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Mail & Guardian
01-08-2025
- Climate
- Mail & Guardian
SA's draft second climate plan calls for urgent action, global support
Severe floods in KZN. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP) Devastating These extreme weather events are outlined in the draft second The draft, As a party to the The draft sets out South Africa's updated climate mitigation targets and adaptation goals for the 2026-2030 and 2031-2035 period, 'in line with national development priorities and international obligations', George said. It reflects its commitment to helping limit global warming to below 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C, in line with global efforts. The draft outlines the country's greenhouse gas targets, priorities for adaptation, implementation needs and support requirements. 'Highest possible ambition' In the document, South Africa expresses concern that the risk of overshooting 1.5°C is becoming ever more likely and 'we suffer 'We stand in solidarity with all peoples, particularly other African countries, whose capabilities to adapt are limited,' it said, adding that the global community must redouble efforts to reduce emissions rapidly after peaking, returning to global warming levels below 1.5°C after overshooting. Developed country economies must mobilise finance commensurate with 1.5°C. Ambition should not only apply to setting goals but to their implementation, it said. 'The climate crisis requires urgent action — now, throughout the rest of this critical decade, to 2035 — with a long-term perspective of a just transition to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.' South Africa believes that just transitions, for mitigation and adaptation, are 'core to shifting our development pathway to increased sustainability, fostering climate resilient and low greenhouse gas emissions development while providing a better life for all'. Climate impacts in SA Climate change is one of the 'greatest challenges of our generation', the document said, emphasising that global mitigation efforts fall short of what is needed to keep temperature increase below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 'Rising global emissions mean increasing impacts.' It warned that between 1.5°C and 2°C of global warming, negative impacts for the country are projected to become increasingly widespread and severe. These include reduced food production; slower economic growth; increased inequality and poverty; loss of biodiversity and increased human morbidity and mortality. Africa is warming at about 1.5 times the global average rate, unleashing more frequent and severe extreme weather events across the continent, and causing an increase in climate-related impacts in South Africa. Poor communities suffer the worst, while businesses and municipalities struggle to keep operations going during these events and 'recover to full operational capacity before experiencing the next extreme event'. The KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Limpopo and Eastern Cape are particularly vulnerable because of limited access to water and sanitation and high levels of food poverty. This is especially true for households relying on climate-sensitive work, such as rain-fed farming, fishing, and construction, and those with elderly, pregnant, disabled or young family members living in informal housing. 'Increasing impacts mean increasing adaptation needs and associated costs. And where the limits to adaptation are exceeded, increasing loss and damage. Loss and damage is here and now in South Africa,' the draft says. Future effects from climate extremes in heat and rainfall could reduce the country's GDP by 3% to 20% per capita, depending on the average global warming level. Infrastructure damage alone could cost up to $522 million annually at 2°C warming. Climate targets The country will prepare a comprehensive financing strategy to implement the mitigation and adaptation components of the second NDC, with core indicators and targets for 2030 and 2035. South Africa retains its 2021 emissions target range of 350-420 Mt CO2-eq (million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) by 2030, and introduces a new target of 320-380 Mt CO₂-eq by 2035. These are described as ambitious yet fair, considering the country's development challenges and historical emissions. 'We also fulfil our obligation to pursue domestic mitigation measures to achieve these targets, affirming that the full implementation of these policies and plans will bend the curve of the country's greenhouse gas emissions to our long-term trajectory.' Noting that four-fifths of the total global carbon budget consistent with keeping global warming below 1.5°C has already been spent, the draft said that 'profligate historical emissions are the reason we have little global carbon budget remaining. It would not be fair to expect poor communities to forego survival emissions'. It said that the greater responsibility and capability of developed countries means they must undertake more ambitious mitigation and provide support, such as finance, technology and capacity-building, to developing countries, including South Africa. South Africa's adaptation efforts focus on building resilience to climate impacts, while addressing vulnerabilities. National goals include improving water and sanitation systems for droughts and floods and improving disaster risk management, healthcare and the provision of sanitation, particularly in vulnerable informal settlements. Critical transport infrastructure will be upgraded to withstand intense rainfall, heat stress, wind speeds and storm surges, while early-warning and information systems will be improved. The protection of the country's natural heritage, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning will be strengthened to deal with heat and water stress while capacity will be built across all government spheres to implement adaptation strategies. Progress will be tracked using indicators such as water-loss reduction, disaster-response metrics and biodiversity conservation. Fair share The document emphasises that South Africa's ability to achieve its adaptation goals depends heavily on international climate finance. It calls for scaled-up funding from developed countries and simplified access to these funds. The country's first Biennial Transparency Report showed that less than 1% of international financial support received for the country was allocated exclusively to adaptation, which is significantly inadequate. The country received a total of $827.69 million in international financial support during the period 2021-2022, averaging R413 million per year. About 80% was provided in the form of loans and 6% as grants provided for mitigation. To implement the country's NDC, an estimated $344 billion will be required by 2030 to support both the full implementation of the just energy transition and to bridge the gap between the country's adaptation needs and costs. The draft notes how geopolitical and economic uncertainties, along with gaps in international climate finance, pose challenges to implementation. Improved systems for estimating greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the land sector, are needed. Loss and damage Shifting climate conditions are already having damaging and costly impacts across multiple sectors, the document said. South Africa's water and sanitation systems are being disrupted by droughts and floods, with cascading impacts on health, tourism and economic outputs, while climate change is reducing crop and livestock yields, negatively affecting the productivity of smallholder, commercial and mixed farms. 'Exposure to non-optimal temperatures and extreme weather has increased the range and transmission of infectious diseases, increased heat-related mortality, increased mental health, suicide and homicide risk and drought-associated malnutrition.' Changes in wind patterns, air and water temperatures and acidification in and and around the country are 'destroying marine biodiversity', reducing the productivity of freshwater bodies and changing animal and vegetation distributions. Temperatures are approaching the physiological limits of species with heat extremes driving As the country engages the public on this updated NDC, the WWF is urging South Africans to participate in the public consultation process and demand stronger climate action. 'This is a critical time,' said its climate specialist James Reeler. 'We must make it clear that South Africa is ready to face this challenge — and that we need global support to do it.' *Comments can be emailed to Mkhuthazi Steleki at
News24
18-07-2025
- Climate
- News24
Saturday's weather: A warning of flooding in KZN as wet conditions forecast in seven provinces
Rajesh Jantilal/AFP Disruptive rain, which may lead to flooding, is forecast for the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, while showers are also expected in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State and the Eastern Cape, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Impact-based Warnings Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall in the south coast area of KwaZulu-Natal. Expect localised flooding in low-lying areas, roads, and informal settlements. Difficult driving conditions may occur on dirt roads. Yellow level 2 warning: Disruptive rain Affected area: KwaZulu-Natal (East coast) Validity period: 19 July 2025. #saws #weatheroutlook #southafricanweather — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 18, 2025 In the SAWS' colour-coded weather warning system, yellow indicates a moderate risk of impact that requires caution and awareness, while orange indicates that higher-risk impact is expected, requiring increased attention and preparation. SAWS uses the numbers to indicate the likelihood of weather-based impacts occurring. Levels 2 and 6 are high, and Level 4 is low. The weather in your province Gauteng: Partly cloudy and cool with light rain in the south, clearing by evening. Pretoria: 8°C — 20°C Johannesburg: 8°C — 19°C Vereeniging: 6°C — 17°C Mpumalanga: Morning fog along the escarpment, cloudy and cool to cold with isolated showers. Warm conditions are expected in the Lowveld. Mbombela: 9°C — 21°C Ermelo: 8°C — 17°C Emalahleni: 8°C — 19°C Standerton: 5°C — 15°C Skukuza: 9°C — 26°C Limpopo: Cloudy and cool with drizzle along the escarpment. Warm temperatures are anticipated in the Limpopo Valley, while the south-western Bushveld will remain partly cloudy. Polokwane: 6°C — 21°C Phalaborwa: 14°C — 24°C Tzaneen: 10°C — 22°C Musina: 12°C — 25°C Lephalale: 12°C — 23°C Mokopane: 6°C — 23°C North West: Partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers and thundershowers in the south-east. Klerksdorp: 7°C — 20°C Potchefstroom: 7°C — 19°C Mahikeng: 6°C — 20°C Rustenburg: 7°C — 21°C Vryburg: 1°C — 22°C Weather forecast for today & tomorrow, 18 - 19 July 2025. Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the eastern parts of the country, with isolated to scattered rain and showers. Otherwise, fine & cold to cool with damaging waves expected along the west & south coast. #saws — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 18, 2025 Free State: Partly cloudy and cold to cool. Isolated showers and thundershowers in the east, becoming scattered in the extreme eastern areas. Bloemfontein: 3°C — 19°C Welkom: 6°C — 20°C Bethlehem: 2°C — 14°C Northern Cape: Fine and cool to cold conditions, with warmth expected in the north-west. Coastal winds will be moderate to fresh easterly to south-easterly. Upington: 2°C — 25°C Kimberley: 0°C — 21°C De Aar: -1°C — 19°C Alexander Bay: 11°C — 30°C Springbok: 9°C — 21°C Calvinia: 2°C — 18°C Sutherland: -4°C — 14°C Western Cape: Morning fog patches in the northern high ground. The rest of the province will be fine and cool to cold. Coastal winds will be light to moderate south-easterly, turning easterly to north-easterly along the south coast. Cape Town: 9°C — 19°C Vredendal: 6°C — 24°C Riversdale: 4°C — 20°C George: 5°C — 18°C Worcester: 2°C — 18°C Beaufort West: 2°C — 18°C Oudtshoorn: 2°C — 19°C Western half of the Eastern Cape: Partly cloudy in some areas at first, but becoming fine and cold. Cool conditions are expected along the coast. Coastal winds will be moderate to fresh north-easterly. Eastern half of the Eastern Cape: Cloudy and cold with isolated showers and rain east of East London and scattered along the Wild Coast. Conditions will become partly cloudy in the afternoon. Coastal winds will be moderate to fresh north-easterly. Gqeberha: 10°C — 19°C Makhanda: 5°C — 18°C Cradock: -2°C — 17°C Graaff-Reinet: -1°C — 18°C East London: 13°C — 19°C Port St Johns: 15°C — 18°C Mthatha: 7°C — 14°C Komani: 3°C — 16°C Qonce: 9°C — 19°C KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog will clear, leaving cloudy and cool to cold conditions. Isolated showers are expected, while the coast and adjacent interior will experience scattered showers and rain. Coastal winds will vary from moderate to fresh easterly and south-easterly to light and moderate northerly by evening in the south. Durban: 14°C — 20°C Richard's Bay: 15°C — 20°C Pietermaritzburg: 8°C — 15°C Ladysmith: 8°C — 14°C
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
IN PICTURES: ABSA Run Your City Durban
A field of approximately 10 000 people took to the streets of Durban on Sunday in the annual ABSA Run Your City 10k race. 10, 000 South African walkers and runners take part close to the Moses Mabhida stadium in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K race along the promenade in Durban. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10k was won by Kabelo Mulaudzi on Sunday morning, in a speedy 27 minutes and 41 seconds. The ladies race was won by Clare Ndiwa from Kenya in 30 minutes and 50 seconds. Photographer Rajesh Jantilal was there to capture the action. Carmen Barnard from Get Fit Athletics Club, does a dance with a local Zulu traditional Dance called Isizwile Dance group during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K race along the promenade in Durban. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Some of the 10 000 runners seen along the promenade in Durban. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Officials assist the first three runners at the finish line during the Women's race during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K race along the promenade in Durban. yesterday. The winner Clare Ndiwa finished in 30mins and 50 seconds. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Second time runner Khona Mgobozi from Ballito jumps high in excitement. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Velipheni Ngcobo from Umlazi is the last person to cross the line as Isizweli Womens Zulu traditional dance group cheer him on. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal MORE IN PICTURES: ABSA Run Your City Cape Town
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion show highlights
PICTURES: Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion show highlights The glamorous Hollywoodbets Durban July Preview Fashion Show took place last week at uMhlanga's Gateway Theatre Of Shopping, showcasing bold fashion and flair ahead of the big race day. Hollywoodbets Durban July fashion show held at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in uMhlanga. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Shoppers, designers, and VIPs were treated to a dazzling evening of music, movement, and couture. The Hollywoodbets Durban July race is to take place at the Greyville race course in Durban on Saturday attracting thousands of locals and international racegoers. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal PICTURES: Funniest photos so far in 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Durban takes part in Hindu firewalking festival
Hindu devotees last week took part in the 'Thimithi' festival, celebrating Draupadi, considered as the incarnation of Hindu Goddess Mariamman. A Hindu devotee pinned with lime, fruit and leaves in a state of trance takes part in the Firewalking or 'Thimithi' festival, celebrating Draupadi. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Thimithi is a practice where devotees walk barefoot over a 15 metre bed of hot coals or embers as a form of religious devotion or ritual. It's often performed as a test of faith, a rite of passage, or a way to seek blessings from the deity. Photographer Rajesh Jantilal covered the festival. Hundreds of Hindu devotees gather to take part in the Firewalking or 'Thimithi' festival. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal A South African Hindu devotee pierced with hooks on which flowers and fruits are hung, takes part in the festival. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal A Hindu devotee takes part in the firewalking. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Picture: Rajesh Jantilal A Hindu devotee lays a piece of wood to the fire being lit for people to walk on during the firewalking festival. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal A Hindu devotee places a garland on Hindu deity Mother Draupadi. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal PICTURES: Religious worship at the Braamfontein Spruit
