AGP Executive Report

Extreme Weather: SAWS has warned of severe storms in the Eastern Cape and heatwave conditions in KwaZulu-Natal, while Gauteng is bracing for a hot week. The mix of heat and thunderstorms raises risks for communities, farms and infrastructure. Clean Energy: Construction has begun on the 49 MW Lion Thorn Solar Park in North West. Expected to generate 115 GWh a year from 2028, it will supply businesses including cement producer PPC and avoid an estimated 104,190 tonnes of emissions annually. Climate-Resilient Farming: As El Niño raises the prospect of hotter, drier conditions, calls are growing for climate-resilient food systems. Farmers are also turning to drought-tolerant crops such as bambara groundnut. Wildlife and Coasts: Reports of starving penguins and dying sardines have renewed concern over species protection, while South Africa aims to grow its Blue Flag beach tally to 100 by 2030.**

Climate and Food: A strong El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions to South Africa this summer, threatening maize yields and household food budgets. Experts say climate plans must prepare the whole food system, from farms to consumers. Restoration: A low-cost spekboom trial in the Eastern Cape is testing whether the hardy succulent can help overgrazed Albany thicket recover, with potential for carbon farming. Climate-ready Farming: Winelands growers are planting resilient grape cultivars that place less strain on the environment as conditions change. Environmental Oversight: Parliament has flagged weak waste management and climate monitoring: four provinces lack approved waste plans, while greenhouse-gas data availability fell to 62%, below the 85% target. Wildlife Protection: The Constitutional Court rejected hunters’ bid to remove animal-wellbeing protections from biodiversity law, keeping wellbeing in decisions about wild animals. Weather: A yellow-level severe-thunderstorm warning is in place for much of the Eastern Cape, while a heatwave continues in north-western KwaZulu-Natal and fire danger is high in several areas.

Severe Weather: Storms, hail and heavy rain threaten parts of South Africa, while extreme veld-fire danger is forecast in several areas. Climate-Resilient Farming: New maps identify where southern African farmers can grow drought-tolerant bambara groundnut, an indigenous crop that could strengthen food security as climate shocks threaten harvests. Conservation: The Eastern Cape has gained a 10,225-hectare Grasslands National Park, and tiny insects are being used to tackle water hyacinth on Hartbeespoort Dam. Coasts and Water: Four more Cape Town beaches are being considered for Blue Flag status as South Africa aims for 100 certified beaches by 2030; meanwhile, a 20-billion-litre boost is planned for Cape Town’s water security. Waste: South Africa’s tyre piles keep growing as a R1-billion recycling plan falters.

El Niño and Food Security: Church leaders warn extreme El Niño conditions could deepen hunger, push migration into South Africa and inflame xenophobic tensions. They’re urging government to prepare and churches to set up food banks. Conservation: The Eastern Cape has gained a 10,225-hectare Grasslands National Park, while South Africa is aiming for 100 Blue Flag beaches by 2030, with four more Cape Town beaches in line for the status. Waterways: Tiny insects are being used to tackle invasive water hyacinth on Hartbeespoort Dam. Environmental Accountability: Two directors and three Gupta-linked mining companies were convicted over R107.5-million in mine rehabilitation funds diverted without cleanup work. Weather Risks: Severe thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the Eastern Cape on Sunday, with very high veld-fire danger in parts of the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Mine Rehabilitation: Two directors and three Gupta-linked companies were convicted of fraud and money laundering involving R107.5 million set aside to restore the Optimum and Koornfontein mines. Sentencing is due on 1 December. Conservation: The Eastern Cape has gained a 10,225-hectare Grasslands National Park, adding new protection for the province’s natural landscapes. Severe Weather: Yellow Level 2 warnings signal risks of heavy rain, hail and damaging winds in parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, with possible local flooding. Waste and Water: South Africa’s R1-billion tyre-recycling plan is faltering as waste piles up, while pollution has halted the Rietvlei water plant.

Severe Weather: Heavy rain, hail and damaging winds are forecast for parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, with localised flooding possible. Mine Rehabilitation: Five Gupta-linked companies and directors were convicted over R107.5 million diverted from funds meant to repair damage at two Mpumalanga coal mines. Conservation: The Eastern Cape has gained a 10,225-hectare Grasslands National Park. Clean Energy: A University of Johannesburg study says rooftop solar could help Joburg businesses cut grid use by up to 97%. Wildlife: A study found painting one wind-turbine blade reduced bird deaths by 83% at a South African site. Animal Welfare: The Constitutional Court dismissed SA Hunters’ challenge to animal-wellbeing provisions because it was brought too late.

Water Pollution: Pollution has halted the Rietvlei water treatment plant, raising fresh concerns about contamination and pressure on South Africa’s water supply. Circular Economy: Khayelitsha brothers are turning invasive water hyacinth into biochar, creating a local business from a plant that threatens waterways. Cleaner Energy: A new partnership aims to decarbonise Kruger National Park without compromising conservation. Cape Town Water Security: The City and The Nature Conservancy are extending invasive-plant clearing in catchments, a programme expected to add about 20 billion litres of water a year to the supply system. Climate Readiness: El Niño risks are sharpening concerns about drought, food and energy; South Africa’s environment department says the country needs greater resilience to climate change.

Clean Energy: A new partnership will let Kruger National Park source about a quarter of its electricity from renewables, advancing lower-carbon park operations in its centenary year. Water Security: Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II is designed to raise annual water delivery capacity to South Africa from 780 million to more than 1.27 billion cubic metres, while adding hydropower in Lesotho. Climate Risks: Forecasters warn a powerful El Niño could bring disruptive weather and pressure food and energy supplies; South Africa is also preparing for a drier 2026/27 season and possible maize-price impacts. Local Environment: Cape Town officials say muddy sediment from pump-station works caused discoloured water flowing into Milnerton Lagoon; the discharge had stopped after an inspection, and the city says it will keep monitoring the outlet. Mining Safety: South Africa’s tailings dams remain under scrutiny over weak regulation and the risk of deadly failures.

Climate Resilience: South Africa needs better coordination of public and private investment to tackle climate impacts, water scarcity and environmental damage, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment told investors in Cape Town. El Niño Warning: A strong El Niño could persist until February 2027, raising the risk of drought, heat and food insecurity across Southern Africa. Early action is vital to protect water systems, ecosystems and vulnerable households. Water Security: A renewed Cape Town partnership will remove invasive plants from catchments, with the work expected to add about 20 billion litres of water a year to the Western Cape supply system and support green jobs. Fixing Water Losses: A new industry report urges utilities to focus on water already in their systems, pointing to major losses from leaks, theft and faulty meters—including non-revenue water above 35% in South Africa.

Mining Safety: A study found only 29 of about 337 South African tailings dams in the water department’s database are registered. The department says it does not know how many dams exist, renewing concerns over oversight after the deadly Samancor failure. Renewable Energy: Research across South Africa, Ghana and Kenya finds stop-start procurement and weak local-content rules are holding back renewable manufacturing and decent jobs, despite growth in clean power capacity. Water & Food: Cape Town is urging households to cut water use by 10% as dam levels sit at 75.7%, down 16% on last year. A forecast super El Niño could also bring drier conditions to southern Africa, threatening maize harvests and pushing up prices. Conservation Science: Two African researchers each won a US$150,000 grant for projects tracking ecological decline: one will use microbial DNA to detect pollution in rivers and wetlands, while the other studies forest resilience in the Congo Basin.

Water & climate risk: South Africa’s water constraints are being flagged as a defining economic and infrastructure risk, with demand pressures and system management now central to resilience planning. Fuel-price squeeze: SANTACO says no taxi fare increase decision has been taken yet after petrol and diesel jumped, with consultations planned to find cushioning options before commuters pay more. Local elections accountability: My Vote Counts launched a tool to help voters judge parties and councillors on municipal service delivery and accountability ahead of the November 4 local government elections. Digital access policy: USAASA published the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) Manual, setting the framework for how subsidies and project grants will be administered. Animal welfare: NSPCA says it will lay animal cruelty charges after the death of SAPS K9 Sky, following an investigation into her suffering. Weather alert: SAWS warned of damaging winds and waves along parts of the KZN and the broader coast, with rain and thundershowers affecting eastern provinces. Solar momentum: A report highlights Africa’s solar boom, including the role of distributed solar that official data often misses.

Coastal Weather Watch: The SA Weather Service has issued damaging-waves warnings for parts of the Western Cape, Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with yellow-level alerts for hazardous sea conditions and navigation risks. Sewage & Water Infrastructure: In Cape Town, an R11.4m Wellway Park sewer replacement is underway, swapping 3.7km of ageing mains using a less excavation-heavy pipe-cracking method, aiming to cut future failures. Energy Support Reform: Electricity Minister Ramokgopa says the free basic electricity programme is being reviewed after only 1.7m of about 2.8m indigent households benefited, with plans including smart-meter rollout and better targeting. Animal Welfare & Enforcement: The NSPCA says it will open a criminal docket against SAPS officials over the death of police dog Sky, alleging conditions that caused unnecessary suffering. Solar Investment: Orb Energy secured $2m to expand commercial and industrial solar across East Africa, backing a growing push for cleaner, more reliable power. Wildlife Conservation: Six cheetahs have returned to Zambia’s Greater Luangwa after nearly 30 years, marking a major reintroduction effort after habitat and prey recovery work.

Water Crisis & Infrastructure: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina says about R400bn is needed to repair ageing water systems in 107 municipalities, where critical failures keep disrupting supply. El Niño Risk to Food Systems: Lawyers at CDH warn that a strengthening El Niño could mean hotter, drier conditions that trigger drought, water shortages, wildfires and contract disputes across agriculture and supply chains. Severe Weather Watch (KZN): The SA Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 2 alert for heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning in southern KwaZulu-Natal. Renewables Finance Scrutiny: Just Share finds South Africa’s biggest banks are funding renewables, but not cutting fossil-fuel financing enough, with gaps between climate promises and portfolio emissions. Transport Cuts Emissions: Johannesburg’s Transport Month push highlights e-buses and universal access, aiming to cut tailpipe CO₂ and improve air quality. Waste Pressure: IWMSA warns landfill space is running out and urges stronger waste prevention, recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility. Wildlife & Nature: Ladybirds washed up on Western Cape beaches after weather swings linked to El Niño, while Ramaphosa’s One Billion Trees plan prioritises indigenous planting to tackle biodiversity loss and apartheid-era spatial inequality. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Mpumalanga police arrested 22 suspected illegal miners under Operation Vala Umgodi.

Wildlife & Policy: Cape Town’s baboon fight is heating up as officials plan moving Simon’s Town baboons into a fenced “forever sanctuary,” while scientists argue the key question is where the fence goes to protect both residents and animals. Constitutional Clarity: A wildlife debate warning says South Africa’s “sustainable use” framing is missing the word “ecologically,” which matters because the Constitution requires conservation within ecological limits. Municipal Water Crisis: A deep dive into one of SA’s worst-run municipalities highlights sewage spills, service cuts and repeated audit failures, with residents in the Eastern Cape’s Sundays River Valley also reporting months without reliable water. Health & Risk: Cancer diagnosis rates are rising, with analysis pointing to a mix of changing demographics and different cancer trends rather than one simple cause. Weather Watch: SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms and damaging winds in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, plus dangerous waves along the coast into the Western and Eastern Cape. Conservation Updates: Kuno National Park’s cheetah programme marks a milestone with five cubs born, lifting India’s cheetah population to 60.

Land Reform & Exports: Northern Cape’s Onseepkans community-owned Elmboog Organiese Boerdery is scaling up organic raisin exports, with revenue rising from R7.9m (2022/23) to R17.4m (2024/25), showing how land redistribution can feed global supply chains. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Kuno National Park welcomed five new cheetah cubs born to Indian-born KJP21, with a Botswana lineage added to India’s Project Cheetah population. Climate & Risk: South Africa faces El Niño-linked drier conditions and higher drought risk in the region, while local forecasts point to isolated showers and thunderstorms in parts of the country. Conservation Under Pressure: Namibia and South Africa’s shared Richtersveld habitat is home to the critically endangered brown clockfig, threatened by overgrazing and mining impacts. Repair & Circular Economy: Competition Commission guidelines aim to open repair markets and protect consumer choice, pushing back against barriers that keep products from being repaired and reused. Pollution & Water: Conservationists warn pollution is threatening the Westdene Spruit, while South Africa’s water reliability challenges continue to bite municipalities. Infrastructure Theft Crackdown: SA moves toward banning cash sales of scrap metal to curb vandalism and cable theft that costs the economy billions. Energy & Innovation: Eskom’s Expo for Young Scientists spotlights research on invasive alien plants and pond-water treatment, linking science to environmental solutions.

Cape Town Baboons: Cape Town’s baboon “peace” plan is escalating, with the City budgeting R33m over three years for management and removal to fenced areas—sparking debate over safety, cost, and whether “sanctuaries” are really humane. Road Safety Push: Transport Month kicks off with a target to cut road deaths by 50% by 2030, building on a 6.2% drop in 2025 and further declines so far in 2026, under a revised “safe system” strategy. School Violence Alarm: Government condemned the stabbing death of 14-year-old twins in Mamelodi West and also reacted to a separate Eastern Cape classroom killing of a 16-year-old learner, calling for urgent action to make schools safe. Energy & Security (Namibia): Namibia is urged to prioritise energy security, affordability and sustainable development as demand grows, with experts linking power reliability to broader economic stability. El Niño Weather Watch: SA faces cloudy conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers in several provinces, while heat and dry spells linked to El Niño keep risks on the radar. Mercury Pollution Conference: Scientists and policymakers gathered in Hyderabad for a major mercury pollution conference tied to the Minamata Convention, focusing on monitoring, health impacts and future enforcement. Commercial Solar & Storage: A new industry insights push highlights how businesses across Africa are shifting from “renewables only” to storage, efficiency, financing and carbon compliance in energy decisions.