Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has urged residents to prepare for the growing risks associated with climate change and the current El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern.
Speaking during a digicon on Thursday, Winde, Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Anton Bredell, and provincial officials outlined the province’s preparedness for possible weather-related impacts.
“The Western Cape has learned difficult lessons over the past several months and years; we must all always be prepared for the pressures of climate change and associated risks,” Winde said.
Understanding the risks
ENSO is a global climate cycle driven by changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures that can influence weather patterns around the world.
The system is currently in an El Niño phase and is expected to strengthen over the coming months. While its most severe effects in South Africa are generally felt in summer-rainfall regions, the Western Cape could still face increased temperatures, extreme heat, higher fire risks and additional pressure on water resources.
The fire risk has been compounded by a relatively dry winter so far.
Winde noted that while the province experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall in May 2026, this does not necessarily mean enough rain fell to secure water supplies through the summer.
“We must all be aware of our water usage,” he said.
Climate modelling raises concerns
The provincial government has worked with the University of Cape Town to model future climate patterns in the Western Cape.
Karen Shippey, Chief Director of Environmental Sustainability at the Western Cape Government, said the province is experiencing significant temperature increases and an acceleration in climate change.
The modelling points to increasingly frequent and intense droughts, more hot days and fewer cold days, reduced autumn rainfall across most sub-regions, and changes in wind patterns and strength.
More than R65 million for water resilience
Western Cape dam levels are currently 5% lower than they were at the same time last year.
To strengthen water security, the provincial Department of Local Government has allocated R40.5 million through its Water Resilience Grant for the 2026/27 financial year.
A further R25.2 million has been allocated through the Groundwater and Response Programme, bringing total targeted investment in water resilience initiatives to more than R65 million.
The funding is aimed at helping municipalities improve infrastructure, reduce water losses, strengthen monitoring and management systems, and develop alternative water sources.
Winde said the province is investing proactively in preparation for future natural disasters.
“We must be more proactive and predictive in our planning. We must ensure we are prepared for any eventuality. But this responsibility does not only fall on us as a provincial government; all of us play a role,” he said.
Bredell stressed that disaster preparedness must begin before an emergency develops.
“Preparedness cannot begin when the first major wildfire breaks out, or when water systems come under pressure, or when a prolonged heatwave starts affecting vulnerable communities. By then, we are already responding to a crisis,” he said.
Graham Paulse, Head of the Department of Local Government, also stressed the importance of cooperation between municipalities, disaster management structures, stakeholders and residents to reduce the growing risk of fires.
Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Dr Colin Deiner, said disaster planning is an ongoing process and requires the support of residents.
“Our planning does not start now; it starts at the end of every summer. And we need the help of every single resident of our province,” he said.
Winde urged residents, particularly those living in high-risk areas, to prepare now.
“Where you live matters and if you know that there is a fire risk in your area, now is the time to prepare,” he said.
