In a groundbreaking move to confront rising temperatures and the growing threat of extreme heat, the City of Cape Town has appointed Albert Ferreira as South Africa’s first Chief Heat Officer.
Ferreira, who currently serves as the City’s Manager for Resilience and Climate Change, will lead efforts to improve heat awareness and coordinate interventions aimed at protecting residents – particularly the most vulnerable.
As climate change intensifies, Cape Town is experiencing more frequent and severe heat events, with temperatures in several areas regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius during summer.
In 2024, the city recorded its highest temperature ever: 44.6 degrees Celsius at the Royal Yacht Club on the Foreshore.
A Growing Public Health and Urban Challenge
Ferreira’s appointment forms part of Cape Town’s broader Heat Action Plan, which addresses extreme heat as a climate hazard on par with flooding, drought, fire and severe storms.
The City launched its first Beat the Heat campaign in 2024, focusing on communities most exposed to extreme heat such as Atlantis, Mamre, Dunoon, Joe Slovo and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
“Extreme heat is a growing public health and urban planning challenge that demands urgent and proactive measures,” Ferreira said.
“We must treat it with the same seriousness as other climate threats.”
International Collaboration to Tackle Heat Risks
Cape Town became a member of the City Champions for Heat Action (CCHA) initiative in 2024, joining a global network of cities including Freetown, Kisumu County, Athens, Melbourne, Dhaka North, Monterrey, Santiago and Miami-Dade County.
This partnership aims to elevate heat risk awareness and accelerate heat-response strategies worldwide.
“Albert’s role aligns with our global commitment to safeguard heat-vulnerable communities,” said Gareth Morgan, Executive Director for Future Planning and Resilience.
“He joins a cohort of Chief Heat Officers across the world who are driving internal activism within their city governments.”
The initiative also supports the United Nations’ 2024 Call to Action on Extreme Heat, which urges global leaders to prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations, improve worker safety, and strengthen climate resilience in communities and economies.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined international peers in endorsing the UN’s appeal.
Heat Safety: What Residents Need to Know
The City has made a range of downloadable tools and guidelines available to help households and businesses reduce heat-related risks.
Key Beat-the-Heat tips include:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water; use spray bottles or wet cloths to cool down
- Seek shade: Make use of public indoor spaces like libraries and shopping malls
- Dress smart: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light, loose-fitting clothing
- Adjust activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor work during peak heat; schedule it for early mornings or late afternoons
- Be alert: Watch for symptoms of heat illness – heavy sweating, cramps, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or fainting. Seek medical help immediately
- Check on vulnerable people: The elderly, young children, outdoor workers and individuals with chronic illnesses face higher risks
Residents are encouraged to share heat awareness information within their communities and consult healthcare professionals if they have medical conditions that may worsen in high temperatures.
A First for South Africa – and a Necessary Step
Cape Town’s creation of a Chief Heat Officer role underscores how climate change is reshaping urban planning, public health and community resilience.
As heatwaves become more intense and frequent, the city hopes this leadership will strengthen local preparedness and protect those most at risk.
With Ferreira at the helm, Cape Town aims to become a model for heat resilience – both in Africa and across the globe.
