2nd MCAP Annual Convening

Western Cape, May 6 - 9, 2025

On behalf of the Western Cape Government, I am delighted to invite you to join your fellow regional government leaders of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) for the MCAP annual convening taking place in Western Cape, South Africa on May 6-9, 2025.

This second-annual global gathering of the MCAP leadership will offer members the opportunity to share expertise from their home regions and learn from peer leaders facing similar climate risks at the nexus of drought, extreme heat, and wildfire, all while advancing the collective agenda outlined in the MCAP 2025 Work Plan. Across our four days together, the region of Western Cape will serve as an informative and engaging ‘living laboratory’ from which members can take inspiration and collaborate on experiences and possible new solutions.

We are pleased to extend this invitation to two representatives from each MCAP member region: the Principal leading the partnership and an additional representative. The MCAP Secretariat at Resilient Cities Catalyst, our partner in the convening, is pleased to support hotel accommodations for all MCAP regional delegations who will be in attendance. We kindly ask that you formally RSVP by emailing Laura Barron, lbarron@rcc.city with Name, Title, and Contact Information of all attendees once they have specifically been designated.

Resilient Cities Catalyst will be happy to address any questions regarding the convening. We invite you to reach out to them at mcapconvening@medclimate.org. We look forward to welcoming you to Western Cape later this year.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Alan Winde
Premier: Western Cape

Travel Logistics, Weather and Attire

  • Ground Transportation: From Cape Town International Airport to Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre

    The  Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located about 34.9 KM from the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre and can take 30- 40 minutes to get there. The Secretariat will provide to and form the airport and will coordinate with all member regions. More specific information is forthcoming. If you have any questions, please reach out to Laura Barron, lbarron@rcc.city.

    Flights: The Secretariat will provide lodging for up to four nights for MCAP Member Regions, along with ground transport to/from the airport in Western Cape. For those MCAP member regions who need financial assistance for flights, the Secretariat will offer up to $3,000 USD per region reimbursement. Please fill out this reimbursement form andwire transfer form and email them to Laura Barron at lbarron@rcc.city upon purchase of tickets.

  • In early May, Stellenbosch experiences mild autumn weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 19°C (66.9°F) and nighttime lows near 10.1°C (50.2°F). The region typically receives approximately 95 mm (3.7 inches) of rainfall over about seven days throughout the month, leading to a humidity level around 74%. ​Given these conditions, it's advisable to dress in layers to accommodate the varying temperatures. Lightweight sweaters, jackets, and long pants are suitable for daytime activities, while warmer layers may be necessary in the evenings. Additionally, consider packing a rain jacket to stay dry during potential rain showers.

  • Attire Recommendations

    May 6: Business Formal

    May 7: Smart casual with comfortable walking shoes

    May 8-9: Business formal

About Western Cape 

The Western Cape, with Cape Town at its heart, is a dynamic region where cultures, flavours, and experiences converge. The region hosts diverse geographies from winelands to beaches, and mountains to rich fauna and flora. To learn more about the Western Cape, and their climate challenges, review their MCAP Profile.

  • Cape Town is a major, modern cosmopolitan South African city. As such, we would advise travellers to exercise the same level of vigilance they would exercise when visiting any major city in the world. This includes ensuring you follow basic safety tips such as keeping emergency numbers on hand, avoiding carrying large sums of cash and keeping your valuables safe at all times. The same precautions travellers would take to secure their safety in any major city in the world, apply when visiting Cape Town, a growing city of nearly four million people. To learn more visit Cape Town’s Safety Guide.

  • Stellenbosch

    Located 10 minutes away from Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch is a university town surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africa's Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum's period houses and gardens. For more details about what Stellenbosch has to offer visit visitstellenbosch.org

    Leeuwenhof 

    Leeuwenhof is the official residence of Premier Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape. Leeuwenhof is an estate in the Gardens area of Cape TownSouth Africa. Leeuwenhof was originally a farmhouse dating to the time of the Dutch East India Company's rule of the Cape Colony. It includes a Slave Quarters which has been renovated and used to house an exhibition about slavery in Cape Town. It was declared a national heritage site on 15 December 1966.

    Langa

    Cape Town's oldest township, Langa has a rich history, culture, and vibrant community through a guided walking tour and possible interactions with locals. Langa, established in 1927, is a crucial part of South Africa's history, particularly during the apartheid era. The Guga S'thebe Arts and Cultural Centre & marketplace hosts traditional music, dance, and art. These experiences will allow you an opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs and support the local economy, interact with friendly locals, learn about their daily lives, and enjoy the sounds of traditional djembe drumming.

     

    Cape Town

    Please read Inside Guide’s essential guide to Cape Town for a hand-picked selection of the best experiences in the Cape.

  • Most local restaurants use the online reservation system, Dineplan. Prior bookings are highly recommended, but not essential. 

    Greater Stellenbosch Wine Farms

    Rust en Vrede

    Giovanni's at Eikendal Winery

    Guardian Peak

    The Avontuur Estate Restaurant

    Central Stellenbosch Restaurants

    Post and Pepper

    The Fat Butcher

    De Warenmarkt

    De Eetkamer

    Stellenbosch Kitchen