South Africa Needs R250 Billion Investment To Tackle Rising Climate Risks

South Africa will need at least R250 billion, or about US$15.6 billion, over the next ten years to meet its basic climate adaptation needs, according to new research by the University of Cape Town. The study highlights that this amount is required just to build a minimum level of resilience as climate risks continue to grow across the country.

The report points out that South Africa is already facing serious challenges linked to climate change. These include water shortages, food insecurity, health risks, and damage to infrastructure. The situation is being made worse by rising global temperatures, which have already increased by about 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels. As a result, the country is experiencing more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape are among the most vulnerable and require urgent attention.

One of the biggest priorities identified in the research is improving water and sanitation systems. This alone is expected to take up nearly three-quarters of the total investment. Plans include installing around one million waterless toilets in schools and clinics, removing invasive plants from water catchment areas, and improving systems to ensure a reliable water supply of up to 98%.

The report also focuses on protecting people and their livelihoods. It suggests building climate-resilient shelters, improving early-warning systems for disasters, and training more social workers and agricultural officers. In the farming sector, the study recommends financial support for drip irrigation systems and helping farmers shift to crops and livestock that can survive in hotter and drier conditions.

Urban areas will also need major changes. Around 7,000 kilometers of roads and river systems require urgent repair and maintenance. In addition, transport hubs such as bus depots and taxi ranks located in flood-prone areas may need to be relocated. Coastal regions are also at risk, and the plan includes restoring about 50 kilometers of dunes to act as natural barriers against flooding.

While the government will lead these efforts through its National Adaptation Strategy and Climate Change Act, the report makes it clear that public funding alone will not be enough. It calls for blended finance, combining government support with private investment and international funding.

Experts warn that if these investments are not made, the country could face serious economic losses and the risk of over 150,000 deaths in the next decade. Acting now is seen as a necessary and cost-effective step to protect both people and the economy from worsening climate impacts.