- Appointment strengthens focus on climate finance and investment mobilisation plus supports delivery of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
- Commission expanded with 25 new members in 2026. Read more
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dipak Patel as Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission, reinforcing the body’s mandate to advance South Africa’s transition to a low emissions and climate resilient economy.
Patel currently serves as Senior Advisor at the Commission and has led work on climate finance and innovation. His term as Deputy Chairperson begins this year and will run until 2030.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, Patel’s appointment is intended to strengthen the Commission’s work in climate finance, investment mobilisation and the practical delivery of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition objectives.
Patel brings experience across production management, process engineering, climate finance and investment banking. He also has established networks in both the public and private sectors, which are expected to support collaboration and capital mobilisation across the energy and infrastructure value chain.
The Presidency also confirmed that 25 new commissioners were appointed earlier this year, expanding the capacity of the Commission.
The Presidential Climate Commission is an independent statutory multi stakeholder body tasked with overseeing and facilitating South Africa’s transition towards an inclusive, equitable and climate resilient economic future.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
