Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 tenure.
The Presidency said the appointments announced on Friday, 2 January 2026, were in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024 (Act No 22 of 2024).
“Following due consideration of all submitted nominations, President Ramaphosa has appointed a total of 25 commissioners who are representative of broader sections of South African society, including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission,” said Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President.
The appointed commissioners include:
- Dr Phindile Masangane
- Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
- Ms. Ndiambani Magadagela
- Ms. Shaamela Soobramoney
- Dr. Sarushen Pillay
- Ms. Catherine Constantinides
- Ms. Tracy-Lynn Field
- Ms. Khungeka Njobe
- Ms. Zaynab Sadan
- Dr. Dipak Patel
- Dr. Zwanani Titus Mathe
- Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
- Cllr Dr. Nasiphi Moya
- Dr. Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
- Mr. Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
- Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli
- Ms. Thandile Zonke
- Mr. Errol Andile Mlambo
- Professor Imraan Valodia
- Professor Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
- Ms. Joanne Yawitch
- Ms. Boitumelo Molete
- Mr. Brandin Abdinor
- Mr. Waheed Hoosen
- Ms. Shamini Harrington
Magwenya said the commissioners bring in diverse experience and relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, and social justice.
Magwenya explained that they were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles.
He said the appointments were a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August this year in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act.
The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s Climate Diplomacy,” said Magwenya.
“The President calls on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa’s complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice the country’s just transition framework.
“The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.”
