The SAHRC reminds all stakeholders that weather-related events are not only environmental concerns but are fundamentally linked to human rights. The Constitution guarantees everyone the right to life, dignity, adequate housing, health care, water, and education. These rights may be severely impacted when weather conditions disrupt shelter, infrastructure, public services, and people's ability to move freely and safely.

The Commission calls on all spheres of government to respond swiftly and decisively. Authorities must ensure timely and accurate information is communicated to the public, emergency preparedness and disaster management protocols are activated, and that support is made available to affected communities. This includes providing safe temporary shelter, securing access to essential service water and sanitation, and ensuring that critical public services such as schools and clinics remain functional or are safely managed during disruption.

The SAHRC further calls on the public to remain alert and to follow the guidance provided by official channels such as the South African Weather Service and local disaster management agencies. People are encouraged to avoid flood-prone areas, avoid travelling through dangerous routes, check on neighbours at risk, and report emergencies to the relevant authorities. In times like these, the spirit of community care and shared responsibility is as important as knowing one's rights.

This weather warning also highlights the urgent need for long-term, inclusive approaches to climate resilience. The increasing frequency and intensity of weather events linked to climate change demand a renewed focus on human rights-based planning, infrastructure investment, and community engagement. Protecting vulnerable groups in the face of environmental threats is a matter of public safety and a constitutional and moral imperative.

The SAHRC underscores the need for long-term, rights-based responses to climate risks. Weather patterns linked to climate change will continue to test South Africa’s resilience and ability to protect its people's rights, especially the most vulnerable. Building inclusive, adaptive systems is no longer optional but a constitutional imperative.

The SAHRC will continue to monitor the situation and remains available to engage with affected communities, government departments, and civil society organizations to ensure that human dignity, safety, and equality are protected during this period and to further ensure that there are no violations of human rights.

Ends