President Cyril Ramaphosa, has proclaimed the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No. 22 of 2024) (the Act).
The proclamation Notice was published in the Government Gazette on 17 March 2025.
Dr Dion George, Minister of the Department of Forestry and Fisheries, said the Act is intended to enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa in the context of sustainable development.
Dr George said, “the Act represents a critical milestone not just for environmental sustainability, but for economic development and job creation. We are committed to ensuring that climate action becomes a catalyst for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and building a sustainable future for South Africa.”
The Act reflects government’s commitment to achieve a just transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic empowerment and job creation.
The Department said although the Act has come into operation, the commencement of certain provisions of the Act, are on hold, pending the development of a set of regulations that will enable the implementation of these provisions.
Sections in question are 12(6), 13(1), 13(2), 13(3)(b), 14(3)(a), 15(5), 15(6), 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25(4)(c), 26(2) to (6), 27, 28 and 30(2)(a) and (b).
“The recent severe weather conditions that have caused havoc in different parts of the country, are a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive climate action and my Department will continue to work hard towards achieving our mandate” said Dr George.
Important links
Climate Change Act:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/cca_assented_g50966vol709n5050.pdf
Climate Change Act proclamation:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/cca_commencement_g52319pn251.pdf
Deferred provisions of the act:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations