President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new leadership team for the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) to serve from 2026 to 2030, as mandated by the Climate Change Act of 2024. This diverse group of 25 commissioners represents a wide range of South African society, including business, labor, civil society, traditional leadership, youth, and the South African Local Government Association. Their expertise spans climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, and social justice, all chosen with a focus on gender, age, geographic diversity, and background to align with national transformation goals and principles of procedural justice. The appointments are the result of a public nomination process initiated in August, following Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act, which emerged from the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit. The summit aimed to establish a multi-stakeholder body to guide South Africa's transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy and society. President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their leadership and contributions over the first five years, highlighting their role in shaping climate policy, fostering national dialogue, and advancing South Africa's Climate Diplomacy. He called on the new commissioners to continue providing independent, evidence-based advice, facilitating inclusive dialogue, and implementing the country's just transition framework. The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the Commission's first meeting in 2026 and set out high-level priorities for the next five years. The appointed commissioners are: 1. Dr Phindile Masangane, 2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, 3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela, 4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney, 5. Dr Sarushen Pillay, 6. Ms Catherine Constantinides, 7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field, 8. Ms Khungeka Njobe, 9. Ms Zaynab Sadan, 10. Dr Dipak Patel, 11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe, 12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi, 13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya, 14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant, 15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu, 16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli, 17. Ms Thandile Zonke, 18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo, 19. Prof Imraan Valodia, 20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni, 21. Ms Joanne Yawitch, 22. Ms Boitumelo Molete, 23. Mr Brandin Abdinor, 24. Mr Waheed Hoosen, 25. Ms Shamini Harrington. For media inquiries, contact Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, at media@presidency.gov.za. The Presidency, Pretoria.
