Collaborative efforts to address climate change imperative says Ntuli

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for urgent, coordinated action to tackle the growing threat of climate change, warning that the province’s most vulnerable communities remain at greatest risk.

Ntuli was speaking at a sitting of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Council held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre on Friday.

Chaired by the premier, the council brings together Members of the Executive Council, mayors and deputy mayors, traditional leaders, academics, representatives of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and senior government officials.

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According to the office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal is one of the country’s most disaster prone provinces, frequently experiencing floods and severe weather events linked to climate change.

Opening the session, Ntuli urged council members to move beyond fragmented responses and develop integrated solutions that would “inspire new hope and leave no one behind”.

He stressed that climate change affects all sectors of society and requires a unified approach across government and institutions.

Presentations during the meeting focused on key areas including health, public awareness and education, infrastructure development and disaster response.

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During the meeting members also explored how interventions across these sectors could be better aligned to strengthen the province’s resilience and improve support for affected communities.

Ntuli said the council will continue playing a central role in shaping coordinated strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change across KwaZulu-Natal