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China and South-South Scoping Assessment for Adaptation,
Learning and Development (CASSALD)
Appendix X: South Africa Country Scoping Report
January 2013
Executive Summary
This report forms part of the project ‘China and South-South Scoping Assessment for Learning and
Development’ (CASSALD). CASSALD is a scoping study on climate adaptation needs, good practice
and potential for collaboration in 10 priority developing countries. The aim of the project is to
identify key opportunities and avenues for South-South learning on climate change adaptation and
how to best channel resources to share China's and developing countries' experiences of integrating
climate adaptation into the development process.
Climate change is a real threat that faces the world today and will continue to do so in the future.
Climate change impacts such as increased temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, extreme
weather events, sea level rise and changes in biodiversity will significantly affect national economies,
livelihoods and development. Developing countries are expected to experience severe climate
change impacts due to their vulnerability low adaptive capacity and reliance on natural resources.
The poor are predicted to suffer the greatest consequences. South Africa has already begun to
experience some of the effects of climate change hence there is a need to implement effective
adaptation strategies. The impacts of climate change will be exacerbated by existing local and socioeconomic problems such as poverty, low levels of education, skills shortages, limited infrastructure,
limited technology and information, poor access to resources and lack of capacity to manage natural
resources.
It has been predicted that South Africa will experience an increase in temperatures in the summer
and autumn in the western part of the country as well as increased incidents of floods and drought.
Enhanced temperature inversions are likely to exacerbate air pollution problems. The most
vulnerable sectors are health, agriculture (particularly maize production), plant and animal
biodiversity, water resources and rangelands. South Africa’s condition of water scarcity will further
aggravate difficulties initiated by climate change in the agricultural sector, which in turn affects the
country’s GDP due the large role of agricultural production in South Africa’s economy. South Africa
has significant poverty levels and is also faced with high incidences of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
These concerns make South Africa even more vulnerable to climate change impacts. South Africa is
host to 3 biodiversity hotspots in the world and many areas are invaded by alien invasive species and
severely degraded therefore necessitating solid adaptation strategies.
The South African Government (national, provincial and local) plays a critical role in addressing
climate change issues through policy, legislation and planning. There is a focus on development that
fosters effective climate change response, poverty reduction and a transition to a climate-resilient
and lower–carbon economy. Other stakeholders (private businesses, academia, development
partners, NGOs and civil society) play a critical role in realising both climate and development
strategies in order to improve human development and promote environmental sustainability. South
Africa has a plethora of environmental and climate change policies, strategies and plans that require
implementation and enforcement. The government is involved with a number of stakeholders in
integrating various sectors to work together on climate change issues and implement plans
effectively. Key challenges in this area include a lack of sufficient capacity, limited technology and
financial constraints on implementing and enforcing plans. Thus a South-South learning
collaboration with other countries facilitated by China would help South Africa in climate change
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adaptation practices. South Africa can also play a critical role, particularly in the African region, by
helping other African countries develop their climate change adaptation policies and plans.
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ i
Acronyms and Abbreviations............................................................................................................. v
1.
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1
2.
Framework for Assessment........................................................................................................ 3
2.1.
2.1.1.
National Development Strategy.................................................................................. 3
2.1.2.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies........................................................................ 6
2.2.
Main Actors and their Roles and Responsibilities................................................................ 8
2.2.1.
Government............................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2.
Civil society ................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.3.
Private sector ............................................................................................................. 9
2.2.4.
Academia ................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.5.
Development Partners.............................................................................................. 10
2.3.
3.
Current National Strategies and Plans ................................................................................ 3
Review of Adaptation Plans and Progress......................................................................... 11
2.3.1.
Mainstreaming of climate adaptation ....................................................................... 11
2.3.2.
Comprehensiveness ................................................................................................. 12
2.3.3.
Implementation........................................................................................................ 13
2.3.4.
Mitigation in relation to Adaptation ......................................................................... 13
Needs Assessment................................................................................................................... 28
3.1.
Climate Impacts and Priorities by Sector .......................................................................... 28
3.1.1.
Water....................................................................................................................... 28
3.1.2.
Energy ...................................................................................................................... 29
3.1.3.
Infrastructure ........................................................................................................... 30
3.1.4.
Land Use and Ecosystems ......................................................................................... 31
3.1.5.
Agriculture ............................................................................................................... 32
3.1.6.
Health ...................................................................................................................... 33
3.1.7.
Industry and Livelihoods........................................................................................... 33
3.2.
Gaps and Needs ............................................................................................................... 34
3.2.1.
Priority sectors ......................................................................................................... 34
3.2.2.
Key opportunities ..................................................................................................... 36
3.2.3.
Good practice and maladaptation............................................................................. 36
3.2.4.
Resource requirements ............................................................................................ 37
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3.2.5.
3.3.
4.
5.
6.
Constraints ............................................................................................................... 38
Potential Benefits of Chinese Engagement ....................................................................... 38
Attitudinal Assessment ............................................................................................................ 39
4.1.
Development Priorities and Drivers.................................................................................. 39
4.2.
Political Will ..................................................................................................................... 39
4.3.
Information of Government Policy ................................................................................... 40
4.4.
Perceptions of China ........................................................................................................ 40
4.5.
Current Chinese Involvement........................................................................................... 40
4.6.
Current South-South Learning .......................................................................................... 41
Recommendations................................................................................................................... 45
5.1.
Chinese Support of Adaptation......................................................................................... 45
5.2.
South-South Learning....................................................................................................... 45
Summary ................................................................................................................................. 46
References ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... 49
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
ACCCA
ACCESS
AMCEN
AWARD
CASSALD
CBD
CCAA
CDM
CEEPA
CER
CJN
COP
CSAG-UCT
DBSA
DWA
DEA
DEAT
DFID
DME
DoE
DST
DWAF
ENDA-TM
EWT
FAO
FBE
GCSC
GDP
GHG
IBSA
IDRC
IEP
IGCCC
INC
IRP
LDCs
MENA
NAPA
NCCRS
NDP
NDRC
Advancing Capacity to Support Climate Change Adaptation
Applied Centre for Climate and Earth Systems Science
Ministers of the Environment Committee
Association for Water and Rural Development
China and South-South Scoping Assessment for Learning and Development
Convention of Biodiversity
Climate Change Adaptation in Africa
Clean Development Mechanism
Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa
Certified Emission Reduction
Climate Journalists Network
Conference of Parties
Climate Systems Analysis Group at the University of Cape Town
Development bank of South Africa
Department of Water Affairs
Department of Environmental Affairs
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
UK Department for International Development
Department of Minerals and Energy
Department of Energy
Department of Science and Technology
Department of Water and Forestry
Environment et Development du Tiers-Monde
Endangered Wildlife Trust
Food and Agriculture Organization
Free Basic Electricity
Global Change and Sustainability Centre
Gross Domestic Product
Green House Gas
India, Brazil and South Africa
International Development Research Centre
Integrated Energy Plan
Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change
Initial National Communication
Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity Generation
Least Developed Countries
Middle East and North Africa
National Adaptation Plan of Action
National Climate Change Response Strategy
National Development Plan
National Development and Reform Commission
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NERSA
NGO
NPC
NWRS-2
PAR
PES
SADC
SIDS
SNC
START
UEMP
UNFCCC
UNITAR
WESSA
WDM
WWF
National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Non-Governmental Organisation
National Planning Commission
National Water Resource Strategy 2
Participatory Action Research
Payment for Ecosystem Services
South African Development Community
Small Island Developing States
Second National Communication
Systems for Analysis Research and Training
Urban Environmental Management Programme
United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa
Water Demand Management
World Wide Fund
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1. Introduction
Climate change is a global problem with the need for collective action. Whilst the global element to
action has traditionally been seen as emissions targets and mitigation ambition, how each country
adapts to the impacts of climate change is also a trans-boundary issue. When done well,
successfully replicating and learning from other’s adaptation experience can rapidly accelerate a
country’s capacity to effectively adapt. Conversely, maladaptation poses the risk of aggravating
tensions around resources and borders and can undermine a country’s mitigation efforts. For this
reason, adaptation cannot remain a national issue and can be greatly enhanced by international
sharing, particularly between developing countries who share similar challenges and contexts.
China has an important role to play in global development, climate resilience and South-South
cooperation. Numerous Chinese ministries are working with developing countries on climate
compatible development through adaptation strategies, science and technological advances across a
range of sectors. The 12th Five-Year Plan includes provisions to assist other developing countries
even further to address climate change. At the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17), on 5 December
2011, Xie Zhenhua, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Minister and head
of the Chinese delegation, announced 4 major areas of investment through South-South
collaboration: Adaptation in vulnerable developing; Promotion of climate change adaptation
technology; Dissemination and donation of technology to Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
and Least Developed Countries (LDCs); and Capacity building programs for developing countries.
The project ‘China and South-South Scoping Assessment for Learning and Development’ (CASSALD) is
a scoping study on climate adaptation needs, good practice and potential for collaboration in 10
priority developing countries. The aim of the project is to identify key opportunities and avenues for
South-South learning on climate change adaptation and how to best channel resources to share
China's and developing countries' experiences of integrating climate adaptation into the
development process.
South Africa can be characterised as a middle-income developing country. The country’s economy
has historically been built on its wealth of mineral resources and its primary sectors, however, the
share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) made up by the tertiary sectors is increasing. South Africa
gained democracy in 1994 from the Apartheid regime and since then South African national policy
has strived to address the legacy of Apartheid by dealing with issues such as high levels of poverty,
social inequity, high unemployment rates and associated social ills. While progress has been made in
this regard, significant development challenges remain. South Africa is polarised between the rich
and the poor with 50 million people living in poverty and a Gini coefficient that is between 0.66 and
0.69. These disparities, together with a high unemployment rate, are reflected in rural–urban
migration trends, with negative consequences for human quality of life indicators and exposure to
environmental risks in informal settlements. Health and education indices also emphasise these
disparities, which are contributing factors to severe skills shortages in several sectors (DEA, 2011).
The report starts by mapping out the project context and also gives a brief introduction about South
Africa in chapter one. Chapter two formulates a framework for assessment briefly presenting
national adaptation strategies and national development plans and highlighting key points. Chapter
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two also identifies the main actors and sectors that have been identified and prioritised. An
assessment of adaptation plans and policies is done to determine comprehensiveness, coordination
and priorities. Chapter three is comprised of a needs assessment where the impacts being
experienced, predicted and prioritised are highlighted and discussed. Sector priorities are identified
together with gaps and areas where the country needs external input highlighting how and where
South Africa would benefit from Chinese engagement on climate change adaptation. In chapter four
an assessment of attitude is done with regards to politics, policy makers, political drivers and
perceptions of working with China. An evaluation of existing links is done in chapter five,
recommendations in chapter six and a conclusion in chapter seven.
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2. Framework for Assessment
2.1. Current National Strategies and Plans
2.1.1. National Development Strategy
The National Planning Commission (NPC), comprising of 26 people appointed by the President to
give advice on issues impacting on South Africa’s long-term development was commissioned to
come up with the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP seeks to eliminate poverty and reduce
inequality. The plan envisions a country where all citizens have the capabilities to participate in the
ever-broadening opportunities available. The plan seeks to change the life chances of millions of
people, particularly the youth in a bid to redress the inequalities caused by the apartheid history.
The plan highlights the fact that people and the country as a whole are capable of creating
opportunities for themselves and contributing towards developing the country’s economy.
The key demographic observations that inform the NDP include the fact that the proportion of South
Africans living in rural areas has fallen by about 10% since 1994. Currently approximately 60% of the
total population lives in urban areas and slightly more than half of the poor live in cities. By 2030,
about 70 % of the total population is likely to be living in urban areas. Cape Town, Gauteng and
eThekwini are the fastest growing city-regions, with planning implications and the need for basic
service delivery (NPC, 2011). Immigration will add between 0.1 and 0.2 % to South Africa's
population growth each year. HIV/AIDS has affected the population structure, raising overall deaths
significantly since 2000. However the HIV infection rate has stabilised at about 10 % and new
infections among young people (aged 15-24) have fallen, due to improved treatment resulting in the
reduction of the death rate and an increase life expectancy. There is a high unemployment rate. All
these factors are taken into consideration in the NDP (NPC, 2011).
South Africa has made remarkable progress since the beginning of democracy yet the population
remains polarised. A large part of the population continues to live in poverty and much still needs to
be done to address the issues caused by apartheid. The NDP advocates for a new development
approach in order to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality and this involves a shift from passive
citizenry to participatory citizenry (socially and economically inclusive). This can be achieved through
active efforts and participation, redressing past injustices effectively, fostering economic growth and
higher investment and employment, raising standards of education, strengthening links between
economic and social strategies, effective governance, strong leadership throughout society, national
consensus and social cohesion (NPC, 2011).
The NPC uses a poverty line of about R418 (2009 prices) per person per month. The goal is to reduce
the number of people who fall below that line from 39% in 2009 to zero. Poverty is seen as a
multidimensional concept, incorporating more than just income. To reduce inequality the NDP
suggests that the Gini co-efficient must fall from the current 0.7 to 0.6 by the year 2030 (NPC, 2011).
The NDP anticipates that in the next two decades the poor should have the environment, services
and skills to improve their lives. This will be enabled by the government as they have the duty to
create the conditions and environment for higher levels of public and private investment to create
jobs and ensure rising incomes (NPC, 2011). The NDP proposes investment in infrastructure, more
innovation, private investment and entrepreneurialism as ways to expand economic opportunities.
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The NDP points out that the old model of consumption is unsustainable and that progressive
taxation, readiness measures, higher savings and greater inclusivity are required to develop a
prosperous, united country for all South Africans. The plan seeks to develop people’s capabilities
through education and skills development, health care, better access to public transport, jobs, social
protection, rising incomes, housing and basic services and safe communities. The NDP recognises the
need to engage with the impact of gender on people's life choices and opportunities. The plan states
that 'factors that determine the life chances of women are generally worse than for men, and they
are also affected by race, geographic location, age and class’ (NDP,2011). In order to achieve this
inclusive economic growth and higher levels of investment are needed.
To foster sustainable and inclusive development, the following goals have been proposed in the
NDP:








Creating jobs and livelihoods
Expanding infrastructure
Transitioning to a low carbon economy
Improving education and training
Providing quality health care
Building a capable state
Fighting corruption and enhancing accountability
Transforming society and uniting the nation
The NDP considers external drivers of change and the impacts that they are likely to have on South
Africa’s development. These include the emergence of fast growing and developing economies such
as China and India where urbanisation and industrialisation is likely to keep demand for natural
resources relatively high for a decade or more. This will broaden opportunities for all economies,
including South Africa but there is need for caution as emerging powers may seek to exploit South
Africa's vulnerabilities (NPC, 2011). Strong growth in Africa has opened up major opportunities for
South African firms and industries, which have contributed to development by investing in
telecommunications, banking, mining, construction and retail. South African firms need to overcome
structural weakness in order to increase benefits from and contributions to growth and
development in Africa. Among these weaknesses are poor transport links and infrastructure
networks, tariff and non-tariff barriers, a raising cost of doing business and managing both
investment and internal trade. At the same time South Africa needs to formulate ties with countries
from whose resources they can benefit. For example South Africa is a water scarce country and a
number of neighbouring countries have an abundant supply, hence South Africa should invest and
help exploit the wide range of opportunities for low-carbon energy from hydroelectric and other
natural sources in Southern Africa (NPC, 2011).
The impacts of climate change on South Africa need to be addressed in order for the country to
move forward and develop in a sustainable manner. South Africa faces challenges as a result of the
impacts of climate change such as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns that will have
consequences for food production and water supply. In a bid to adapt to climate change, the NDP
maintains that industries and households have to reduce their negative impact on the environment.
The NDP maintains that fundamental changes need to occur in the way people live and work. To
facilitate a transition towards a low carbon economy the NDP identified the need to support a
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carbon budgeting approach, develop solar water heaters, promote energy efficient building
standards and simplify the regulatory regime to encourage renewable energy. The NDP advocates
for an inclusive and integrated economy through improving the quality of education, training and
innovation. The NDP proposes that by 2030 South Africa needs an education system that is of high
quality, globally competitive, equips people with skills and fosters innovation. Other supportive
initiatives highlighted to support the improvement of education training and innovation include
ensuring that children under the age of 3 have a proper diet, focusing on research and development,
improvement to the management of the education system and the function and capacity of school
principals. Teachers are set to receive appropriate training, remuneration, incentives to perform at a
certain required level (NPC, 2011).
South Africa has benefited from technological advancement and will continue to do so in the future
however there are concerns about the high domestic cost of broadband internet connectivity. The
NDP maintains that everyone should benefit from important breakthroughs in science and
technology and at the same time South Africa should contribute to global scientific and technological
advancement (NDP, 2011).
The NDP advocates for an economy that will create more jobs and serve the needs of all South
Africans. Proposals in this regard include action to achieve full employment by 2030, equip people
with the skills they need, ensure that ownership of production is less concentrated and more diverse
(where black people and women own a significant share of productive assets) and achieve rapid
growth as well as provide resources to pay for investment in human and physical capital (NPC, 2011).
The Government's New Growth Path aims to create 5 million jobs by 2020 by providing a supporting
environment for growth and development, while promoting a more labour absorptive economy. The
Government's New Growth Path seeks to lower the cost of living for poor households and for
businesses through targeted microeconomic reforms, especially in transport, public services,
telecommunications and food. In order to increase employment and growth the NDP identifies the
following actions as necessary: raising exports, increasing innovations, improving the labour market,
support for small business, increasing investment, reducing regulations and improving capacity.
The National Development Plan recognises that sustainable growth and development will require
higher savings, investment and export growth. Efforts should focus on growing exports and building
the linkages between export earnings and job creation, which often occur in domestically focused
small and medium sized firms and most often in the services sector. According to the National
Development Plan South Africa has to exploit its existing strengths to increase exports by making use
of its advantages such as skills, technologies, firms, minerals wealth, underutilised labour and
geography. Considering that in the short term, the world economy is expected to grow at a relatively
slow pace, the National Development Plan proposes that South Africa needs to be strategic about
what is produced in the country, for which markets and using what capabilities.
South Africa is well endowed with mineral resources but over the past decade the mining sector has
failed to match the global growth trends in mineral export due to poor infrastructure and regulatory
and policy frameworks that hamper investment. The NDP notes that South Africa can benefit greatly
from Asia's growing demand for commodities. In order to do so improvements need to be made in
water, transport and energy infrastructure and in providing greater policy and regulatory certainty
for investors.
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The NDP advocates for improvement in infrastructure in order for South Africa to grow faster and in
a more inclusive manner. According to the planning commission, in the long term users must pay the
bulk of the costs with due protection for the poor households. The role of the government is to
provide the required guarantees so that the costs can be repaid over time (NPC, 2011). Key to
improving infrastructure is upgrading informal settlements, transport, water schemes and improving
energy production structures.
The NDP advocates for quality health care for all by 2030. Healthcare should focus on prevention,
education, disease management and treatment. A programme to evaluate health management is
currently in its pilot phase as part of the national health insurance. But in order to improve the
health care system as a whole it is necessary to improve the quality of public health care, lower the
relative cost of private care, and recruit more professionals in both public and private sectors.
The NDP’s vision for social security is that by 2030 South Africa will have a comprehensive system of
social protection that includes social grants, mandatory retirement savings, risk benefits such as
unemployment, death and disability benefits and voluntary retirement savings. A social wage has
been proposed which includes no-fee schools, free basic services and subsidised public transport.
The NDP also advocates for building safe communities and fighting corruption with a combination of
deterrence, prevention and education strategies.
2.1.2. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
The South African government recognises the need to make a transition to a climate-resilient and
low carbon economy and society (DEA, 2011). The South African Constitution plays a critical role in
informing environmental governance by establishing a right to an environment that is not harmful to
health and well-being, balancing environmental protection rights with social and economic
development and assigning environmental functions to various government agencies and requiring
cooperation between them. A number of plans, policies and legislation have been developed over
the years addressing climate change issues. South Africa prepared its Initial National Communication
in accordance with Article 12 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) in 2004. In 2011 South Africa’s Second National Communication (SNC) was prepared in
accordance with the UNFCCC SNC guidelines for developing countries on reporting national
circumstances and producing a national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2000. To
implement the convention one of the steps laid out in the SNC is balancing mitigation and
adaptation response. To achieve a pro-growth, pro-development and pro-jobs strategy the SNC
highlights the need to redefine competitive advantage and facilitate structural transformation of the
economy by shifting from an energy intensive to a climate friendly path. This strategy would be
supported by a solid knowledge base and capacity to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate
change through information and technology transfer (early warning systems and reduction systems);
systematic observation; monitoring and research; public awareness; and, training and capacity
building. The SNC also points out the constraints, gaps, and relevant financial, technical and capacity
needs.
The NDP also recognises and incorporates the impacts of climate change on development. The NDP
highlights there need to address climate change impacts in order to move forward and develop in a
sustainable manner. The NDP maintains that industries and households must reduce negative
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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impacts on the environment and fundamental changes need to occur in the way people live and
work (Department of the Presidency, 2011).
In 2011 the National Climate Change Response White Paper was developed. It is a national level
policy framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation demonstrating the government’s
vision for effectively responding to climate change and transitioning to a climate-resilient and lower
–carbon economy. The National Climate Change Response White Paper uses a risk-based process to
identify and prioritise short and medium term adaptation interventions to be addressed in sector
plans. The process identified adaptation responses that require coordination between sectors and
departments that will be reviewed every few given years. The National Climate Change Response
White Paper promotes and strengthens integration between different sectors and government
departments in order to maximise the benefits to the country (Odeku & Meyer, 2010). A
combination of resilience to climate variability and climate related extreme weather events forms
the basis for South Africa’s future approach to climate disaster management and a region-wide
approach will be used where appropriate. One of the objectives presented is to effectively manage
climate change impacts through interventions that build and sustain South Africa’s social, economic
and environmental resilience and emergency response capacity. The second objective is to make a
fair contribution to the global effort to stabilise GHG concentrations in the atmosphere to avoid
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system while enabling economic, social and
environmental development to proceed in a sustainable manner.
The National Climate Change Response Strategy highlights the fact that effective planning and
coordination of an integrated adaptation response requires early warning and forecasting for
disaster risk reduction, medium-term (decade-scale) climate forecasting to identify potential
resource challenges well in advance and long-term climate projections that define the range of
future climate conditions. These need to be reinforced by research and capacity and technological
development. They need to respond to the needs of disaster risk reduction in the short-term, and
integrated resource and development planning in the medium- and long-term. Adaptation strategies
have been proposed per sector. In the health sector one of the main concerns is the increase in
malaria and schistosomiasis. Strategies to address this problem include factoring climate change
impacts into the existing disease monitoring and forecasting, increasing the use of bed nets and
other personal protection measures, extending prevention measures and strengthening access to
water and sanitation to reduce exposure to water borne diseases. In the water sector strategies
include flexibility in water use, water demand management, water conservation measures,
harvesting rain, raising awareness, optimising the use of existing infrastructure and enhancing
cooperation at a river basin level. In the agricultural and rangelands sector some of the identified
strategies include alternative land-use and decreased dependency on ranching, the use of land-use
planning to identify trends and advantages, planting drought resistant crops or switching production
to livestock or game ranching, conservation farming and water harvesting, irrigation, the use of
agricultural management practices, establishment of seed banks and development of more and
better drought resistant crops. Under biodiversity and ecosystems identified strategies include: a
biodiversity monitoring network; extension of protected areas; changes in forestry practices; genetic
engineering to develop heat and drought resistant hybrids of tree species; promoting plant diversity
through ex-situ conservation and seed banks; and, implementing conservation area networks to
buffer effects of climate change in both terrestrial and marine biodiversity (DEA, 2011).
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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2.2. Main Actors and their Roles and Responsibilities
2.2.1. Government
Environmental governance is complex in South Africa. National, provincial and local governments
have a mandate to co-ordinate and co-operate in the implementation of climate change adaptation
interventions as well as facilitate implementation and policies where necessary. Capacity is stronger
at the national government level compared to the provincial and local level. The National Climate
Change Committee under the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) forms the main body
responsible for developing climate change policy. The DEA plays the role of a coordinator in
implementing climate change responses at the national level. The departments of Water Affairs,
Agriculture and Fisheries, Minerals, Energy and Science and Technology also play critical role in
climate change affairs. It should be noted that government departments are constantly restructuring
and sometimes merging together if they are related.
The South African government has put some initiatives into place that will also contribute towards
education and awareness-raising around issues related to climate change. A science plan and an
institutional architecture have been developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
to respond to global change (including climate change) over the next ten years. The plan seeks to
focus on research within the 'science-policy practice' interface, focusing on the practical application
of knowledge. The Applied Centre for Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS) and the proposed
Global Change and Sustainability Centre (GCSC) will consider mechanisms, processes and institutions
(and combinations of all three) that translate the output of global change research into material that
can support policy and decision making. Recently a Risk and Vulnerability Atlas was created and
distributed to local governments throughout the country. In terms of poverty alleviation the NDP
states that the government has a duty to create conditions and an environment for higher levels of
public and private investment to create jobs and ensure rising incomes. A number of government
departments are involved and support climate change.
2.2.2. Civil society
A combination of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other organisations and networks
play a critical role in advancing climate change adaptation. These can be national, local and
international. A number of organisations and networks have contributed to climate change
adaptation initiatives as well as awareness-raising and education these include:
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Conservation South Africa
South African Adaptation Network
Wildlife and Environmental Management Group
Resource Africa, South African Climate Action Network
Birdlife South Africa
Botanical Society of South Africa
Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
Wilderness Foundation,
Wildlands Conservation Trust
Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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 Greenpeace South Africa
 OXFAM
 World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF)
 Norwegian Church Aid
 Action Aid
 Abahlali baseMjondolo
 Alternative Information Development Centre
 Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD)
 Climate Change Adaptation in Africa
 Earthlife Africa
 EcoHope
 Environmental Monitoring Group
 GenderCC
 Green Connection
 The Green Network
 Geasphere, Earth Matters
 Groundwork
 Indaloyethu
 Indigo Development and Change
 Project 90x2030
 SACAN – NGO coordinated by Sandile Ndawonde, Green Network
 Slum Dwellers International
 COPART
 South African Faith Communities Environment Institute
 South Durban Community Environmental Alliance
 Table Mountain Fund
 Timberwatch
 Urban Environmental Management Programme
NGOs are involved in climate change research, raising awareness, capacity building, advocacy and
lobbying. These organisations play a critical role in informing the public about climate change and
appropriate individual responses. These organisations are also involved in a number projects within
and outside South Africa, all dealing with the issues of climate change.
2.2.3. Private sector
The private sector can play a pivotal role in contributing towards investment in the economy as well
as climate change initiatives. The success of the development plan depends on investment,
particularly local investment, incentivizing savings and enabling firms and individuals to take a
longer-term perspective of economic opportunity. The state alone does not have enough funds to be
able to adequately address climate change issues. The private sector can also partner with the
government in identified climate change adaptation initiatives. The private sectors forms part of an
institutional structure made up of the government, the academics and civil society (DEA, 2011).
Companies, particularly in the energy- and carbon intensive sectors, have been actively engaged in
developing a good understanding of the relative contributions of sectors and companies to both
South Africa Country Scoping Report
9
direct and indirect GHG emissions through data gathering initiatives and the identification of
potential mitigation activities. GHG emissions data continue to be provided to government on a
voluntary basis. These efforts have now been extended to ensure that all emissions from the
industrial processes and product use sectors are identified. The development of a more accurate
emissions profile for this sector would facilitate the identification of a more comprehensive set of
mitigation actions. The private sector must play a participatory role particularly on issues related to
GHG emissions. There is carbon footprint guidance for smaller non-listed companies to help them
refine their collection of data and improve the quality of data. The private sector has collaborated
with government in the development of a measurement, reporting and verification standard for
energy efficiency savings and is currently working on the accompanying accreditation standard for
measurement and verification agencies (DEA, 2011). Businesses such as Woolworths are taking
progressive holistic actions such as engaging in sustainable practices to producing goods. This has
been done in the ‘farming for the future’ programme involving holistic farming process that involves
maintaining the soil, reduction in the use of chemical use,
2.2.4. Academia
South Africa’s isolation from international events during the apartheid years contributed to the
country’s delayed action on climate change issues. South Africa has only recently gained momentum
on this front when compared to other countries (DEAT, 2004). As a result education, training and
public awareness on climate change issues lag behind the required standards (DEAT, 2004). The
Government lacks capacity necessary to deal with climate change on an effective basis and while
industry may be better prepared with regards to technical skills, they are not always necessarily well
suited to climate change related activities (DEA, 2011).
The South African school curriculum does not currently offer climate change education, although
there is room for inclusion in the natural sciences and social sciences subjects at grades 0-9. There
are inequalities that exist between schools with regard to the capacity of teaching staff and resource
availability. Thus while many of the better-funded schools are able to teach aspects of climate
change, this is not the case in the majority of schools. A wide variety of training in climate change is
offered in South Africa's tertiary education institutions. A number of research groups have been set
up at tertiary institutions researching various climate-change related issues combining human
dimension interests and expertise. Climate specific degree courses are currently being planned so
that in the near future South African universities will be offering climate change led degrees as well
as addressing climate training needs through specific disciplines. International organisations have
also played a significant role in education on climate change, particularly the global System for
Analysis, Research and Training (START).
2.2.5. Development Partners
Development partners in South Africa are most commonly found in the form of NGOs. They are
mostly funded organisations working on specific issues. Following identified priority areas,
development partners can partner with the governments of other development agencies in climate
change adaptation projects. Development partners tend to work in other countries, allowing them
to act as a good source of learning from other countries or projects that have been done in the past
(DEA, 2011).
South Africa Country Scoping Report
10
2.3. Review of Adaptation Plans and Progress
2.3.1.
Mainstreaming of climate adaptation
The Department of Environmental Affairs is the designated lead agency for climate change response
in South Africa (DEAT, 2004). It has been recognised that climate change impacts cut across sectors
hence the need for effective coordination among government departments to ensure that the
response is carried out properly, in an acceptable manner with a national focus (DEAT, 2004). The
government recognises the need to build capacity across departments to aid climate change
adaptation and prepare for likely impacts.
In its development, the National Climate Change Response Strategy (2004) was guided by some of
the principles from the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (DEAT, 2004). The National
Adaptation Response Strategy and Adaptation Flagship Programs set the tone for the provincial
strategies that follow and the capacity building of provincial and local government needs to enable
the integration of climate change adaptation into local development plans. Disaster risk
management plans developed at municipality level need to be integrated with other sector plans.
Various resource users and interest groups need to participate in the development of climate change
adaptation strategies. The approach of mainstreaming climate change adaptation into development
will make room for engagement and collective solution-seeking compared to one that, based on
climate change modelling exercises tends to alienate ordinary citizens and policy makers. A proactive approach would make use of information on South African dynamics and incorporate them
into policy interventions (Madzwamuse, 2010).
The primary reason for the difficulty experienced with mainstreaming climate change into various
sectors and government departments is the lack of recognition on the part of many officials that
climate change is a priority. Some perceive that a climate change led development strategy works
against national development strategies and policies. One of the key concerns in South Africa
concerning development is significant backlog of service delivery. Due to the fact that government
department’s performance is measured by how effective and efficient it is on service delivery,
climate change issues tend to be seen as a hindrance to the country’s development priorities (DEAT,
2004). In order to overcome this climate change needs to be addressed in a way that helps
departments to achieve their service delivery objectives through ‘win-win’ or ‘no-regrets’ measures.
Another challenge is that there is a range of definitions that exist regarding what successful
mainstreaming is and the policy environment into which integration is set to occur is fragmented
(Giordano, Hall, Gilder and Parramon, 2011).
To ensure that appropriate adaptation responses are mainstreamed into sector plans, a subcommittee of the Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change (IGCCC) will be established to
perform climate risk analyses on all sector plans, informed by the various sector adaptation
responses. The analysis will identify and prioritise key short- and medium-term adaptation
interventions that must be addressed in sector plans as well as adaptation responses that require
coordination between specific sectors and/or departments. Using results from the analysis
adaptation strategies will be integrated into the following sector plans and the implementation and
accurate responses need to be defined:
South Africa Country Scoping Report
11






2.3.2.
The National Water Resource Strategy, as well as reconciliation strategies for particular
catchments and water supply systems.
The Strategic Plan for South African Agriculture.
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, as well as provincial biodiversity sector
plans and local bioregional plans.
The Department of Health Strategic Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Sustainable Human Settlements.
National Framework for Disaster Risk Management
Comprehensiveness
Up until recently each sector has been developing its own adaptation plans and actions. Sectors
receive varying climate information from climatologists, partly due to the different climate models
used and the inherent unpredictable nature of climate. Hence there is need for a strategic approach
to be used by climatologists in providing information. A lot of research needs to be done in order to
achieve a real sense and understanding of the long-term climate change risks (what will be
happening in 50 years or so) (Guy Midgley, 2012).
The South African adaptation policy framework should be streamlined so that economic and
development planning structures at local and government levels are supported with capacity,
resources and understanding during implementation. There is need to align adaptation responses
with long-term policies that address the underlying issues of poverty and vulnerability such as the
land reform process and the review of the impacts of macro-economic policies on the poor
(Madzwamuse, 2010).
An example of comprehensive information is South Africa’s Disaster Management Act which sets out
a comprehensive approach to disaster management and identifies the roles and responsibilities of
key institutions and disaster management agencies. In addition, the Act establishes a National
Disaster Management Centre whose role is to address disaster prevention, coordinate disaster
management agencies and capacity across government and to ensure that critical information is
disseminated in a timely manner (DEA, 2010).
The Adaptation Research Flagship Program led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute
seeks to design and implement a national and regional research program to scope sectoral
adaptation requirements, costs and identify adaptation strategies with cross-sectoral linkages and
benefits. The Flagship program is also set to do an assessment of climate change vulnerabilities in
the sub-region, with a detailed scenario planning process to define potential sub-regional response
strategies with a long-term projection. The Adaptation Flagship program addresses 8 key sectors:
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Human Health, Water, Human Settlements (urban, rural, and
coastal), Ecosystems and Biodiversity and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. The adaptation
flagship program is set to produce a coherent view of climate change vulnerabilities in South Africa,
develop a set of products to inform and guide adaptation options, and develop an effective network
of adaptation research, practitioner and management stakeholders as well as a solid knowledge
base (DEA, 2012).
There is growing support for the use of ecosystems- based adaptation approaches in collaboration
with communities and various sectors so as to integrate ecosystems- based adaptation into various
South Africa Country Scoping Report
12
sectors and create comprehensive strategies. The use of community based- ecosystems approach
formulates a solid basis to develop a green economy, low carbon development and promote
sustainable livelihoods, particularly for the poor. There is growing consensus that the ecosystemsbased approach to adaptation can be used to produce comprehensive and effective adaptation
strategies (Madzwamuse, 2010).
2.3.3.
Implementation
South Africa has a comprehensive policy that addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Currently, implementation of climate change adaptation in municipal and rural settlement areas is
face distinct challenges including a shortage in capacity. To set plans into motion requires more
stakeholder engagement as well as social-learning and careful investigation of science-policy
practice (DEA, 2011). Although adaptation activities are already underway in larger municipalities, a
mitigation-based approach is mainly being used at the moment. There is a need for research on
implementation as well as advocacy on improved climate risk management at all decision making
levels. Investment in science and technology will provide the necessary tools and data for
municipalities and rural settlements to be able to act on adaptation planning (DEA, 2011). The role
and responsibilities of a functioning ecosystem need to be considered.
There is a need for investment in order to build implementation policy and capacity at the local level
with priority given to provinces and local government areas that are most vulnerable and have little
adaptive capacity. Although there is a Disaster Management Act and various disaster management
programmes in the country, there is evidence that in some parts of the country implementation and
uptake of early warming information can be slow (DEA, 2011).
2.3.4. Mitigation in relation to Adaptation
The South African economy is energy intensive and relies heavily on coal. To achieve successful
mitigation, South Africa should focus on the energy sector and implementation of energy efficient
measures, renewable forms of energy and nuclear energy. The mining and energy sectors are
subject to mitigation measures, however, climate change impacts are likely to occur even if carbon
emissions are reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to combine mitigation and adaptation strategies
particularly in the mining, industry and energy sector (Odeku & Meyer, 2010). Other areas where a
combination of mitigation and adaptation approaches can be used include landuse, sustainable
agriculture, reforestation, restoration of grasslands and thicket, storage of carbon and restoration of
ecosystems services.
The Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) and the Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity Generation (IRP) are
examples of integrated plans that bring together mitigation and adaptation strategies. This is
because while the energy, industry and mining sector are the highest carbon emitters, efforts need
to be made to harness the abundant renewable energy options in order find alternative ways of
producing energy in South Africa. Both policies seek to diversify energy production, implement
efficient energy measures, invest and develop new and cleaner technologies and industries as well
as initiate the transition to a low-carbon economy (DEA, 2010). The energy sector presents
opportunities for adaptation and mitigation, particularly in managing the risk enhanced by the
emissions of greenhouse gasses. The fact that there is only partial knowledge of future climate risks
is a challenge further necessitating implementation of strict policies and strategies to reduce GHG
South Africa Country Scoping Report
13
emissions. The goal is for carbon dioxide emissions to stop growing by 2020-2025, stabilize for ten
years, and then decline (Odeku & Meyer, 2010).
South Africa Country Scoping Report
14
National Adaptation Projects Within South Africa
Project
Objectives
Funder
Municipal
Climate
Protection
Programme
Stakeholder’s
engagement to
inform and
promote
climate change
communitybased
adaptation for
the city of
Johannesburg
Managing
Escalating
Wildfires
Implementing
Agency
eThekwini
Municipality
Type of Project
Linda Phalatse
from the City of
Johannesburg,
supervised by
Coleen Vogel
from
Witwatersrand
Assessment of local
climate change
impacts,
development of an
adaptation work
stream,
development of
urban management
interventions and
mainstreaming
climate change
concerns into city
planning and
development
To provide insight
on how to situate
vulnerability,
disaster risk and
climate change
adaptation efforts
within the city’s
communities
eThekwini
Municipality
and various
external
donors
Integrated Fire
Management to
ensure Pro-active
Fire-fighting
Special Climate Working on Fire
Change Fund
(GEF)
START
(Systems for
Analysis,
Research and
Training)
Implementation
Period
Long-term
Priority Sector
Climate Change
Adaptation Policy
6-8 months
Water, local
and city wide
planning and
budgeting
Johannesburg
Coordination
3 years 6
months
Agriculture,
coast, forestry,
water (fire
protection
areas within
the Cape
Western Cape,
parts of the
Southern Cape
including
Baviaanskloof
and Tsitsikamma
Municipality (Local
Government) led
Initiative
South Africa Country Scoping Report
Landuse
Geographic
Focus
eThekwini
15
Fish
Water/Marine
Modelling
Legislation
Local Authority
Partnership
Risk
Assessment
Investigate and
understand the
potential combined
effects of coastal
storm surges, mean
sea level rise and
increased fresh
water and storm
water flow.
Development of
legislation that will
allow faster and
more directed
action not slowed
down by
bureaucratic means
Identify where
assistance by
national
government is
needed, is there
need for a shift in
national policy, can
a change in national
frameworks or
funding mechanisms
enhance adaption
or resilience at local
level
Outline the City of
Cape Town’s
Danida (Danish
Government
Development
Funding)
City of Cape
Town, University
of Cape Town
(Climate Systems
Analysis Group)
PDRW
Technical advice
Natural Resource
Management
Assessment Report
Communication
Coordination
1 year
Floristic
Region
Coastal area
Danida
City of Cape
Town, University
of Cape Town,
University of the
Western Cape
and EnACT
Regulation/Law
1year
Coastal Areas
Cape Town
Danida
City of Cape
Town, ICLEI
(Local
Governments for
sustainability),
African Centre
for Cities and
eThekwini
Municipality
Communication,
Regulation, Natural
Resource
Management and
Assessment Report
1 year
Coastal Areas
Coastal Cities in
South Africa
Danida
City of Cape
Town, Golder
Assessment Report,
Regulation, Natural
1 year
Coast
City of Cape
Town
South Africa Country Scoping Report
Coast (City of
Cape Town)
16
(Climate
Adaptation
Plan of Action)
DBSA LEDI
Sustainable
Communities
Managing the
risk associated
with flooding
and sea level
rise in the city
of Cape Town
Coastal Climate
Change and
Adaptation-A
sea-level rise
risk assessment
for Cape Town
Decision
support in the
context of
climate change
Climate, water
approach to dealing
with its vulnerability
to Climate Change
To assist the
municipality in
supporting climate
resilient socioeconomic
development.
To establish a
collaborative
governance system
required for better
decision making
processes in the
face of climate
change risk in the
City of Cape Town.
Assess sea-level rise
risk, identify and
prioritise risk
reduction options
To provide a
framework for
consistent legally
defensible decisions
that reduce risk of
climate change for
the City of Cape
Town
To develop multiple
Associates
Resource
Management,
Communication
Assessment Report
DBSA
(Development
Bank of South
Africa)
Theewaterskloof
Municipality
Climate
Change
Adaptation in
Africa (CCAA)
programme
funded by
IDCRC and
DFID
University of
Cape Town,
Stockholm
Environmental
Institute, City of
Cape Town,
Shack Dwellers
International
Assessment Report,
Collaborative
Learning Process
3 years
Disaster
Management,
Informal
settlements
City of Cape
Town
Urban
environmental
management
programme
(UEMP)
City of Cape
Town, LaQuar
and Econologic
Assessment Report
2 years
Sea Level Rise
City of Cape
Town
Danida
Econologic
Technical Advice
1 year
Policy Making
City of Cape
Town
GEF World
Centre for
Natural Resource
3 years
Water and
Burkina Faso,
South Africa Country Scoping Report
3 years
Theewaterskloof
17
and agriculture:
Impacts and
adaptation of
agro-ecological
systems in
Africa
Managing
climate risk for
agriculture and
water resources
development in
South Africa
analytical methods
Bank
and procedures to
assess quantitatively
the current and
future effects of
climate on
agricultural systems
in Africa, predict
how they may be
affected in the
future by climate
change under
various global
warming scenarios
and suggest role of
adaptation
To address two
IDRC Canada,
problems
DFID
(dissemination of
climate information
and shortage of
integrated
approaches for
evaluating and
making adaptation
decisions)associated
with adaptation to
climate change in
the water resources
of African countries
Environmental
Economics and
Policy in Africa
(CEEPA)University of
Pretoria
Management,
Communication and
Coordination
University of
Free State,
University of
Cape Town,
University of
Kwazulu-Natal,
IRI (USA), UNEPRiscoe
(Denmark)
Farm model
information
gathering,
communication of
climate change
information,
technical advice and
training
South Africa Country Scoping Report
3 years
Agriculture
Cameroon,
Ghana, Niger
and Senegal,
Egypt, Ethiopia,
Kenya, South
Africa, Zambia
and Zimbabwe
Agriculture
and industry
Berg and Breede
River catchment
areas in SW
Cape Province of
South Africa
18
Using enhanced
knowledge of
climate
variability for
the benefit of
water resource
management
To improve the
uptake of climate
information by
water resources
managers in the
Western Cape,
South Africa
Water
Research
Commission
Advancing
Capacity to
support climate
changer
adaptation
(ACCCA): Five
Pilot Projects
To reduce the
vulnerability if poor
populations in subSaharan Africa to
climate change by
mobilising scientists
and all the other
actors concerned to
formal political
decision-making
IDRC
Climate Systems
analysis group,
University of
Cape Town
UNITAR (United
Nations Institute
for Training and
Research),ENDATM
(Environment et
Development du
Tiers-Monde),
SEI Oxford
Office, CSAGUCT (Climate
Systems Analysis
Group at the
University of
Cape Town)
,START (Global
Change System
for Analysis
Research &
Training),START
SE ASIA Regional
Centre START
Temperate East
Asia Regional
Centre
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication and
Coordination
3 years
Water
resources
Local, Regional
and National
Communication and
Training
3years
Policy Decision
making
Cameroon,
Ethiopia, Kenya,
South Africa,
Burkina Faso
South Africa Country Scoping Report
19
Sub-Saharan
African Cities: A
five city
Network to
pioneer climate
Adaptation
through
participatory
research and
local action
Community
Based
Adaptation in
Africa-The
South African
component
Climate Change
Adaptation in
the Swartland
Mechal
To address the
knowledge,
resource, capacity
and networking
gaps of five
Southern African
cities by
strengthening their
ability to plan for,
and adapt to, the
impacts associated
with climate change
To develop a robust
methodology on
community based
climate adaptation
processes including
monitoring and
evaluation systems
for adaptation,
policy strengthening
To increase
resilience of small
scale farmers in the
Swartland to climate
change
IDRC, DFID
ICLEI and
UNHABITAT
Assessment Report,
Natural Resource
Management,
Technical Advice
3 years
Water,
Sanitation,
Energy,
Transport,
Health and
livelihoods
Cape Town, Dar
es Salaam,
Maputo, Walvis
Bay and Port St
Louis
CCAA
(DFID/IDRC)
Indigo
Development
and change,
Associate Adele
Arendse
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination,
Technical Advice,
Training
3 years
Small Scale
Farmers
(livestock,
rooibos tea)
Suid Bokkeveld
Climate
Change
Adaptation in
Africa (CCAA),
IDRC, DFID
Indigo
development
and change,
Environmental
Monitoring
Group
Indigo,
University of
Hamburg
(Germany),
CSIRE, UCT,EMG,
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination,
technical advice and
training
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination,
Technical Advice
1 year
Small Scale
Farmers
(vegetables)
Swartlnand,
Western Cape
3 years
Small Scale
Farmers
Hantam
Municipality,
Northern Cape
Integrated research CCAA (IDRC
approach to develop and DFID), GEF
adaptive
small grants
management
strategies by small
South Africa Country Scoping Report
20
Scenario
planning to
assess the
implication of
climate change
on land and
water use
within the
agricultural
sector of the
garden route,
Western Cape
Adapting to and
reducing the
risk of future
extreme rainfall
on urban
flooding
Vulnerability,
coping and
adaptation
within the
context of
climate change
and HIV/AIDS in
South Africa:
scale farmers in
semi-arid South
Africa and Ethiopia
under changing
climatic and policy
conditions.
To identify and
promote logical,
financially feasible
alternative that will
encourage wise and
sustainable use of
land and water
resources within the
agricultural sector
of the Garden Route
Shesheme
University
(Ethiopia) and
CIFOR
and Training
Eden District
Municipality,
Table
Mountain
Fund
Wildlife and
Environment
Society of South
Africa
Assessment Report,
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Training
18 months
Commercial
and Large
scale farmers
(fruit and
dairy)
Garden Route
Western Cape
To design a userfriendly climatechange guideline
document for
municipal decision
makers.
Water
Resource
Commission
Building/installation
structure,
Assessment Report,
Communication,
Coordination and
Technical Advice
3 years
Water
Ekurhuleni
Municipality
Assessment of
multiple stressors,
particularly health
and environmental
issues, how they are
impacted by climate
change so as to
implements
International
Development
Research
Centre (IDRC)
ReVAMP, The
School of
Geography,
Archaeology and
Environmental
Studies, Wits
University
Department of
Environmental
Science Rhodes
University and
University of
Alberta (Canada)
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination,
Technical Advice
and Training
4 years
Community
Based
Adaptation
Eastern Cape
South Africa Country Scoping Report
21
Investigating
strategies and
practices to
strengthen
livelihoods and
food security,
improve health
and build
resilience
Stewardship
corridors for
climate change
adaptation
appropriate
community based
adaptation practices
through a social
learning approach
To create ecological
corridors by forging
partnerships with
private and
communal
landowners,
allowing some level
of human use, while
protecting
biodiversity and
allowing ecosystems
to function.
Riparian habitat To develop and
rehabilitation
implement
project
strategies to
rehabilitate key
degraded riparian
corridors in the
karoo.
DG Murray
Trust, via the
Climate Action
Partnership
Ezemvelo KZN
Wildlife
Incentive Structure,
Natural Resource
Management,
Coordination,
Technical Advice,
Training
3 years
Communal,
Rural and
Private Land
Owners
CAP, Cape
Nature,
Department of
Environmental
Affairs, Altron,
Altech, Bytes,
Powertech,
Alteech
Netstar,
The Endangered
Wildlife Trust
(EWT)
Incentive Structure,
natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination,
Technical Advice
and Training
Since 2007
Commercial
Farmers, Rural
Communities
South Africa Country Scoping Report
Kwazulu Natal
(Dalton Private
Reserve, Red
Desert Nature
Reserve,
Umgano
Community
Project,
Somkhanda
Game Reserve,
Usuthu and
Upper Thukela
community
(incorporating
Mweni)
Northern Cape
District
Municipality,
Ubuntu Local
Municipality,
Western Cape,
Central Karoo
District
Municipality,
22
Eco Schools
Program
Biodiversity
and red meat
initiative
To facilitate and
empower schools as
divers of community
action, learning and
social change
toward reducing
and offsetting
greenhouse gas
emissions
A livelihoods
program to help
poor and vulnerable
members in the
township and rural
communities grow a
future for
themselves
Implementation of
conservation
stewardship
Climate change
proofing water
services
To contribute to the
building of
communities and
Kwazulu Natal
forest
restoration
project
MAZDA,
National
Lottery, SA
National Parks,
ZGAP, Rand
Merchant
Bank
Wild lands
Conservation
Trust and the
Climate Action
Partnership
Beaufort West
Local
Municipality
Wildlife and
Environment
Society of South
Africa, WWF
South Africa
Communication,
Coordination,
Training/Capacity
Development
2008-2011
Learners,
Educators and
the broader
community
Western Cape,
Mpumalanga,
Eastern Cape,
Free State and
KwaZulu- Natal
CAP
Wildlands
Conservation
Trust
Incentive Structure,
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination,
Technical Advice
and Training
On-going
Small scale
land owners
and poor rural
communities
Jobe, Ongoye,
Buffesdraai
carbon sinks,
KwaZulu-Natal
and the Eastern
Cape
Critical
Ecosystem
Profile Fund,
United Way
International,
Citi Group
Heireich Boehl
Stiftung
Conservation
International
Incentive Structure,
Natural Resource
Management,
Coordination,
Technical Advice,
Training
Assessment Report,
Communication,
Coordination,
2009-ongoing
Communal and Kamiesberg
private land
uplands,
ownership
Northern Cape
engaged in
stock farming
2007-ongoing
Water
Management
Environmental
Monitoring
Group
South Africa Country Scoping Report
City of Cape
Town and
surroundings
23
Increasing the
resilience of
small-scale tea
farmers in
response to
climate change
Climate Change
and water in
the Southern
Cape=Risk
impacts and
options for
poor urban
households
Building
resilience small
government in the
larger Cape Town, in
order to respond to
the impacts of
climate change on
water, in just
developmental ways
To provide concrete
recommendation
and to develop
strategies to build
resilience to climate
change amongst
small-scale teas
growers, and
mainstreaming
adaptation to
projected increasing
climate risk.
To contribute to
building climate
change resilience of
poor urban
communities by
identifying risk,
vulnerabilities and
knowledge gaps
associated with tier
access to water
under climate
change conditions.
To assist small-scale
farmers and
Technical Advice,
Training
Table
Mountain
Fund
Environmental
Monitoring
Group, Climate
Systems Analysis
Group (UCT)
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Technical Advice,
Training
3 years
Small Scale
farmers, Arid
Areas
Suid
Bokkeelveld,
Hantam District,
Northern Cape
Open Society
Foundation
Environmental
Monitoring
Group
Assessment Report,
Communication and
Training
1 year
Water
Southern Cape
DG Murray
Trust
Environmental
Monitoring
Natural Resource
Management,
2 years
Farmers and
Fishers
Northern Cape
and Southern
South Africa Country Scoping Report
24
scale farmers
and artisanal
fisheries
Participatory
modelling for
assessment of
climate change
impacts on
water resources
Global climate
change and
water resources
in Southern
Africa:
Potential
impacts of
climate change
and mitigation
strategies
An evaluation
of the
sensitivity of
artisanal fisheries to
assist them in
understanding
climate change and
in developing
response strategies
To increase
understanding and
produce more
relevant
information for
planning and
adaptation to
climate variability
and change in
relation to water
resources through a
participatory
process.
Manage water
resources
progressively as
global climate
change progresses,
in order to maintain
optimal level of
both resource
protection and
beneficial use of
water for society
To increase the
ability to respond to
change in light of
Group
Communication,
Coordination,
Technical Advice
and Training
South African
and Swedish
Government
University of
KwaZulu-Natal,
Swedish
Meteorological
and Hydrological
Institute (FOUH
Research
DepartmentHydrology)
Assessment Report,
Communication and
Training
2006-2009
Water
Management
Upper Thukela
Water
Research
Commission
University of
KwaZulu-Natal,
School of
Bioresources
Engineering and
Environmental
Hydrology
Assessment Report,
Natural Resource
Management and
Training
2003-2005
Department of
Water,
Environmental
Affairs,
Forestry and
Agriculture
KwaZulu-Natal
Midlands
Water
Research
Commission
University of
KwaZulu-Natal
Assessment Report,
Natural Resource
Management,
2008-2011
Water
Management
Berg, Breede
and Umgeni
River Catchment
South Africa Country Scoping Report
Cape
25
socio-economic
activities to
climate change
in climatically
divergent South
African
catchments
Towards
defining the
WRC research
portfolio on
climate change
for 2008-2013
projected climate
change and
enhanced climate
variability for South
Africa
Document sets out
the background
against which the
development of a
climate change
research portfolio
with a water-sector
focus was initiated
and pursued.
Developing
To develop an
water related
adaptive integrated
climate change management
adaptation
approach, provide
options to
updated knowledge,
support
identify a suitable
implementation toolkit and develop
of policy and
procedures and
strategies for
methodologies to
water growth
mainstream climate
and
change
development
Sedgefield
Develop an
Desalination
Innovative, demandPlant
based approach to
address the water
supply crisis in
Communication and
Training
Water
Research
Commission
Consultant G.C
Green
Assessment Report,
Technical Advice
and 5 year strategic
plan on water
related research
2008
All Sectors
South Africa
Water
Research
Commission
University of
KwaZulu-Natal,
School of
Bioresources
Engineering and
Environmental
Hydrology
Assessment Report,
Natural Resource
Management,
Communication,
Coordination and
Training
2010-2013
All sectors
South Africa
Knysna
Municipality
and grant
funds
Knysna
Municipality
Building/Installation
structure
3 months
Water
Management
Sedgefield,
Knysna
Municipality
South Africa Country Scoping Report
26
Sedgefield
South Africa Country Scoping Report
27
3. Needs Assessment
3.1. Climate Impacts and Priorities by Sector
3.1.1.
Water
South Africa is a water scarce country with a highly variable climate and one of the lowest run-offs in
the world – a situation that is likely to be significantly exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
South Africa shares four of its major river systems with six neighbouring countries. These four shared
catchments amount to approximately 60% of South Africa’s surface area and approximately 40% of
the average total river flow (DEA, 2011). It has been projected that by 2025. South Africa and a
number of African countries will reach even more critical water scarcity levels. Climate change will
mostly affect existing water-stressed catchments with complex land uses, water engineered systems,
and a strong socio-political as well as economic historical footprint, hence there is a need for an
integrated approach to land and water management. The water sector is faced with capacity
constraints, inadequate funding, a reliance on an ageing bulk infrastructure, and erratic water
quality in smaller municipalities and rural areas (DEA, 2011).
Based on current projections, South Africa will exceed the limits of economically viable land-based
water resources by 2050. The water sector must balance the allocation of limited water resources
amongst major users (agriculture, domestic urban use and industry), whilst addressing the need to
ensure fair access to water for all South African people as well as a sufficient ecological allocation to
maintain the integrity of ecosystems and the services they provide.
Rainfall is expected to become more variable, with an increase in extreme events such as flooding
and droughts resulting in a much more unpredictable runoff system. Downscaled climate modelling
suggests that the western and interior parts of the country are likely to become drier, and the
eastern parts of the country wetter. Increased rainfall intensity will exacerbate scouring in rivers and
sedimentation in dams, potentially impacting on water supply and treatment infrastructure. Higher
temperatures, combined with higher carbon dioxide levels, will contribute to increased growth of
algae as well as faster evaporation rates negatively impacting water resources.
With both increased and decreased rainfall projected over different parts of South Africa, water
demand management (WDM) is one of the priorities to conserve the country’s water resources. The
Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has placed WDM at the top of their agenda and they regard
municipalities as the key implementers of WDM and water conservation programs (Van Vuuren
2008). Another priority is developing a National Groundwater Strategy to enable water service
providers to ‘diversify the water mix’ by using more groundwater (DWAF 2009). The government has
also identified the need to develop the Integrated Water Resource Strategy which will inform the
ongoing maintenance of the water balance reconciliation strategies. These strategies have recently
been developed for water supply systems for up to 75% of the country’s population, areas which
together generate well over 80% of the national GDP. An additional priority is the development of
the Water for Growth and Development Framework, a medium to long term strategy planned for
the period 2030, which aims to balance the critical role of water in terms of both poverty alleviation
(ensuring the constitutional right to a reliable and safe water supply) and economic development (be
South Africa Country Scoping Report
28
it for domestic, industry, mining, agricultural or forestry use). Other priorities in the water sector are
short-term strategies involving the use of climate change as a vehicle for addressing urgent short
comings in the water sector and implementing effective, efficient and sustainable water resources
and service management measures. The long-term strategy focuses on planning, adaptation and the
smart implementation of new concepts and proactive approaches to managing water resources in
South Africa. Recently National Water Resource Strategy 2 ((NWRS-2) was gazetted in August. The
NWRS-2 sets out the strategic direction for water resources management in the country over the
next 20 years, with a particular focus on priorities and objectives for the period 2013 – 2017. It
provides the framework for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and
control of water resources for South Africa, as well as the framework within which water must be
managed at catchment level, in defined water management areas (DWA,2012). It is binding on all
authorities and institutions exercising powers or performing duties under the National Water Act
(Act 36 of 1998).
3.1.2.
Energy
Although South Arica is a non-annex 1 country (not required to reduce its emissions of greenhouse
gases), because the economy solely depends on fossil fuels the country is a significant emitter and it
is one of the world’s top 15 most energy intensive economies, contributing significantly towards
greenhouse emissions at a continental level. The main sources of energy supply are coal and nuclear.
South Africa's economy is dependent on coal. The country’s 30 billion tonnes of reserves account for
95% of African coal reserves and 4% of world reserves. This abundance naturally makes the energy
supply in South Africa very carbon intensive.
The energy sector has larger environmental impacts than other economic sectors particularly due to
its reliance on coal. Energy investments are under scrutiny, which is encouraging energy policies to
seek to reduce emissions (DoE, 2008). The exploitation of fossil fuels for energy use leaves the
environment even more vulnerable to climate change impacts hence there is need for regulation
and use of sustainable practices. Poor rural households use fuel-wood as their primary energy
source and this has severe environmental effects. The use of coal in urban areas results in indoor air
pollution causing serious health consequences (White Paper Energy Policy, 1998). The Department
of Energy (DoE) is responsible for defining and implementing the policy framework for the energy
sector, while the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is responsible for regulating the
sector, including the establishment of an overall electricity tariff regime. Eskom Holdings Limited
(Eskom), a vertically integrated public utility is responsible for 96% of South Africa's electricity
generation all transmission and 60% of distribution.
South Africa has massive potential for renewable energy and the exploration of new sources have
already begun. Biomass currently meets 8% of South Africa's primary energy supply demands
particularly in rural areas, and it has been identified as a research priority (IRP, 2010).
The government included pro-poor components in the electricity policy, such as accelerated access
to electricity, subsidized electricity for the poor and the use of a pro-job strategy for economic
growth supported by reliable, low cost electricity supplies. The government entered an
electrification programme as part of its post-apartheid program in order to improve the distribution
of income. The Free Basic Electricity (FBE) is targeted at the poor and aims to provide a minimum of
50kWh of energy free per month to each qualifying household.
South Africa Country Scoping Report
29
One of the major priorities in the energy sector is managing related environmental and health
impacts. The government promotes access to basic energy services for poor households in order to
eliminate the negative health impacts arising from the use of certain fuels. Energy security for lowincome households can contribute to poverty reduction, increasing livelihoods and improved living
standards. The reduction of energy-related emissions that are harmful to the environment and
human health has also been prioritised together with ensuring a balance between exploiting fossil
fuels and maintenance of acceptable environmental requirements. The energy sector is set to
contribute towards economic growth, employment creation and provide infrastructure for
households as well as contribute towards a successful and sustainable national growth and
development strategy (DoE, 1998).
South Africa is rich in energy resources in the form of fossil fuels (coal) and renewable sources (wind,
biomass and solar), which are being explored by the Clean Development Mechanism. The Clean
Development Mechanism seeks to reduce the amount of emissions produced by South Africa.
Emissions are expected to increase with economic development although at a slower pace if the
clean development path is followed. One of the main priorities is increasing access to affordable
energy services particularly for disadvantaged households, small businesses, small farms and
community services. Building thermally efficient low cost housing to promote energy efficiency and
conservation has also been prioritised. There is a need for governance to play a significant role in
clarifying the roles and functions of various energy governance institutions, and to strengthen the
capacity and coordination between governments departments involved in the energy sector.
Economic development within the sector is also set to be stimulated through such initiatives as
encouraging competition within energy markets. The government is also making advances and
encouraging research and exploration of renewable energy opportunities in the areas of solar
power, wind power, pumped storage and hydropower schemes.
Energy efficiency has been prioritised in all sectors through the collaboration of various departments
and public authorities in order to improve the management of environmental impacts. Here
stakeholders will be responsible for providing cleaner energy end-user technologies, environmental
performance auditing and incorporating environmental costs in order to reduce environmental
impacts. The development of integrated transport is currently being explored in some of the South
African cities so as to develop low carbon cities and contribute towards efficient energy use.
3.1.3.
Infrastructure
More than 60% of South Africa’s population lives in urban areas, covering only 1.5% of South Africa’s
surface area. The average growth rate for urban areas is higher than the population growth rate.
Although urban areas function more efficiently with low per capital costs of services and land
requirements for human settlement, they consume more resources and have a greater impact on
the environment than other areas. South African cities are faced with urban sprawl, which has
negative impacts on biodiversity and pollutes the land water and air. Due to the increased rate of
urbanisation there is an increase in informal settlements in urban areas, located mainly on the
periphery and in areas that are prone to disasters, lacking basic services and infrastructure, and are
environmentally unsuitable. The following are identified impacts on infrastructure:
South Africa Country Scoping Report
30

Increased problems caused by poor urban management such as poor storm water drainage
systems and urban-induced soil erosion resulting in flash flooding. Increased storm intensity
due to climate change would exacerbate such problems.

Increasing water demand in a water scarce country placing pressure on water supply
systems and infrastructure and a mismatch between investment in waste water treatment
works and growth in demand and use.

Flooding and coastal erosion resulting in the loss of coastal infrastructure (including
breakwaters, roads and public amenities), habitat and ecosystem goods and services.
Predicted rises in sea level may further exacerbate these impacts.
Priorities in this sector include leveraging opportunities presented by urban densification to build
climate-resilient urban infrastructure and promote behavioural change as part of urban planning and
growth management. There is a need to ensure affordable lower-carbon public transport systems,
and thermal efficient and climate-resilient human settlements. Another priority in this sector is
developing effective information, monitoring and assessment tools to evaluate the resilience of
cities and towns to climate. Also prioritised in this sector is the need to strengthen and enhance
decision support tools and systems such as the Toolkit for Integrated Planning and develop
geographic information systems that include asset management components for public
infrastructure (DEA, 2011).
Another priority is encouraging and developing water-sensitive urban design to capture water in the
urban landscape and to minimise pollution, erosion and disturbance. Climate modelling limitations
must be noted, appropriate down-scaling of climate models supported at national, provincial,
metropolitan and district levels to provide climate information at a scale that can be integrated into
medium- and long-term spatial development plans and information systems (DEA, 2011).
Other identified priorities include the need for land-use zoning regulations to be enforced and
sustainable ecosystems services used when considering settlements and infrastructure development
proposals. Technologies for climate change adaptation need to be developed and used in both rural
and urban areas. The potential impact of sea-level rise and storm surges needs to be taken into
account when developing and investing in infrastructure.
3.1.4.
Land Use and Ecosystems
Climate Change will have adverse impacts on ecosystems that are already stressed as a result of
unsustainable use and inadequate management (DEAT, 2004). Ecosystems will compromise one of
the key responses available for South Africa to adapt to climate change: the use of ecosystem based
adaptation to climate change response (DEAT, 2004).
South Africa has a conceptual understanding of the possible impacts of climate change on many of
its key biodiversity assets, a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of various climate change
impact, scenarios have yet to be undertaken for all significant ecosystems, especially with respect to
the services they provide (DEAT, 2004, p.19).
The following are projected climate change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems:
South Africa Country Scoping Report
31

Roughly 30% of endemic terrestrial species in South Africa may be at an increasingly high risk
of extinction by the latter half of this century if climate change is not mitigated.

Marine ecosystems and species are at risk from changes in water temperature, ocean
acidification and from changes in ocean currents such as West Coast upwelling and Agulhas
current strengthening. Change in South Africa’s marine and coastal environment is already
being observed and this change has already had significant impacts on the fisheries sector
and on the local economy of small-scale and subsistence fishing communities along the West
Coast.

Changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures, and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
could shift the distribution of South African terrestrial biomes with many implications for
species diversity, ecosystem processes such as wildfires, and critical ecosystem services such
as water yield and grazing biomass.

Increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events will influence runoff quality and quantity in
complex ways, significantly affecting the marine and estuarine environment. Reduced water
flow will increase the salinity of estuaries, affecting the breeding grounds and nursery areas
of many marine species. Coastal estuaries will also be vulnerable to long-term sea-level rise.

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide has poorly known direct effects on ecosystems. It may be
increasing the cover of shrubs and trees in Grassland and Savannah Biomes, with mixed
effects on biodiversity and possible positive implications for carbon sequestration.

More frequent wildfires (which appear to already show climate change-related increases in
the Fynbos Biome) and increased prevalence of invasive alien species. These stresses
combined with reduced and fragmented habitats will further increase the vulnerability of
biodiversity to climate change.
Identified priorities include strengthening biodiversity management and research institutions as well
as conserving, rehabilitating and restoring natural systems that improve resilience to climate change
impacts. Impact assessments, adaptation planning and climate change research into marine and
terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services have also been prioritised. Effective monitoring and
enhancing existing programmes to combat the spread of terrestrial and marine alien and invasive
species have also been prioritised. Other priorities include expanding the protected area network (in
line with the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy), encouraging partnerships for effective
management of areas and expanding existing gene banks to conserve critically endangered species
(DEA, 2011).
3.1.5.
Agriculture
Climate change significantly impacts agriculture and commercial forestry. These sectors also have
significant potential for adaptation. Globally, agriculture is a key contributor to climate change,
being responsible for about 14% of all GHG emissions. The agricultural sector will be affected by
climate change particularly by increased temperatures, reduced rainfall and water scarcity. There
will also be a reduction in suitable arable and pastoral land, length of the growing season and yields
particularly along the margins of semi-arid and arid areas. Agricultural contribution to the country’s
South Africa Country Scoping Report
32
GDP will decrease, which has already started happening over the years. Large scale farming will
mostly be affected because of its dependence on irrigation as well as rural poor farmers who rely on
rain for agricultural activities. The consequences will mainly affect food security and the national
economy as agriculture remains one of the main contributors towards the country’s GDP. The
livestock sector will also be affected by climate change impacts as rangelands will be lost as a result
of tree encroachment resulting from a decrease in grasslands due to elevated carbon dioxide
concentrations and increases in temperature. Climate change is also likely to affect the frequency
and spatial extent of livestock disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease (DEA, 2011).
The government has prioritised climate-resilient agricultural response which will need to
acknowledge that agriculture should provide not only food, but also a range of other environmental
and socio-economic benefits. Other priorities include the appropriate use of small-scale labourintensive agriculture techniques and models that have the potential to reverse the present decrease
in agricultural jobs; contribute to empowerment goals; promote food security; conserve soil quality
and structure; and contribute to biodiversity. Currently, the farmers in South Africa are
implementing various adaptation options depending on the predicted climate. They are undertaking
practices such as soil conservation, changing planting dates, climate smart agriculture (FAO),
planting trees and irrigation. The development and use of climate models has been highlighted as
key in building adaptation practices in the agricultural sector (DEA, 2011).
3.1.6.
Health
The South African health sector is one of the five key priorities of government. A significant
proportion of South Africans, and in particular the poor, already have serious and complex health
challenges compounded by poor living conditions. These include amongst the world’s highest rates
of tuberculosis and HIV infection. In particular parts of the country, the coverage of vector-borne
diseases like malaria, rift valley fever and schistosomiasis may spread due to climate change,
requiring an expansion of public health initiatives to combat these diseases. The links between the
environment, food security and the infectious profiles of communities and regions have been well
established hence the need to develop and implement strategies in the health sector.
Identified priorities in the health sector include reduction of ambient particulate matter, ozone, and
sulphur dioxide concentrations by legislative and other measures to ensure full compliance with
National Ambient Air Quality Standards by 2020. Under the health sector food security and sound
nutritional policies form part of an integrated approach to health adaptation strategies. Other
priorities include the development of public awareness campaigns on the health risks, the
improvement of emergency medical services, the strengthening of information and knowledge on
linkages between diseases and climate change through research and the improvement of the
current malaria control strategy (DEA, 2011).
3.1.7.
Industry and Livelihoods
Climate change impacts causing loss of biodiversity inherently impact on livelihoods as functional
ecosystems play a vital role in the country’s tourism and any activities within the green economy.
Informal use of resources is also an essential livelihood strategy for many poor rural communities
particularly in the forest and savannah biomes. Local residents harvest natural resources for
South Africa Country Scoping Report
33
medicinal use, food, shelter, fuel and craft production (DEA, 2011). In this sector the following
impacts have been identified:

Vulnerable cities as a result of their slow adaptation to environmental changes and their
dependencies on specific delivery mechanisms for critical services.

Large amounts of energy consumption in cities , industries and dense urban settlements

Vulnerability of informal settlements to conditions such as floods and fires, exacerbated by
their location in flood- or ponding-prone areas and on sand dunes; inferior building
materials; and inadequate road access for emergency vehicles

As a result of apartheid planning the poorest communities are located on the periphery far
away from services, employment and economic opportunities. Cities are relatively spread
out thus they contribute to increased transport emissions. Spatial planning needs to address
historical inequalities in land distribution without compromising the ability of the
agricultural sector to contribute to food security
Effective management of the interface between urban residents and their surrounding environment
producing sustainable social-ecological systems needs to be addressed and climate resilience in the
context of urban social-ecological systems needs to be developed further (DEA, 2011).
3.2. Gaps and Needs
3.2.1.
Priority sectors
South Africa is poorly equipped to deal with extremes. It is difficult to identify a single sector
requiring greater assistance than others. There is a need for a coherent view of vulnerabilities. South
Africa faces challenges in understanding, mitigating and adapting to predicted climate change. The
challenges arise as a result of gaps in knowledge and understanding and in the country's ability to
communicate, understand and to facilitate the implementation of solutions and actions at a
landscape level. The water sector is one of the prioritised sectors in the Second National
Communication. This is mainly because South Africa is a water scarce country and the situation is
predicted to get worse due to climate change impacts. Some of the gaps in the water sector include
lack of a comprehensive conservation and WDM to measure and conserve the country’s water
resources. There is a need for a comprehensive WDM system as well as development of other
strategies such as the National Groundwater Strategy currently being developed by the Department
of Water and Forestry to enable water service providers to ‘diversify the water mix’ by using
groundwater (DWAF, 2009). There is a lack of water and sanitation in some parts of South Africa,
particularly among the poor, and there is a need to develop access to water. Water plays a critical
role in people’s lives and it influences diseases and health. The poor continue to suffer from water
borne diseases and their health deteriorates due to little or no access to water. Currently the water
system needs to be more effective, efficient and sustainable, this is critical because South Africa is
water scarce and climate change impacts are likely to exacerbate the situation. This can be done
through improved management and delegation of responsibilities within catchment agencies
supported by local municipalities and DRR/COGTA. There is a need to look at pricing strategies
South Africa Country Scoping Report
34
ensuring that agriculture, industry and domestic users pay the right price for water and the payment
goes back into conserving the water catchment (Marais, 2012).
In the Agriculture and Forestry sector the gap lies in modeling of climate change scenarios. Different
climate scientists tend to produce varying climate information (due to a number of reasons) and
there is a need for scientists involved in modeling of climate scenarios to communicate and share
information. This is made difficult by the fact that climate change itself is an unstable phenomenon
that is difficult to predict, although there is growing research and development in climate
information. There is a need to develop agriculture and forestry approaches and strategies that are
climate-resilient, incorporate rural development planning, address food security, sustainable land
management and help farmers adapt to climate change through ‘climate smart agriculture defined
by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as “… agriculture that sustainably increases
productivity, resilience (adaptation), reduces/removes greenhouse gases (mitigation) and enhance
achievement of national food security and development goals”. They should also include short,
medium and long-term adaptation scenarios or approaches. Research and technology needs to be
improved. The development and use of Early Warning Systems need to be fine-tuned and used
effectively. There is a need for effective support for disaster management to farmers and extension
support that is effective to help support climate smart agriculture. Another gap that needs to be
addressed in this sector is the lack of knowledge and information particularly among small scale
farmers in rural areas. These gaps reveal the need to invest in education awareness programs (DEA,
2011).
The Health sector has also been prioritized, particularly because South Africa has one of the highest
incidences of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. One of the key gaps in this sector is the lack of knowledge
on the actual diseases and their implications by the public, especially the poor. Despite ongoing
investment in HIV/AIDS awareness programs, it remains a stigmatized condition. As South Africa is
one of the highest GHG emitters in Africa, there is need for comprehensive legislation, policies and
plans to reduce emissions and improve air quality in order to promote healthy living environments.
With the advent of food shortages it is necessary to ensure food security and sound nutritional
policies and integrate them into health adaptation strategies (DEA, 2011). Although there is free
healthcare in South Africa, there is a need for a system that pre-empts health issues and promotes a
healthy lifestyle. A comprehensive National Health Service is currently being developed by the
Department of Health.
Under the Biodiversity and Ecosystems sector one of the gaps is lack of knowledge on the extent to
which ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change impacts. Such knowledge will aid towards
choosing intervention options, thus requiring vulnerability assessments, mapping and adaptation
planning. There is a need for strengthened biodiversity management and research institutions.
Although Impact Assessments are currently being done, the problem is that they are conducted as
part of a checklist and are therefore not always done in a proper manner. Thus awareness programs
need to be conducted and Impact Assessments need to be included as part of adaptation planning.
Ecosystems are under attack from alien invasive species and this is a critical issues that needs to be
addressed (DEA, 2011).
The government also prioritises industry and livelihoods. One of the gaps in this sector is increased
population in urban areas while the rate of services is not increasing in line with this urban
South Africa Country Scoping Report
35
population increase. This has resulted in informal areas developing in the periphery of cities, in
unsafe and unhealthy environments. There is an increase in poverty levels with a growing gap
between the rich and the poor. Due to limited skills most of the poor find it difficult to penetrate the
employment market in order to make a living. Climate change will exacerbate these conditions
particularly through food shortages and water scarcity. Rural farmers lack knowledge and
understanding of climate information, which could be improved with increased investment in
education awareness programmes (DEA, 2011).
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is another prioritized sector with Early Warming Systems
requiring substantial improvements. One of the main problems in this sector is loss and damage of
property due to climate change impacts. The poor usually face difficulties recovering their goods and
property hence mechanisms such as micro-insurance can be developed to help the poor recover
their goods (particularly subsistence farmers in rural areas) (DEA, 2011).
3.2.2.
Key opportunities
The fundamental need at the moment is to understand the cross-sectoral implications of climate
change adaptation (Midgley, 2012). A useful resource would be working with insurance companies
and local municipalities and getting information and records regarding loss and damages as a result
of extreme events. This work remains problematic due to issues regarding the release of such
information in the private sector due to Intellectual Property. There is a current lack of concrete
adaption planning and this therefore is an area that can be researched to come up with adaptation
strategies. The use the of ecosystems-based approach to adaptation defined by the Convention of
Biological Diversity (CDB) as “the use of biodiversity and ecosystems services as part of an overall
adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change” has growing
support because it presents an opportunity to implement adaptation strategies fully and can bring
together various sectors and stakeholders (DEA, 2011). The ecosystems based approach also
contributes towards creating jobs for businesses and people through generating a green economy,
involving locals helping them develop sustainable livelihoods through the green economy.
3.2.3.
Good practice and maladaptation
An example of good practice is the small scale rooibois tea farmers case study in the Nothern Cape
(Midgley, Marais, Barnett & Wågsæther, 2012). A resource- poor community in the Northern Cape,
South Africa set up a profitable member owned company (Heiveld Co-operative) with the support of
local NGOs and academic partners. The Heiveld Co-operative is involved in sustainable management
of rooibos plants with organic and Fairtrade certifications and the capacity to process 100 tonnes of
tea per season. The tea is sold at premium prices local and internationally and promotes local
economic diversification. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) technique was used that involves
farmers, academics, NGOs and practitioners and allows farmers to continue working and developing
and adapting sustainable practices and strategies. The adaptation of sustainable practices enables
farmers to deal with the uncertainties of future climate and the fluctuating business environment.
The farmers are also involved in daily climate monitoring which informs their short and long term
farming strategies (Midgley, et al 2012).
Some of the lessons include finding a balance between the independence of the co-operative and
the support provided through the PAR process and other sources, and it has therefore been
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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important to regularly clarify responsibilities. Another lesson was engaging with capacity building as
there was lack of experience in the co-operative. The project includes young people in management
and women in governance structures thus empowering them with new skills and economic
opportunities for both young people and women. One of the identified agricultural adaptation
strategies in the SNC is conservation agriculture, which is exemplified in this case study (Midgley et
al, 2012).
The building of dams, coastal infrastructure and desalination plants particularly in the Western and
Eastern Cape on land that is already degraded has resulted in maladaptation. This is because dams
have silted up as erosion and sedimentation issues form and degraded ecosystems where not
addressed before building infrastructures. Desalination plants where also forced to shutdown
because they were not viable. There is need for investment in capacity building particularly with
regards to sustainable landscape level catchment restoration and management that includes
ecosystems based approaches.
3.2.4.
Resource requirements
The Second National Communication identifies the need to develop human capital, generate new
and relevant knowledge, facilitate the establishment of research infrastructure and bridge the gap
between research results and socio-economic outcomes (DEA, 2011). Over the past five years there
has been an increased focus on dimensions of adaptation both internationally and locally.
Integrative themes such as adaptive governance, effectiveness of institutional arrangements, social
networks and the role of effective advocacy and information in decision making as well as stronger
links to disaster reduction are being looked at critically. Barriers to adaptation include a lack of
accessible and reliable information, lack of market access and few social platforms to allow
engagement of civil society on climate change issues. Looking at past severe weather-related events,
adaptation capacity is faced with challenges such as pervasive social vulnerability, inadequate
planning, constrained integrated and spatial development as well as poor climate and disaster risk
management (DEA, 2011).
A key variable is in understanding how ecosystems are changing, where the change is taking place
and how rapid the change is happening, hence there is a need for research to be done in these
areas. There is also a need to understand complex interactions that take place within ecosystems
and how changing certain aspects of any of them will affect other aspects. Any understanding gained
in this manner will be used to improve predictive capability and to plan appropriate adaptation
responses (DEA, 2011). Observation and monitoring are also vital in understanding the nature of
change. Particularly, what the critical thresholds are that, if exceeded, will precipitate significant and
possibly irreversible changes and what the consequences of such changes would be and what
indicators can be used to detect them (DEA, 2011). The Adaptation Flagship programmes seek to
address some of these issues and more money needs to be invested to ensure that research and
implementation required is done (Marais, 2012).
There is a gap in regional understanding mainly around natural variability of the climate in the region
where South Africa is located. Hence there is a need to strengthen modelling capabilities of oceanatmosphere-biosphere in order to improve weather and seasonal climate predictions, with benefits
to ecosystem services affecting food and water security, protection from extreme events and human
well-being (DEA, 2011). There is also uncertainty regarding the regional effects of large-scale global
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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climate change. Regional responses to impacts of climate change remain unclear. Seasonal and
decadal forecasts depend on the changing nature of the links between local climate and the three
oceans surrounding the southern African landmass. The role of the Southern Ocean in modulating
albedo (the ability of the earth to reflect solar radiation) needs more understanding. Other gaps
involve understanding land, air and sea linkages particularly how they influence each other as well as
the forms of change that will occur (DEA, 2011).
3.2.5.
Constraints
One of the key constraints to adaptation is a lack of financial and human resources needed to put
adaptation plans into action. Additionally, a lack of financial and human resources is a key capacity
building constraint for adaptation at a local level. When implementing adaptation measures issues
related to personnel, capital and running costs present real challenges for adaptive capacity at local
and municipal levels (Madzwamuse, 2010). One of the gaps in the National Climate Change
Response Strategy includes ensuring adaptation preparedness. There is a lack of information
concerning the extent of differentiated vulnerability at national and local levels. The National
Climate Change Response Strategy needs to be reviewed to take into account climate impacts
particularly in vulnerable areas and the resources supporting the rural poor’s livelihood strategies
(Madzwamuse, 2010). Adaptation flagship programmes need to be implemented and vulnerability
needs to be addressed through these programmes. Ecosystems based approaches have to be
considered reduce vulnerability.
Another constraint to adaptation is a lack of cooperation and power struggles between elected
government structures and traditional decision-making powers. The struggle between two leadership
structures at the municipal level undermines the ability of local government structures to achieve
coordinated decision making and effective leadership. This tends to affect implementation of
adaptation strategies at a community level (Madzwamuse, 2010). Another key challenge is resistance
from developers whose plans are not always concerned with climate change impacts and often find
adaptation and mitigation options limiting and climate information flawed.
Currently there are few efforts to involve various ‘social-groups’ in climate change adaptation work.
The involvement of ‘social groups’ in climate change adaptation would help set up social networks
that can play a critical role in climate change adaptation. Hence the role of social networks and
education in relation to climate change adaptation needs to be explored and used. Social networks
are vital in facilitating adaptation in rural and urban areas (for example among farmers, water
practitioners, business community and the community involved with adaptation in reference to
disaster risk reduction). Various knowledge systems (such as indigenous knowledge) need to be
explored in detail and used to inform adaptation strategies.
3.3. Potential Benefits of Chinese Engagement
China has faced a number of debilitating climate change related disasters over the years, making it
well-equipped in dealing with extreme conditions and disaster management. China learned the hard
way that extreme rapid development makes a country vulnerable. In this regard, China is able to
identify ‘what not to do’ in terms of development, though it is not clear if they will be able to identify
what should be done (Midgley, 2012). South Africa can benefit from China’s highly developed
technological sector, but preferably in a way that enables South Africans to develop and produce the
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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technology locally, using local expertise in the long term. South Africa is at a stage where there is a
host of policies and plans that need to be implemented but lack the financial means to do so. China
may be of financial assistance if it can offer funds to help implement these plans. China has, through
its recent development, proved to the world that it has the capacity and expertise, hence South
Africa can benefit from China through skills training and capacity building to develop local skills.
South Africa values entrepreneurship for economic development and social development. China has
over the years cultivated such skills hence South Africa can benefit from China in this regard
particularly in the areas of ecosystems based adaptation and small enterprise development involved
in the green economy in communities. South Africa is also implementing ecosystem based
adaptation and ecosystem based small enterprise development and can share information. There is
room for South Africa to upscale the current ecosystems based adaptation and green economy work
through the South-South collaboration and support with China. China has been involved in
development over the years and there is some good precedent (frameworks) that South Africa can
learn from, particularly the newly developed towns. Relevant lessons can be identified from the way
China is developing and used to inform climate change adaptation policies in South Africa.
4. Attitudinal Assessment
4.1. Development Priorities and Drivers
The Second National Communication, Climate Change Response White Paper, and National
Development Plan among other plans advocate for development that fosters effective climate
change response as well as transition towards a climate-resilient and lower –carbon economy.
Identified development priorities are creating jobs and livelihoods, expanding infrastructure,
transitioning to a low carbon economy, improving education, quality healthcare, building a capable
state, fighting corruption and transforming society and uniting the nation. There is relatively sound
communication between the government and scientists hence climate change has been taken up
and is set to be fully mainstreamed into all development plans produced in South Africa. For South
Africa, economic development and growth can only be fully achieved if environmental sustainability
and human development are achieved hand in had, hence there is a strong and growing focus on
development that is climate resilient and builds a low carbon economy and cities.
4.2. Political Will
As mentioned earlier in the report, the South African Constitution plays a critical role in informing
environmental governance by establishing a right to an environment that is not harmful to health
and well-being, balancing environmental protection rights to social and economic development and
assigning environmental functions to various government agencies and requiring cooperation
between them. South Africa has a substantial institutional arrangement, polices and a number of
plans and initiatives that a reveal strong political will to act on climate change issues. The National
Development Plan is a recent report revealing the magnitude of the government’s need and
willingness to tackle issues and be involved with various stakeholders in dealing with climate change
and poverty reduction issues. The Second National Communication, Climate Change Response White
Paper, and National Development Plan among other plans advocate for development with effective
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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climate change response and transition towards a climate-resilient and lower –carbon economy and
address climate change adaptation through Adaptation Flagship programmes.
4.3. Information of Government Policy
Policy makers work together with the science community in developing policies. A number of
policies, plans and research are developed by the three levels of government (national, provincial
and local) and various independent institutions, organisations and civil society are also consulted
during policy development. The government collaborates with universities and various academic
institutions, scientists and organisations (local and international) in conducting research and
development around climate change issues. The government welcomes parties to bring forth
concerns and information in a bid to gain understanding and information about what is happening
around issues of climate change. However there is a need for more stakeholder involvement, not
only research and inputs into design of policy by all stakeholders such as business, NGOs, industry,
labour, environmental groups.
4.4. Perceptions of China
There are mixed perceptions about Chinese involvement in Africa from various stakeholders. There
are concerns about the nature of lessons to be derived from China concerning climate change
adaptation. China has developed rapidly over the years, but there are concerns about the quality of
development that has occurred in some parts of China, particularly regarding issues of safety
(because of the rapid rate of development). The massive influx of Chinese businesses and companies
into South Africa has been received with a mixed response. Resentment of the Chinese presence in
South Africa has been shown by some businesses as they believe the low cost Chinese products are
flooding and taking over the market. The South African government wishes to diversify both its
exports and trade partners, and China presents a good option because of its current economic
growth, growing markets, and need for raw materials. These products are also exported and not
used in South Africa or return at a much higher price. There are also concerns about China exploiting
South Africa for its resources. Locals are concerned about the Chinese bringing in cheaper labour
from China to work on projects in South Africa making it difficult for local people to get employed on
Chinese run projects. There are also concerns that China brings in its own skilled labour into the
country and once the project is done, the skilled people go back to China without imparting
knowledge to local people.
4.5. Current Chinese Involvement
In 2009 at COP 15 Copenhagen, South Africa joined with China, India and Brazil to form the BASIC
group of countries, which has become a distinct voice in the climate change negotiations. BASIC
countries were committed to act jointly at the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009. BASIC was
initiated and led by China and seeks to define a common position on emission reductions. BASIC
countries have been involved in giving least developed countries climate aid money as well
convincing other countries (particularly least developed countries) to sign up to the Copenhagen
Accord. BASIC agreed to help poor counties of the G77 with financial and technical aid. BASIC
advocates for developing countries thereby demanding ‘equitable space for development’, provision
of finance, technology and capacity building on climate change issues for developing countries.
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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South Africa is also part of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) an association of
leading emerging economies formed in 2010. BRICS members are all developing or newly
industrialised countries, with the exception of Russia, and they are identified by their large, fastgrowing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs.
4.6. Current South-South Learning
There are a number of African institutional organisations in the region with whom South Africa has
worked with. However, it should be noted that these organisations are constantly changing. Parties
such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) alignment, India, Brazil, South Africa
(IBSA), G77 and the African Group are some of the significant institutions. With so many institutions
already established, there is ample opportunity for South Africa to engage with other regions. As
pointed out earlier South Africa has the potential to lead the continent in adapting to climate change
with its strong policies and laws. SADC has a Climate Journalists Network (CJN) which has been in
existence for six years and focuses on translating seasonal climate forecasts for media dissemination;
it is however, impeded by a lack of funds. This is one of the forums that can be used to
operationalize South-South Learning. Also at a regional level, efforts have been made to cooperate
with the Ministers of the Environment Committee (AMCEN) and the African Union, in terms of
strategy implementation.
South Africa has been involved in some adaptation related South-South learning exchange initiatives,
including a recent endeavour with Costa Rica on Payments for ecosystem services (PES). The
Knowledge Exchange Programme was designed by Conservation International and Conservation
South Africa to expose relevant South African officials to the lessons from the national PES
programme of Costa Rica. The exchange involved presentations, facilitated discussions, active
learning opportunities and field visits. The objectives of the exchange were to improve
understanding and support for PES and its potential for natural resource conservation and
sustainable development in South Africa and develop detail led understanding of national PES
valuation methodologies. Another objective was to raise awareness of the range of technical tools,
mechanisms including financial and policy, institutional structures and critical success factors for a
national PES program. The exchange also sought to develop a framework for political championing of
PES within South Africa, as well as to develop on-going lessons sharing between Costa Rica and
South Africa on PES models and implementation, particularly at the regional level. The learning
exchange was a relevant, important and practical learning experience for the future development of
a national system for ecosystem service payments in South Africa. The task team identified a number
of steps to be taken to foster on-going development and continued sharing of the political
experience of Costa Rica. The identified steps are set to be implemented over the next months to
initiate financing for the implementation of healthy ecosystems in water provision in South Africa. A
further exchange visit including South African Minister of Water and Environment is being planned
for 2013.
Nepal Learns about Post-Conflict State Building from Rwanda and South Africa
South Africa and Rwanda took part in a learning exchange with Nepal sharing knowledge on postconflict state building. The Government of Nepal was interested in learning how other countries
reintegrated combatants into society and successfully increased the role of local government after
similar conflicts. The learning exchange was facilitated by the World Bank. Officials from Nepal
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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visited South Africa and Rwanda to learn about security, integrating former combatants as well as
policies and strategies to implement fiscal decentralisation and legal reforms. One of the key lessons
learned by Nepali delegates was the importance of communication to form consensus across party
lines among previously hostile groups. They also learned how post-conflict state building can be
facilitated by an effective leader and by including the groups in decision making. Effective knowledge
exchange lessons include acknowledging the fact that achieving peace in a post-conflict situation
takes a long time and process is slower than anticipated and there is a need to ensure that each
group is represented fairly and that open and frank discussions are facilitated (World Bank, 2011).
Streamlining the Doing Business Environment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
South Africa shared knowledge was shared with Ecuador, EGPY, Arab Republic of, Jordan, Lebanon,
Mauritius, Morocco, Singapore, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The Doing
Business Project gathers and analyses data to compare business regulatory environments across
economic and over time. The World Bank coordinated with MENA countries and organised a
conference brining reformers across the region together to share experiences and lessons in
promoting and enacting reforms. The exchange enhanced their knowledge and skills to pursue
business registration reforms. The exchange enhanced networks, increased implementation know
how and raised awareness. The organisers also learned that facilitating such exchanges requires
country representative to communicate directly and not through headquarters. Another key lesson
was to keep political issues in mind. The use of online networks helped organisers learn from
participating countries (World Bank, 2011).
Building Skills to improve the regulatory environments for business in Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa also took part in a learning exchange that involved Botswana, Mauritius, Rwanda, and
Singapore as the countries providing knowledge and Burkina Faso, Burundi, DRC, Cote d’Ivoire,
Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and
Zimbabwe as the recipient countries. The World Bank in collaboration with the Regional
Multidisciplinary Centre for Excellence organised several knowledge exchanges as part of the ongoing Africa Regional Initiative to improve the business environment. Countries that ranked low on
the Ease of Doing Business Index could interact and learn from the higher-ranking countries. Key
lessons where: enhanced knowledge skills, improved consensus and teamwork, increased
implementation know-how and strengthened coalitions. Lessons learned about the exchange itself
include the need to dedicate staff to organising such an event and selecting senior government
officials to participate in such exchanges (World Bank, 2011).
Increasing Capacity to Generate Certified Emission Reduction (CER) Credits through Registering
Projects for Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
This exchange was organised by the World Bank in collaboration with the Climate Change
Department of the NDRC in China. Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, East and Central Asia, the
Middle East and North Africa where exposed to some of the best practices from China’s CDM
experiences. The exchange raised awareness about the efforts and capacity need to initiate and
scale CDM projects. Participants leaned how China responded to the key challenges of CDM
implementation particularly the institutional environment (World Bank, 2011).
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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Forging Rural Development Strategies in South Africa
South Africa took part in a learning exchange initiative with China in April 2010. The South African
government wanted to make sure that every South African citizen benefits from the country’s
economic growth. The government also wanted to improve its capacity to plan and ensure
successful implementation of rural development and land reform policies. China was chosen as an
exemplary model for successful rural development because of three decades of experience with
policies and practices in rural development, poverty reduction and land reform.
The process
South Africa commissioned the World Bank to arrange a learning exchange initiative between China
and South Africa organised by a Chinese World Bank member who understood South Africa’s rural
development needs hence tailored the learning exchange to suit that. China’s high level rural
development and poverty reduction officials met with their South African counterparts.
South Africa sought to gain understating in the following context

Capacity Building Goals that include;
1. Effectiveness of Organizational Arrangements
2. Efficiency on policy instruments
3. Strength of Stakeholder Ownership
The intermediate capacity outcomes from the learning exchange include: enhanced knowledge and
skills, enhanced networks, improved consensus and teamwork, increased implementation knowhow and raised awareness.
Awareness was raised among South African delegates concerning integrated rural-urban
development issues, the importance of rural industrialization and the potential for household-based
farming. Elements identified as key in rural development, poverty reduction and land reform policies
and programs were the importance of long-term vision, sustained commitment and properly
mobilized resources.
South African delegates also identified lessons from the mistakes that were made in the Chinese
land reforms. China advised South Africa to develop a long-term approach to land reform and
poverty reduction and take time to ensure strong interagency policy coordination with an annual
implementation plan.
South African development practitioners took the lessons they learned and used them to inform
land reform policies and strategies such as the Green Paper on rural development and land reform,
particularly on issues concerning rural industrialization and agro-village development. Future
collaborative learning exchanges with China are set to occur, with a focus on implementation
strategies.
Some of the lessons learned for effective knowledge exchange include the fact that there is a need
to earn the trust of country clients. Another lesson is the need to develop an in-depth understanding
of the knowledge-seeking country’s needs and the challenges of the providing country’s capacities
and knowledge. It is important to foster closer relationships with the key stakeholders at the
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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planning stage. Another lesson was the need for patience and tenacity to broker a consensual,
effective agenda among all parties. Combining different learning methods for best results is
encouraged.
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5. Recommendations
5.1. Chinese Support of Adaptation
China’s history of having to cope with many environmental disasters has forced the country to
become well-equipped to manage future risks. Currently, China has some of the best early warning
systems and disaster risk management programs that can be used as precedent by South Africa.
Hence China has the potential to support South Africa to develop improved early warning and
disaster management systems. This should include a focus on the importance of ecosystems in
helping to buffer and reduce disaster impacts as well as how people, can cope better with these
situations and more importantly prepare adequately so they are more resilient when disasters occur.
China learnt the hard way that extreme rapid development, but perhaps has less to offer in terms of
what should be done (Midgley, 2012). However China is recognised for its skills, technology, capacity
and financial capabilities. For South Africa, China could provide support through learning exchanges,
skills development initiatives and financial aid. South Africa has strong environmental legislation and
policies that China can learn from. Knowledge exchanges can also be organised between South
Africa and China to share knowledge on climate modelling best practices, thereafter the two
countries can collaborate in organising knowledge exchanges with other countries on climate
modelling. South Africa and China can also share knowledge on ecosystems based adaptation
approaches and lessons can also be shared with other developing countries. It would be more
beneficial if China imparted knowledge and skills to South Africa in order to equip South Africans so
that they can do things on their own. In terms of technology, South Africa wants China to facilitate
research and development on innovation and technological skills and equip South Africans so that
technology can be made in South Africa and not imported in the long term.
A key adaptation area in which Chinese support is sought is in the design and promotion of climate
resilient infrastructure such as the rail system in Cape Town. South Africa would also benefit from
Chinese support in ocean monitoring in the Pacific to improve understanding of and predictions for
El Nino in South Africa. Another way that China can support South Africa is by making satellite
observations available to South Africa for climate impact modelling and projections. China can also
support South Africa in developing GMO and crop diversity in order to reduce vulnerability.
5.2. South-South Learning
There is definitely space for South-South learning to occur between South Africa and other
countries. South Africa has managed to develop solid policies and frameworks on climate change
adaptation issues, even though much of it has yet to be implemented. South Africa can be used in
learning exchanges to offer guidance in policy development to other countries, particularly in Africa.
For South Africa, South-South learning can be initiated through learning exchanges involving field
trips to get a sense of what is happening on the ground. South Africa is keen to host other countries
in learning exchanges. For South Africa it is critical to build capacity, skills and technology. Hence
South Africa wants people with such expertise to come and teach locals and equip them so that
South Africans are able to undertake such tasks and locally produce machinery and technology for
the long-term.
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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6. Summary
South Africa is already experiencing some climate change related changes and disasters. The issues
of climate change adaptation need urgent attention in South Africa. South Africa has a host of
climate change polices and plans that need to be streamlined, integrated and implemented. The
National Climate Change Response Strategy identifies priority sectors, their impacts and priorities,
but a number of gaps remain, particularly with regards to adaptation preparedness and the extent of
differentiated vulnerability at the national and local level. Hence the National Climate Change
Response Strategy needs to be reviewed in order to incorporate socio-economic implications of
climate change impacts especially in vulnerable areas with limited resources. One of the key
challenges South Africa faces is implementation capacity in various institutions. For this reason, it is
of critical importance that funds are directed towards capacity building at local and provincial
government levels (DEAT, 2009). Adaptation responses need to be aligned with long-term
development policies that seek to address the underlying causes of poverty and vulnerability, such
as the land reform process and a review of the impacts of the macro-economic policies on the poor.
In order to develop an integrated adaptation approach there is a need for a balance between
bottom-up and top-down approaches to be used. The use of ecosystems based approaches have
been identified as key in dealing with climate change adaptation. Local characteristics such as South
Africa’s strong culture of civic engagement and activism can be explored and used in climate change
adaptation endeavours. There is a need to build support for community based organisations
(including civil society, private sector and NGOs) and local government structures as most of the
adaptation work is done at this level particularly among poor communities hence the need for
national government funds to flow at this level. The South African government is committed to
climate change adaptation and welcomes the South-South learning initiative with other countries
and Chinese facilitation. The primary areas in which Chinese contributions would be most beneficial
are capacity building and skills training, technological support and financial aid to leverage and
implement existing adaptation plans.
South Africa Country Scoping Report
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Acknowledgements
The project team would like to thank and acknowledge Prof Guy Midgley at South African National
Biodiversity Institute and Sarshen Marais, at Conservation South Africa for their significant
contributions to this report.
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