---
title: "Watch - South Africa’s deadly winter"
description: "The human toll of winter this year is heartbreaking. In the Eastern Cape, over 100 lives were lost in June floods. KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape have seen deadly fires and submerged communities. Daily Maverick's Kristin Engel explains for Our Burning Planet, the human cost of a season defined by grief and displacement."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Kristin Engel"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/kristin-engel/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-24-watch-south-africas-deadly-winter/"
published: "2025-07-24T18:48:36"
updated: "2025-07-24T18:48:44"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 46
---

# Watch - South Africa’s deadly winter

> The human toll of winter this year is heartbreaking. In the Eastern Cape, over 100 lives were lost in June floods. KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape have seen deadly fires and submerged communities. Daily Maverick's Kristin Engel explains for Our Burning Planet, the human cost of a season defined by grief and displacement.

By Kristin Engel · Published 24 July 2025, 20:48 SAST · Updated 24 July 2025, 20:48 SAST

## Key points
- In a dramatic showdown between nature and industry, a group of brave activists confronts the looming threat of coal mining in a pristine South African paradise, proving that not all heroes wear capes—some wield picket signs and a fierce commitment to the planet.
- A new report highlights the urgent need for action on climate change, emphasizing its dire impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Filmmakers and journalists collaborate to shed light on environmental issues, showcasing the importance of storytelling in advocacy.
- The video features insights from experts, urging communities to engage in sustainable practices to combat climate change.
- Support for independent journalism is crucial in promoting democratic values and raising awareness about environmental challenges.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4GNBPWSH4Y)

Reporting by: Kristin Engel for Our Burning Planet
Video edited by: Joel Seboa
Filmed by: Bernard Kotzé & Joel Seboa
Produced by: Emilie Gambade
Sub-edited by: Mike van Olst

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