The convention is an opportunity to address climate change

Over the past four years, regions like the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have endured catastrophic flooding, resulting in loss of life, destruction of homes and damage to infrastructure. The National Dialogue is a platform to address the pressing environmental problems that confront us.

- Allan Basajjasubi

We must seize this opportunity to hold the government accountable in charting a course for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Local governments, despite their best efforts, have struggled to implement effective adaptation strategies and early warning systems. Without the capacity, budgeting and planning, local governments will continue to fail their citizens.

In May, the portfolio committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs issued a media statement expressing concern about the failure of municipal interventions to deliver lasting improvements, and called for the strengthening of early warning systems. By prioritising climate resilience and adaptation at the local level, the government can facilitate the enhancement of its capacity to respond to future emergencies.

The National Dialogue is an ideal forum to foster understanding and collaboration in addressing climate change. It is important that the remaining provisions of the Climate Change Act to be enacted swiftly.