Local Climate Leadership Strengthened with Forum

 

By Fred Felton | Jun. 15, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba convened the second Municipal Forum for Climate Change on 5 May 2026.

Climate Change a present day reality. | Photo: Supplied. 

This forum brought together municipal leadership, experts in the field, and stakeholders to discuss key climate policy frameworks, global developments, and implementation priorities which shape the City’s climate response.

EThekwini was the first municipality to set up a governance structure of this kind, in accordance with section 9 of the Climate Change Act and Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act.

‘’By bringing together organised labour, business, civil society, traditional leadership and other stakeholders, we are ensuring that our climate response is inclusive, informed, and aligned with the principles of a just transition to a climate resilient and low carbon future,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

He also noted that climate change was a present reality.

Central to discussions was the Durban Climate Change Strategy (DCCS), presented by Dr Luyanda Mafumbu, the Deputy Head of Climate Change.

The DCCS is the City’s overarching framework guiding climate action across adaptation, mitigation, and a just transition.

The strategy reinforces eThekwini’s commitment to building climate resilience, while pursuing inclusive economic development.

‘’As a Municipality, we are enhancing our preparedness, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and mobilising partners to protect communities, safeguard essential services and reduce climate-related risks,’’ added Mayor Xaba.