By Phenyo Selinda
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is gearing up for its second Built Environment Climate Change Indaba (BECCI), an event that stands at the forefront of South Africa’s efforts to tackle the rising challenges posed by climate change within the built environment sector. Scheduled for next Thursday and Friday in the Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, this year’s BECCI aims to bring together critical stakeholders to discuss climate resilience, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), and sustainable development practices across all levels of the construction and infrastructure sector.
The CBE, as a public entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, serves a regulatory role for South Africa’s built environment professions, including architecture, engineering, and urban planning. Through BECCI 2024, the CBE hopes to address climate-related vulnerabilities, particularly those that have been starkly exposed by recent extreme weather events in South Africa, including devastating floods and unexpected snowfalls in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to a statement released by the CBE, “The CBE’s 2024 BECCI is centred on building a climate-resilient built environment for South Africa while acknowledging and incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the entire construction lifecycle and in processes and legislation at national, provincial, and local government levels.” This thematic direction highlights a shift toward a more inclusive approach to infrastructure, blending advanced scientific data and IKS to develop a sustainable and resilient built environment.
A Response to South Africa’s Climate Vulnerabilities
KwaZulu-Natal has increasingly experienced severe weather conditions, bringing the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure into sharp focus. Recent years have seen floods devastate communities, causing significant damage to over 13,000 homes, cutting off water supplies, destroying bridges, and leaving roads impassable. The recent snowfall in KwaZulu-Natal, which forced the closure of the N3 highway connecting Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, underscored the challenges posed by unexpected weather patterns. These events disrupt lives and expose infrastructure weaknesses, particularly in under-resourced areas where outdated construction methods and inadequate drainage systems exacerbate the impact.
At the heart of the BECCI 2024 lies the theme: “Co-creation of spaces and places that respond to just transition.” This concept reflects the need for equitable transformation in climate adaptation, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind. By focusing on co-creation, the CBE is positioning this year’s BECCI as an opportunity for stakeholders from diverse sectors—including engineering, disaster management, and the South African Weather Service (SAWS)—to collaborate on solutions that not only respond to climate change but also address socio-economic disparities.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Bridging Tradition and Innovation
One of the unique aspects of BECCI 2024 is its emphasis on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). IKS offers valuable insights into sustainable practices, honed over generations within communities that have historically been attuned to environmental fluctuations. Integrating this knowledge with modern engineering practices can create innovative solutions for climate adaptation, particularly in rural and low-income areas where traditional methods may already align with sustainable practices. By validating and incorporating IKS within construction processes, the CBE is fostering a holistic approach that blends cultural heritage with the latest technological advancements.
The role of IKS in climate resilience is particularly significant in KwaZulu-Natal, where local communities have historically used indigenous plants and earthworks to prevent soil erosion and manage water. Bringing this knowledge into the mainstream construction industry could pave the way for adaptive solutions tailored to South Africa’s diverse ecosystems.
Key Stakeholders and Objectives for BECCI 2024
The two-day indaba is set to host prominent leaders in government, including Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala. Their presence underscores the government’s commitment to supporting climate-resilient policies and infrastructure development. In addition, the indaba will bring together representatives from engineering and construction sectors, disaster management organisations, local municipalities, and the SAWS.
The primary objectives of the BECCI 2024 include:
1. Strengthening Climate Resilience: Developing actionable strategies to fortify South Africa’s infrastructure against extreme weather, focusing on sustainable construction techniques, and establishing policies that promote climate adaptability.
2. Promoting Socio-Economic Equity: Ensuring that climate resilience efforts are accessible and beneficial to all South Africans, especially those in historically disadvantaged communities, by integrating inclusive development practices.
3. Enhancing Collaboration: Fostering partnerships across sectors to facilitate knowledge sharing and establish a collaborative approach to building a climate-resilient built environment.
4. Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Creating frameworks for incorporating IKS in construction projects, which can be adapted across different regions of South Africa to address unique local challenges.Expected Outcomes of BECCI 2024
The CBE anticipates that the resolutions and insights generated from BECCI 2024 will directly influence policy, planning, and development within the built environment sector. According to the council, the outcomes of the indaba will “feed into the operations and functions of the CBE and its stakeholders on numerous levels.” The goal is to address climate change challenges holistically, emphasising preventative measures, adaptive construction practices, and community engagement to create sustainable, equitable solutions.
In its mandate to promote sustainable development and inclusive socio-economic growth, the CBE envisions the BECCI as a springboard for transformative action that aligns with the National Development Plan 2030 and international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
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