Towards Climate-Resilient Infrastructure in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa's warming climate is amplifying multi hazard events that overwhelm critical infrastructure. This chapter assesses the performance of South Africa's multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and offers evidence-based measures to boost climate-resilient infrastructure. A PRISMA guided systematic review of peer reviewed studies and grey literature (2015-2025). Findings show fragmented coordination, inadequate multilingualism, and severe financing gaps. The chapter recommends: (a) embedding real time SAWS dashboards in municipal IDP and budgets; (b) allocating a “climate risk” line item; (c) adopting a three tier (national provincial municipal) coordination protocol; (d) deploying multilingual/voice based alert platforms; (e) creating a ring fenced MHEWS maintenance fund financed by a modest municipal levy; and (f) forming community “Flood Watch” committees. Implementing these actions will enhance the robustness, redundancy, timeliness, and resourcefulness of warnings, reduce disaster losses, and align practice with the DMA and the Climate Change Act.