GOVERNMENT has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture across nations.
Speaking at the official opening of the South African Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-32) meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn yesterday, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta Simelane reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing climate services for evidence-based decision-making.
Over the years, she said SARCOF had become a cornerstone of regional cooperation, providing seasonal climate forecasts that guided agriculture, water management, energy, health, and disaster preparedness. More importantly, it has evolved into a platform where science meets policy and dialogue connects communities.
“It is a space of inclusivity, ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable groups are not left behind in the climate action agenda,” she added.
The minister stressed that the country was determined to mainstream resilience into national development, in line with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the SADC Climate Change Strategy.
However, she emphasised that the response to climate change must be regional, coordinated, and grounded in solidarity.
She noted that SARCOF-32 was not only an opportunity to share knowledge and innovations but also a call to build trust in climate information services and strengthen partnerships between international agencies and local communities.
“Climate change does not respect borders. Droughts, floods, cyclones, and heatwaves affect us collectively. The recent persistent rainfall affecting Eswatini, parts of South Africa, and Mozambique, for example, resulted in loss of human lives and damage to infrastructure and agricultural production,” she said.
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) representative for Eastern and Southern Africa Hlobisile Sikhosana highlighted that the impacts across different economic sectors showed both communities and governments were struggling to respond effectively.
“This demonstrates that effective early warning systems are essential,” Sikhosana said, adding that meteorological services needed improvement.
She called for enhanced capacity at both regional and national levels and better coordination to ensure countries know what to expect.
“We need to invest in infrastructure to enhance the accuracy of our meteorological forecasts.”
