The North West Climate Change Provincial Workshop was hosted by the North West
Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism on 23 and 24
February 2026 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre, where the Department engaged a wide
range of stakeholders on the draft North West Climate Change Strategy and Implementation
Plan.
MMC Cllr Wesley Kgang, from the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, delivered the keynote
address on behalf of MEC Bitsa Lenkopane. The workshop reflects the Department’s
commitment to strengthening coordinated climate action and building resilience in line with the
newly enacted Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act 22 of 2024).
Key stakeholders in attendance include the Department’s strategic partner, North-West
University; the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE); the
Department of Tourism; various provincial departments; and representatives from the South
African Local Government Association (SALGA), as well as district and local municipalities.
Industry role players such as Africa Geo-Environmental Engineering and Science (AGES
Alpha), the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA),
and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are also participating and
contributing to the discussions.
The draft North West Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan remains subject to
the finalisation of the Technical Guidelines for Climate Change Needs and Response
Assessments by DFFE, which will support the full implementation of the Climate Change Act.
As the custodian of environmental management in the Province, DEDECT is committed to
finalising this Strategy to guide institutions in integrating climate change considerations into
planning and decision-making.
Stakeholders emphasised that climate change must be treated as a serious and systemic
threat affecting human health, global security, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Its impacts are
already visible in our communities — intensifying extreme weather events such as floods and
droughts, worsening food and water insecurity, displacing communities, and reversing
development gains.
Addressing climate change is therefore essential to safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring a
sustainable future for all.
The second day of the North West Climate Change Provincial Workshop continued, building
on the strong foundation established during Day 1 engagements.
The workshop deepened the discussion on the Draft North West Climate Change Strategy
and Implementation Plan, from the presentation by DEDECT, providing stakeholders with an
opportunity to engage constructively on its strategic priorities, implementation pathways, and
alignment with national legislative frameworks.
A key highlight of the day was a presentation by the South African Local Government
Association (SALGA), which outlined ongoing climate change initiatives being implemented at
the local government level. These projects underscored the vital role municipalities play as
frontline responders to the climate-related challenges facing communities.
The workshop also transitioned into plenary sessions facilitated by representatives from North
West University. These sessions promoted collaborative engagement, enabling stakeholders
to identify key priorities and contribute to solution-oriented discussions aimed at shaping a
coordinated provincial response to climate change.
Discussions throughout the day reaffirmed that effective climate governance depends on
integrated planning, shared accountability, and strong cross-sector partnerships.
Stakeholders, including DEDECT’s Environmental Clubs, North West University (NWU),
UniAppSA, Ramotse Services, and
Africa Geo-Environmental Engineering and Science (AGES Alpha) are also participating in
exhibition activities alongside the formal programme. These exhibitions showcase innovations
focused on the circular economy, sustainable materials, and digital solutions as key
interventions for mitigating the impacts of climate change, while also providing educational
insights on reducing environmental impact.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng (083 687 3649)
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325 | Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect