Cape Town has appointed its first Chief Heat Officer, Albert Ferreira, to lead initiatives tackling rising temperatures and extreme heat events linked to climate change. The move forms part of the City’s broader heat response strategy, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and raising public awareness.
Chief Heat Officer role and responsibilities
Ferreira, who also serves as the City’s Manager for Resilience and Climate Change, will spearhead the Beat the Heat programme and other initiatives under the Heat Action Plan. His role includes coordinating public awareness campaigns and strengthening citywide heat response measures.
“Cape Town’s Climate Change Action Plan addresses various climate hazards including droughts, fires, floods, and storms. The focus on extreme heat as a growing public health and urban planning challenge highlights the need to treat it with the same urgency as other climate hazards,” Ferreira said.
Rising temperatures and extreme heat
Some parts of Cape Town experience temperatures above 35°C during the hottest months. Last year, the Royal Yacht Club in the Foreshore recorded the city’s highest temperature yet, reaching 44.6°C. These extreme conditions pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, children, and outdoor workers.
The Beat the Heat programme, first launched last summer, targets communities most affected by high temperatures, including Atlantis, Mamre, Dunoon, Joe Slovo, and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. Several City departments, such as Environmental Management, Risk and Resilience, and Disaster Risk Management, collaborate on the initiative.
International collaboration
Last year , Cape Town joined the global City Champions for Heat Action (CCHA) network, making it one of only three African cities,alongside Freetown and Kisumu County, participating in the partnership.
“Albert’s appointment forms part of this international collaboration. Chief Heat Officers worldwide aim to unify city responses to extreme heat, accelerate protective measures, and reduce the risks and impacts of heat, especially for vulnerable communities,” said Gareth Morgan, the City’s Executive Director for Future Planning and Resilience.
UN call to action
The United Nations issued a Call to Action on Extreme Heat on Thursday 25 July last year, urging governments to prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups while strengthening social and economic resilience. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined other CCHA mayors in endorsing the initiative.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued a warning for extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions over the Bergrivier and Matzikama municipalities, with daytime temperatures expected to reach the 40s. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Tips to beat the heat
- Drink plenty of water and use a spray bottle or damp cloth to cool down.
- Seek shade or visit air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries or shopping centres.
- Wear lightweight, loose clothing and a wide-brim hat.
- Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon.
- Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as nausea, dizziness, or fainting, and seek medical help immediately.
- Check on family, neighbours, and friends, especially those at higher risk.
For more information and downloadable tools on heat safety, see the heat assesment checklist
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