Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
05/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2026 12:06
Media Statement: Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Urges Vigilance Amidst Increasing Extreme Weather Events
Parliament, Thursday, 7 May 2026 - The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is calling on all South Africans to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant as the country continues to face increasingly erratic and severe weather conditions.
South Africa's unique geographical position, placed between the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans and with diverse internal topography, has traditionally resulted in varied regional climates. However, the committee notes with concern that climate change has intensified weather patterns. What were once predictable seasonal shifts have now become frequent threats to lives, infrastructure and livelihoods.
"We are observing an increase in extreme storms and flooding that threaten both our people and the environment," said Ms Nqabisa Gantsho, the portfolio committee Chairperson. "Monitoring the weather alone is no longer sufficient; we must actively prepare for its effects." The South African Weather Service has already communicated that the Western and Eastern Cape provinces will continue to experience strong to gale-force winds, heavy rains resulting in floods, very rough to high seas, disruptive snowfall and very cold conditions in the coming days.
To safeguard communities, the committee recommends that residents stay informed by regularly monitoring official warnings from the South African Weather Service and by following safety directives from local authorities. Households should also secure property and livestock by reinforcing homes where possible and moving animals to higher, sheltered ground. In addition, communities are urged to manage waste responsibly by avoiding illegal dumping and littering, as blocked stormwater systems are a primary cause of avoidable urban flooding, and to look out for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities so they are not left behind during evacuations or other emergency events.
The Chairperson also emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship in reducing disaster risks. "Promptly reporting environmental hazards, such as fallen trees, blocked drains or rising water levels, to the appropriate authorities can save lives," Ms Gantsho stated.
The committee remains committed to overseeing robust climate adaptation strategies across all spheres of government, and it stresses that safety begins with personal and communal preparedness. By staying alert and responding swiftly to warnings, we can minimise the adverse effects of these natural occurrences and protect our most vulnerable citizens.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, MS NQABISA GANTSHO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender (Ms)
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: [email protected]
South Africa's unique geographical position, placed between the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans and with diverse internal topography, has traditionally resulted in varied regional climates. However, the committee notes with concern that climate change has intensified weather patterns. What were once predictable seasonal shifts have now become frequent threats to lives, infrastructure and livelihoods.
"We are observing an increase in extreme storms and flooding that threaten both our people and the environment," said Ms Nqabisa Gantsho, the portfolio committee Chairperson. "Monitoring the weather alone is no longer sufficient; we must actively prepare for its effects." The South African Weather Service has already communicated that the Western and Eastern Cape provinces will continue to experience strong to gale-force winds, heavy rains resulting in floods, very rough to high seas, disruptive snowfall and very cold conditions in the coming days.
To safeguard communities, the committee recommends that residents stay informed by regularly monitoring official warnings from the South African Weather Service and by following safety directives from local authorities. Households should also secure property and livestock by reinforcing homes where possible and moving animals to higher, sheltered ground. In addition, communities are urged to manage waste responsibly by avoiding illegal dumping and littering, as blocked stormwater systems are a primary cause of avoidable urban flooding, and to look out for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities so they are not left behind during evacuations or other emergency events.
The Chairperson also emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship in reducing disaster risks. "Promptly reporting environmental hazards, such as fallen trees, blocked drains or rising water levels, to the appropriate authorities can save lives," Ms Gantsho stated.
The committee remains committed to overseeing robust climate adaptation strategies across all spheres of government, and it stresses that safety begins with personal and communal preparedness. By staying alert and responding swiftly to warnings, we can minimise the adverse effects of these natural occurrences and protect our most vulnerable citizens.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, MS NQABISA GANTSHO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender (Ms)
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: [email protected]
Parliament of South Africa published this content on May 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 07, 2026 at 18:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]