CAPE TOWN — An inter-departmental delegation led by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has launched an urgent oversight tour across the province to assess multi-billion rand damage caused by recent catastrophic storms.

The high-level provincial leadership group is travelling through heavily impacted areas, including Malmesbury, Ceres, and the greater Cederberg region, where severe weather has shattered infrastructure and devastated local agricultural hubs.

Amid ongoing recovery operations, Western Cape Finance Minister Deidré Baartman is calling for a radical, proactive overhaul of disaster financing across all spheres of South African government.

Speaking on the immense fiscal pressure facing local authorities, Minister Baartman emphasized that the current reactive approach to climate emergencies must change.