Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has issued a clarion call for an urgent climate change summit in the wake of devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal that left at least six people dead. Speaking at the official opening of the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg, the king emphasized that climate change plays a significant role in these disasters, but also stressed the need to reflect on how land was settled and developed ¹. He noted that homes are being built too close to roads and water streams, placing people in grave danger.
The king’s call to action comes as questions persist about why flood victims were placed in an informal settlement vulnerable to flooding and left there for so long. KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi admitted that the transit camp where flood victims were placed was unsafe and posed a significant danger ¹. Housing rights movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has slammed the government for failing to protect informal settlement residents, describing the situation on the ground as “desperate” ¹.
The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has also called for the disaster management system to be overhauled to address legislative and administrative failures. Salga deputy president Xola Pakati noted that extreme weather events are testing the country’s preparedness, with each year bringing more severe impacts on vulnerable communities ¹. The king’s urgent call for a climate change summit has highlighted the need for swift action to protect the land and future generations.
