Port Louis, Mauritius – Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, has announced to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) parliaments that South Africa is making significant progress with its inaugural climate change legislation. This announcement was made during the 54th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in Port Louis, Mauritius.

According to Parliament of South Africa, Ms. Mapisa-Nqakula, in her country report, outlined South Africa’s efforts in response to the resolutions of the 53rd Plenary Assembly held in Tanzania. The Climate Change Bill, having been passed by the National Assembly, is currently under review by the National Council of Provinces. This Bill represents South Africa’s first legal framework specifically addressing climate change impacts. It aims to facilitate a just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society, incorporating gender mainstreaming as a crucial aspect.

The Bill emphasizes the need for decision-making to consider the special needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the aged, the poor, and those with disabilities. The Speaker also highlighted South Africa’s alignment with various SADC resolutions, including those on food security, debt monitoring, child marriage, gender-based violence, and cybersecurity.

The SADC Parliamentary Forum, comprising fifteen member parliaments and representing over 3,500 parliamentarians, focuses on issues vital to the region, including agriculture modernization, food security, and youth unemployment.