Climate change an existential threat, Ramaphosa says:
President calls for urgent action to move South Africa’s just energy transition from commitment to delivery ...
mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2026-02-21-climate-change-an-existential-threat-ramaphosa-says/
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From Commitment to Climate DeliveryFirst PCC meeting since reconstitution under the Climate Change Act; the commission will focus on delivery over the next five years.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Presidential Climate Commission under the Climate Change Act, positioning it as a central advisory and coordination body.
- The commission was tasked to advance a just transition that reduces emissions, climate-proofs infrastructure and safeguards livelihoods while protecting workers and vulnerable communities.
- Climate impacts such as recent flooding are already affecting provinces and are expected to intensify by the end of the decade, risking economic growth and efforts to reduce inequality, poverty and unemployment.
- Priority actions include moving the Just Energy Transition Partnership from commitment to delivery by accelerating renewables, expanding transmission, enabling energy storage and mobilising public and private finance, with Komati’s 2022 closure highlighted as a test case for sustainable redevelopment.
We must act with others across the globe to ensure that we do not breach the 1.5°C warming above pre-industrial levels,— Ramaphosa said during the virtual inaugural meeting of the Presidential Climate Commission.
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