s climate change response.
Ntuli also called on members of the council to pay particular attention to the role of municipal bylaws in addressing climate change, saying local government remains central to ensuring that climate resilience measures are translated into practical action within communities.
He urged all stakeholders to work together in developing sustainable solutions that respond to the province's unique environmental and socio-economic challenges, while supporting the broader objective of building a resilient, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive KwaZulu-Natal.
The Climate Change and Sustainable Development Council forms part of the provincial government's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination across spheres of government and ensure that climate change and sustainable development remain at the centre of KwaZulu-Natal's long-term development agenda. – SAnews.gov.za
