Mr. Nazeer Jamal Appointed to eThekwini Municipal Forum for Climate Change

This landmark appointment strengthens the role of organised business and environmental expertise in shaping eThekwini’s climate-resilient future.

Durban, South Africa — Khweza Environmental Consulting is proud to announce that its Managing Director, Nazeer Jamal, has been formally appointed to the eThekwini Municipal Forum for Climate Change, representing the Minara Chamber of Commerce.

The appointment follows the official launch of the Forum at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), marking a significant step in eThekwini Municipality’s commitment to addressing the escalating risks and impacts of climate change through collaborative, inclusive governance.

The Municipal Forum for Climate Change serves as a multi-stakeholder platform to guide and support the implementation of the Durban Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan, reinforce South Africa’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, and promote climate-resilient development that prioritises vulnerable and at-risk communities.

The initiative aligns directly with the Climate Change Act, No. 22 of 2024, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2024, which establishes a coordinated national framework for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and monitoring across all spheres of government.

 

 

Speaking at the launch, eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, highlighted the urgency of collective action:

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. In April 2022, eThekwini was struck by its most devastating floods, resulting in over 450 fatalities, the displacement of thousands, and damage amounting to billions of rands. Scientific evidence indicates that rainfall during this event was approximately 30% higher due to climate change, a figure projected to potentially double by 2050–2070.”

A Platform for Inclusive and Practical Climate Action

The Forum brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including municipal leadership, the Office of the Mayor, the City Manager, civil society, traditional authorities, the private sector, organised labour, academia, youth representatives, and industry bodies. Its mandate spans both climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a strong emphasis on inclusive decision-making and community resilience.

Representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) provided technical briefings at the launch, outlining national and provincial requirements under the Climate Change Act and their alignment with municipal programmes.

Mikateko Sithole, Director: Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation – Impact and Adaptation at DFFE, underscored the importance of local implementation:

“The Climate Change Act provides a clear framework for coordinated action across all spheres of government. Forums such as this are essential to ensure alignment between national priorities and local implementation, while empowering communities to respond effectively to climate risks.”

Industry and Business Representation through Minara Chamber

Nazeer Jamal’s appointment reflects the growing recognition that business, commerce, and professional expertise are critical to effective climate governance. Representing the Minara Chamber of Commerce, Jamal will contribute private-sector insight, technical environmental expertise, and implementation experience to support the City’s climate objectives.

This role builds on Khweza Environmental Consulting’s established working relationship with eThekwini Municipality, including collaboration with municipal departments, senior officials, and city leadership on environmental compliance, sustainability planning, and climate-resilience initiatives.

Nazeer Jamal eThekwini Climate Change Forum Appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Nazeer Jamal welcomed the formation of the Forum and emphasised the need for action-oriented collaboration:

“Climate change is no longer an abstract environmental issue , it is a development, economic, and humanitarian challenge. This Forum represents a critical shift from working in silos to working collectively. It creates a platform where government, business, and civil society can align technical expertise, innovation, and implementation capacity in support of shared climate goals. The Climate Change Act provides a strong legislative foundation. Our responsibility now is to convert policy into practical, locally responsive action. I look forward to working closely with the Mayor, the City Manager, municipal officials, and fellow Forum members to support eThekwini’s climate ambitions and contribute to building a resilient city for current and future generations.”

Khweza Environmental Consulting and the Minara Chamber of Commerce welcome the establishment of the Municipal Forum for Climate Change and remain committed to constructive, solutions-driven engagement. Through collaboration with government, business, and communities, the Forum has the potential to play a pivotal role in strengthening climate resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive growth in eThekwini and beyond.