Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission appointed

Aerial view of severe soil erosion in an arid region of South Africa. Climate change will lead to a significant increase of soil loss by 2050, according to this study. Image: Alamy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the inaugural Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission (P4C) with effect from 17 December 2020.

The establishment of the Commission emanates from the Presidential Jobs Summit held in October 2018 when social partners agreed that a statutory body be formed to coordinate and oversee the just transition towards a low-carbon, inclusive, climate change resilient economy and society.

The Commission is tasked with advising on South Africa’s climate change response. This includes mitigation and adaptation to climate change and its associated impacts. It will furthermore provide independent monitoring and review of South Africa’s progress in meeting its emissions reduction and adaptation goals.

Under the Commission’s Terms of Reference it will advise on and facilitate a common understanding of a just transition, cognisant of the socio-economic, environmental and technological implications of climate change. This covers adaptation, mitigation as well as means of implementation.

It will also provide a platform for the engagement of key stakeholders on the National Employment Vulnerability Assessment (NEVA) and Sector Job Resilient Plans (SJRPs) and ensure reporting of progress towards the implementation of the Sector Job Resilient Plans.

The Commission comprises representatives from government departments and state entities, business organisations, labour, academia, civil society, research institutions and traditional leadership.

The newly appointed members of the Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission, which is chaired by the President, are:

• Valli Moosa (Deputy Chair)
• Ayakha Melithafa
• Brian Mantlana
• Mandy Rambaros
• Joanne Bate
• Dhesigen Naidoo
• Mapaseka Lukhele
• Shamini Harrington
• Princess Tsakani Nkambule
• Setlakalane Molepo
• Joanne Yawitch
• Mbulaheni Mbodi
• Lebogang Mulaisi
• Jacques Hugo
• Mac Chavalala
• Bongani Mwale
• Louise Naude
• Bobby Peek
• Happy Khambule
• Bantu Holomisa
• Melissa Fourie
• Makoma Lekalakala

The process of receiving nominations for and making appointments of additional members is ongoing and will be finalised in due course.

President Ramaphosa has congratulated the newly appointed members of the Commission and wished them well in the execution of their duties.

Source: The Presidency, Republic Of South Africa