AGP Executive Report

Water Pollution: South Africa’s sewage-treatment failures are contaminating rivers, and 408 people in Tshwane fell ill after drinking unchlorinated water from a plant supplied by polluted river water. Wastewater Upgrade: Cape Town’s R5.2bn Potsdam works is 80% complete; its expanded capacity should improve treatment and allow more effluent to be reused. Climate Risks: Treasury cut its 2026 growth forecast to 1.2%, warning that El Niño could push up costs and weaken output — a growing concern for water security and farmers. Biodiversity Planning: New research argues that nature must be built into decisions on farming, mining, development and conservation to meet global biodiversity goals by 2030. Clean Energy: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde urged faster solar and battery-storage rollout, saying the province aims to add 5,700MW of generating capacity by 2035.

Water Emergency: More than 400 people, mostly young children, became ill after E. coli was found in Bronkhorstspruit’s tap water. Residents were told not to drink it, as officials work to address sewage pollution upstream. Supply Under Pressure: Rand Water says demand from several municipalities is straining the system, while South Africa prepares for a hotter, drier El Niño season that could deepen water risks. El Niño Readiness: Southern African countries are coordinating disaster plans as forecasts point to below-average rain across much of the region and increased drought risk. River Cleanup: New litter traps on Ekurhuleni’s Kaalspruit are catching plastic and polystyrene before waste flows downstream towards Hartbeespoort Dam. Cleaner Industry: Coega Steels has opened a R500-million mill that will use renewable energy and scrap metal to produce lower-emissions steel.

Water Security: WISA says South Africa needs to turn climate forecasts into timely local decisions as the 2026/27 summer outlook points to hotter, drier conditions across much of the country. El Niño raises the risk of pressure on water supplies, farms and communities. Pollution Watch: An aerial survey found sewage, industrial pollution and agricultural runoff fouling rivers that feed Hartbeespoort Dam, fuelling invasive plant growth and threatening aquatic life. Tshwane’s Rooiwal water plant is also expected to remain offline until 2027 because of upstream sewage pollution. River Alert: eThekwini has urged people to avoid the uMngeni River and estuary after alleged sabotage disabled a wastewater pump station, raising fears of contamination downstream. Clean Energy: A new R106-million rooftop solar project in Cape Town will supply renewable power to three properties through the municipal grid, with an estimated annual emissions reduction of 9,645 tonnes.

Water Safety: More than 400 people, mostly children under four, fell ill in the Bronkhorstspruit area after Tshwane’s water treatment works went three weeks without chlorination. Tests found E. coli; residents have been told to use tap water only to flush toilets. The source river is polluted with sewage. Severe Weather: KwaZulu-Natal faces damaging winds, waves and thunderstorms, while heat and fire danger persist elsewhere. Forecasters also warn that a looming El Niño could put KZN water supplies under pressure. Climate Action: South Africa says it will focus on turning global climate commitments into action at COP31, as it seeks more funding to adapt to worsening climate shocks. Biodiversity: As the global biodiversity summit opens, African conservationists say the continent needs to protect about 15% more of its land and sea to meet the 30-by-30 goal. Funding remains a major obstacle: only $5.8 billion of $14.3 billion pledged for African ocean protection has been delivered.

Severe Weather: Durban faces heavy rain, lightning and winds up to 83km/h, with flood risks; KZN is also under storm and damaging-wind warnings. Heat and Drought: A strong El Niño could bring a hotter, drier summer, threatening farms and water supplies as heatwaves persist in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng. Climate Action: South Africa says it will push at COP31 to turn climate pledges into action, including stronger adaptation support and climate finance for developing countries. Clean-Energy Jobs: Women in renewables warn the sector risks repeating old inequalities: women make up just 12%–21% of technical workers in wind and solar and 14% of senior managers. Water Security: DWS says leaks and underinvestment are worsening local shortages; Gauteng’s non-revenue water stands at 47%. Wildlife Crime: A former Kruger ranger and a former state veterinary official were jailed for 10 years for killing a rhino in the park. Offshore Drilling: The government rejected appeals against TotalEnergies’ Orange basin exploration permit, though a review can still be sought.

Climate Finance: South Africa will press for more adaptation funding at COP31, as recent floods and a looming strong El Niño threaten drought, wildfires, water shortages and food insecurity. Severe Weather: Yellow Level 2 warnings signal severe thunderstorms and damaging winds in KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern Free State, with very high fire danger in several provinces. Water and Farming: Farmers and communities are being urged to prepare for El Niño-driven heat and water stress, while invasive lantana—now spread across more than two million hectares—may consume vast amounts of water. Climate Action: Hundreds marched to Parliament demanding emergency climate measures, food sovereignty and support for agroecology. Wildlife Protection: A former Kruger ranger and veterinary official has been jailed for rhino poaching; meanwhile, a conservation foundation says it has removed 16,200 snares and helped protect lion habitat.

Severe Weather: A Yellow Level 2 warning forecasts heavy rain and severe thunderstorms in western KwaZulu-Natal, with local flooding, hail and infrastructure damage possible. Water & Farming: Communities and farmers are also being urged to prepare for El Niño, which could heighten summer water scarcity and pressure on crops. Wildlife: Foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park, putting wildlife health in focus. Conservation: The Kevin Richardson Foundation says it has helped protect 63,000 hectares of habitat and remove 16,200 snares to safeguard lions and other wildlife. Climate Finance: South Africa plans to push for a tripling of adaptation finance by 2035 at COP31.

Weather and Water: Severe thunderstorms are forecast in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with fire-danger warnings elsewhere. Farmers are also being urged to prepare for El Niño, as fears grow over water shortages this summer. Conservation: South Africa is enforcing biodiversity benefit-sharing with Khoi and San communities, while Babanango’s community-led rewilding offers a local model for restoring nature. Climate Action: South Africa plans to push for three times more adaptation finance by 2035 at COP31. Offshore Energy: Environmental appeals against TotalEnergies’ offshore exploration have been rejected, despite ongoing concerns about the impact on marine life. Wildlife Health: Foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park.

Heat and Drought: A heatwave is gripping parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, with extreme fire danger in parts of the country. Officials are urging communities to prepare for a hot, dry summer as El Niño threatens water supplies and farming. Food Security: On World Food Day, experts called for action on hunger and food waste: about 10.3 million tonnes of edible food is wasted in South Africa each year, while millions of children go hungry. Rewilding: Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is restoring wildlife on community-owned land; lions have returned to the area after about 150 years. Wildlife Crime: Two former Kruger National Park officials were sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing a white rhino and removing its horn. Energy and Nature: South Africa has dismissed environmental appeals against TotalEnergies’ offshore exploration plans, while the country heads to COP17 with a plan to tackle biodiversity loss. Conservation Alert: Foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park, raising concern for wildlife health.

Heat and Water Stress: Extreme heat is forecast across parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Western Cape, with high fire danger in several areas. A strong El Niño could also strain KZN water supplies this summer. Wildlife Health: Foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park, raising concern for wildlife and livestock. Offshore Exploration: South Africa has dismissed environmental appeals against TotalEnergies’ offshore exploration plans, as campaigners continue to challenge new oil and gas development. Biodiversity Rights: A new benefit-sharing framework recognises Coi and San communities as holders of traditional knowledge used commercially, with agreements covering rooibos, buchu and honeybush. Climate Finance: South Africa plans to push for a tripling of adaptation finance by 2035 at COP31, while heading to COP17 with a plan to tackle biodiversity loss.

Offshore Exploration: South Africa has dismissed appeals against TotalEnergies’ plans for up to five exploratory wells in the Orange Basin. The minister added conditions on food security and coastal livelihoods, but conservation groups remain concerned about the project’s impacts. Heat and Fire Risk: Heatwave warnings cover parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, with dangerous fire conditions forecast across several provinces. Gauteng is also set for extreme UV and temperatures reaching 34°C, while Cape Town faces a wet weekend. Food and Drought Preparedness: With El Niño risks looming, calls are growing for drought-ready farming and stronger local food supply chains. An African food sovereignty manifesto also urges the continent to reduce reliance on imported food and agricultural inputs. Water Pollution: Residents near the Lesotho Highlands Water Project report foamy wastewater entering the Sekoai River from a construction site, renewing concerns about pollution near a water system that supplies South Africa.

Heat and Drought: Heat and storm alerts are in force in parts of South Africa as government plans drought measures for the 2026/27 El Niño threat to farmers. Water Security: A national action plan cited by Bowmans says 47% of municipal water is lost before reaching customers, while most water authorities and wastewater systems are rated poor or critical. The firm says private investment could help address the infrastructure crisis. Wildlife: A Kruger study found elephant carcass sites can alter soil, plants and grazing patterns for nearly eight years, showing how each death reshapes the savanna. Captive Lions: Parliament is pressing for funded reskilling and support for workers as the industry’s phase-out stalls; a transition plan exists, but implementation is lagging. Biodiversity: South Africa is calling for action ahead of COP17, while a UN report warns current national plans fall short of the 2030 nature targets.

Extreme Weather: Heatwave conditions persist in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, while severe thunderstorms threaten parts of the country, with hail, damaging winds and localised flooding possible. Drought Planning: Government is preparing for a potentially strong El Niño in the 2026/27 season, with grain-growing provinces including the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo at risk. Favourable dam levels and soil moisture offer some protection, but farmers face heightened uncertainty. Coastal Protection: KwaDukuza has retained Blue Flag status for four beaches, with Tinley Manor Main Beach awarded pilot status. The programme assesses water quality, safety and sustainable beach management. Wildlife Health: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in a kudu at Addo Elephant National Park, raising concern for wildlife and conservation management. Green Innovation: Students from four African countries presented ideas in Cape Town for capturing and storing water, reusing plastic waste, generating renewable power and improving soil testing.

Climate and Food Security: South Africa’s 2026/27 farming season is on alert as El Niño risks grow. Cape vineyards face added strain after winter floods, and government says it will use El Niño findings to improve drought planning. Water and Weather: Mpumalanga dam levels dipped slightly but remain high; officials urge careful water use. Forecasters warn of severe storms, hail, extreme heat and fire danger in parts of the country. Waste: The environment department marked International E-Waste Day by urging households and businesses to take small electronics to recognised recycling points, not put them in household bins. Wildlife: The endangered Pickersgill’s reed frog has been spotted in KwaZulu-Natal. Environmental Pressures: A South African coal mine is advancing amid a legal challenge and concerns over water, while Cape Town’s Blue Flag beaches retain their status despite sewage concerns.

Climate and wine: Cape vineyards are recovering from winter floods but face a hotter, drier summer as El Niño threatens water supplies and increases heat stress. Early signs for the 2027 harvest are encouraging, though producers will need to manage water carefully. Just Transition: A new guide, endorsed by SALGA, will help all 257 municipalities bring land rights and local decision-making into climate planning, addressing gaps highlighted in coal-dependent Mpumalanga. Energy Storage: Eskom is seeking a partner for its proposed 1.5GW Tubatse pumped-storage project, a major long-duration storage scheme linked to the Just Energy Transition. Biodiversity: South Africa is heading to COP17 with a plan to halt biodiversity loss, while environmental groups in Cape Town protested at African Energy Week, calling for an end to new oil and gas exploration.

Severe Weather: SAWS warns of damaging thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal and strong winds in parts of the Northern and Western Cape, with a heatwave persisting in north-western KZN. Energy Transition: Environmentalists picketed African Energy Week in Cape Town, calling for an end to new oil and gas exploration, as Eskom seeks a partner for the 1.5GW Tubatse pumped-storage project to support renewable power. Wildlife Health: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in a kudu at Addo Elephant National Park, raising concern for wildlife and livestock. Biodiversity: A new global report says monitored wildlife populations have fallen 73% in 52 years. South Africa will press for fair funding and support for biodiversity action at COP17 later this month. Conservation Science: Research in Kruger National Park finds elephant remains can reshape the landscape for nearly a decade, first suppressing plant life, then creating nutrient-rich feeding areas. Climate Readiness: Agriculture groups say strong dam levels and grain stocks offer South Africa a better starting position as El Niño threatens the coming summer season.