President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed 25 new commissioners to serve on South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 term, reinforcing the country’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy through inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The appointments were announced by the Presidency late Friday and follow a public nomination process launched in August, which invited broad participation from across society. The newly constituted Commission brings together representatives from business, organised labour, civil society, traditional authorities, youth groups, and local government.
Emphasis on diversity and expertise
According to a statement from the Presidency, the selection process prioritised both technical competence and social inclusion.
The commissioners collectively possess expertise in:
• Climate change and environmental governance
• Sustainable and economic development
• Energy systems and transition planning
• Social justice and community development
The Presidency noted that the final composition reflects gender balance, generational diversity, geographic spread, and varied professional backgrounds, in line with South Africa’s national transformation objectives and principles of procedural justice.
Role of the incoming commission
President Ramaphosa commended the outgoing commissioners for their contributions to shaping domestic climate policy, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and enhancing South Africa’s profile in global climate diplomacy.
He called on the newly appointed members to:
• Provide independent, evidence-based advice to government
• Support the implementation of South Africa’s Just Transition Framework
• Help align climate action with job creation, social protection, and economic growth
Background to the PCC
The Presidential Climate Commission was established following the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed on the need for a permanent, multi-stakeholder platform to guide South Africa’s response to climate change.
Since its inception, the PCC has become a central advisory body, working to balance environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity, particularly for communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and energy transition.
Mandate and international commitments
The Commission’s mandate includes:
• Building national consensus on climate and development pathways
• Monitoring progress on climate policy implementation
• Advising government on strategies to meet South Africa’s obligations under the Paris Agreement
The new commissioners are expected to play a critical role as South Africa intensifies efforts to reduce emissions, adapt to climate risks, and ensure that the transition to a greener economy is fair and inclusive.
Source: Africa Publicity
