SADC Parliamentary Forum discusses Southern Africa’s climate change strategies

THERE are growing calls for the urgent implementation of the climate action fund to counter the impact of climate change that is devastating livelihoods.

- THOBEKA NGEMA [e-mail]

This initiative is designed to boost investments aimed at tackling climate change challenges.

As Southern Africa grapples with the harsh realities of extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves and droughts, the urgency for effective legislative action has never been greater.

At the ongoing 58th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in Durban, Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza said the president's work on the climate action fund is evident.

Consequently, the budget presented by the finance minister must be scrutinised to determine the extent to which it equips countries to effectively mitigate climate change.

Didiza stressed that support is needed in both the environment and agriculture ministries. Agricultural ministers require aid for research and development to create and promote new, drought-resistant crops.

This is vital for equipping farmers to withstand extreme weather, such as severe droughts or heatwaves, and thus ensure food security. She highlighted the success of a drought-resistant maize seed.

Furthermore, collaboration with departments like housing is essential.