Deputy President Mashatile Urges SADC Parliaments to Bolster Climate Action, Prioritizing Women and Youth

Mashatile Calls for Robust Climate Legislation at SADC Forum

Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa today urged parliaments within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to enhance legislation and oversight mechanisms to combat climate change, with a particular focus on protecting women and youth. Mashatile delivered his address virtually to the 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, which is being hosted by South Africa in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from November 30 to December 5, 2025.

The Deputy President highlighted the severe and escalating threats posed by climate change across the SADC region, including persistent droughts, extreme weather events, land degradation, and shifting rainfall patterns. He stressed that these impacts profoundly undermine sustainable development and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. 'Climate change impacts such as persistent droughts, extreme weather events (including floods and cyclones), land degradation, and shifting rainfall patterns profoundly undermine sustainable development in SADC, particularly affecting women and youth,' Mashatile stated. He further explained that women, often responsible for fetching food, water, and fuel, face increased burdens, longer journeys, and heightened health risks due to climate-induced challenges.

Parliaments' Critical Role in Mitigation and Adaptation

Mashatile outlined a clear mandate for SADC parliaments, emphasizing their crucial role in driving effective climate action. He called for the enactment and strengthening of policies that align with regional agreements, such as the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, and international accords like the Paris Agreement. Key areas of focus include:

• Promoting gender-sensitive legislation.
• Supporting the expansion of renewable energy.
• Developing sustainable value chains for critical minerals.
• Strengthening oversight and accountability to ensure governments implement domestic climate laws and regional/international obligations.
• Allocating sufficient resources to climate change mitigation and adaptation programs, especially those targeting vulnerable populations.
• Investing in robust monitoring and evaluation capacities to ensure program effectiveness and inclusivity.

The Deputy President referenced South Africa's own progress, noting the Climate Change Bill signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024, which aims to build resilience and foster opportunities in the green economy.

Context of the 58th Plenary Assembly and Regional Leadership

The 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum is convened under the theme, 'The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.' The event brings together Speakers and Members of Parliament from 15 SADC member states, along with representatives from various regional and international organizations. Mashatile's address also comes as South Africa concludes its G20 leadership, where the needs and priorities of Africa were brought to the forefront of global discussions.

Mashatile concluded by stressing the imperative for regional unity and impactful action. 'It is imperative that we work together to ensure that our laws and policies reflect the urgent need to address our challenges, including climate change and its disproportionate impact on women and youth,' he urged.