- The new commissioners to guide South Africa climate policy and just transition under the Climate Change Act.
- The appointments reflect broad representation from business labour civil society and local government.
- The commission will play a key advisory role in energy transition and climate resilient development.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of a new cohort of commissioners to the Presidential Climate Commission for the 2026 to 2030 term. The appointments were made in terms of the Climate Change Act of 2024 and follow the conclusion of the previous commission mandate at the end of December 2025.
The new commission comprises 25 members drawn from across South African society, including representatives from business labour civil society traditional leadership youth formations and organised local government. According to the Presidency, the appointments were made with strong consideration given to diversity in gender age geographic spread and professional background, in line with national transformation objectives and principles of procedural justice.
The Presidency said the commissioners bring a wide range of experience in climate change environmental policy sustainable development economic development energy systems and social justice. The commission is expected to play a central role in advising government on climate response measures and pathways to a climate resilient and inclusive economy.
Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission Dorah Modise welcomed the appointments, noting their importance in advancing South Africa climate action agenda.
She said the commission would benefit from the leadership and experience of the newly appointed members as the country continues to implement its just transition framework and respond to climate related economic and social challenges.
The Presidential Climate Commission was established in 2020 as a consultative body to support coordinated climate policy development. Its formation followed commitments made at the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed on the need for an inclusive platform to oversee South Africa transition to a lower emissions and climate resilient economy.
The latest appointments follow a public nomination process launched in August 2025, in line with the requirements of the Climate Change Act. The new commissioners will serve a five year term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.
President Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their contribution over the first five years of the commission, citing their role in shaping domestic climate policy strengthening inclusive national dialogue and supporting South Africa international climate engagement.
The appointed commissioners are:
- 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
- Councillor Kenalemang Phukuntsi
- Councillor 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
The President has called on the incoming commissioners to continue providing independent and evidence based advice, facilitate inclusive engagement across sectors and support implementation of the country just transition framework. The Deputy Chairperson will be announced at the first meeting of the commission in 2026, alongside the outlining of strategic priorities for the next term.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
