South Africa needs to strengthen its resilience against climate change, highlighted Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) chief policy adviser for international governance and resource allocation Stuart Mangold, on Thursday. He was addressing the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) 2026 South Africa Investor Engagement Event, in Cape Town, on behalf of DFFE deputy director-general Maesela Kekana.

"It is well known that climate change impacts have intensified," pointed out Mangold. "They are real, they are happening."

South Africa was at an important moment. The Just Energy Transition was under way, with the support of international partners. The country had to address climate impacts, water scarcity and environmental degradation, and stimulate green industrialisation, while meeting the challenges of inequality, job creation and socioeconomic development.

The country was seeking to address climate change in a holistic manner. Partnerships with the private sector and international agencies were essential. But South Africa needed better coordination between public and private investment in climate resilience and green development. There was a need to ensure that climate finance was properly and effectively used to strengthen the country's resilience while ensuring that the transition was just. 

The country needed risk-taking entrepreneurs to develop and advance green technologies and to transform the economy. Academia was also needed, to provide the skilled people needed to execute this transition. 

South Africa, in particular, needed the development of climate-smart agriculture, centred on water use, soil health and the adoption of suitable crop varieties. It also needed to cut carbon emissions from transport - indeed, the entire logistics chain had to go green. The DFFE was also seeking to develop a circular economy in South Africa. 

"We need well-developed bankable project pipelines," said Mangold.

He cited the role of the CFA, which was funded by the UK government. This was the fourth time that the CFA had held an Investor Engagement Event in South Africa. The previous three such events had mobilised $100-million for 43 South African companies. He thanked the UK for its "very appreciated" support.