As a heatwave grips Cape Town, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s and low 40s, the City’s Chief Heat Officer, Albert Ferreira, is working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on residents. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the heatwave could persist until Friday, affecting western parts of the province before spreading to the Little Karoo, Central Karoo, and parts of the Garden Route.
Ferreira, who is also the City’s manager for resilience and climate change, was appointed to the role in 2025. His job entails preparing for and responding to climate hazards, including heatwaves, and advocating for communities to come together to reduce risks. According to Ferreira, his role utilises current capacity and aligns with his current position, where he considers, prepares, and responds to a wide range of climate hazards and other threats facing the City.
Heat Action Plan
The City’s Heat Action Plan, which includes initiatives such as the ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign and ‘Festive season preparedness campaign’, aims to raise awareness and enable immediate responses to hot days while implementing interventions that reduce risks in the long term. Ferreira’s team is also involved in research to determine where people are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The City’s efforts to mitigate the effects of heatwaves can be found on the City of Cape Town’s official website.
Community Involvement
Ferreira emphasizes the importance of community involvement in reducing the risks associated with heatwaves. He believes that by working together, the City, partners, and communities can reduce the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths. Some of the ways residents can get involved include:
- Staying informed about weather conditions and heatwave warnings
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
- Checking on vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly and young children
For more information on heatwaves and how to stay safe, residents can visit the South African Weather Service website.
