The domestication of the Climate Change Act in Ba-Phalaborwa and Matjhabeng Local Municipalities represents a strategic effort to translate national climate policy into practical, localised action. The process focuses on embedding climate governance within municipal systems, strengthening institutional capacity, and integrating climate considerations into planning, budgeting, and service delivery.

The approach began with a diagnostic assessment of existing municipal frameworks, including Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), and sector plans, to determine alignment with the Act. This assessment identified key gaps in institutional coordination, climate risk integration, and implementation readiness.

Targeted capacity-building interventions were then undertaken to enhance the understanding of climate governance among municipal officials and leadership, while strengthening interdepartmental coordination and clarifying roles and responsibilities. This has been critical in fostering ownership and enabling the mainstreaming of climate considerations into routine municipal processes.

A central outcome of the process has been the development and refinement of municipal climate change response strategies and implementation frameworks. These are aligned with national policy but tailored to local contexts, addressing priorities such as energy transition, water security, and economic resilience. Importantly, these strategies are supported by practical work plans with clear actions, timelines, and responsibilities to ensure implementability.

Stakeholder engagement has been integral throughout, with structured platforms facilitating collaboration between municipalities, communities, private sector actors, and other spheres of government. In parallel, monitoring, evaluation, and learning mechanisms have been embedded to support ongoing tracking, reporting, and adaptive management.