Severe floods in 2026 have affected eight provinces, closing schools and straining healthcare while the government delays key climate regulations.
Floods began in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal before spreading in May to the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. Roads collapsed, homes were washed away, schools closed and healthcare facilities struggled.
The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 requires needs assessments within one year and adaptation plans for education and health within two years. These steps remain on hold until the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issues regulations, despite earlier promises.
In May 2026 South Africa abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on climate obligations. The government has declared flooding a national disaster for the second time this year.
The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2025 on state climate duties. Authors from SECTION27 argue that delays leave constitutional rights under Sections 24, 27 and 29 exposed.
