President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Crispian Olver as the new Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), effective from 1 November 2024.

Dr Olver takes over from Valli Moosa, who held the role from the PCC’s inception in December 2020 until his retirement earlier this year. Previously, Dr Olver served as the PCC’s Executive Director, supporting Moosa throughout his tenure.

The PCC, chaired by President Ramaphosa, was established in response to recommendations from the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed on creating a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.

The commission was formalised as a Schedule 3A public entity following the signing of the Climate Change Act by President Ramaphosa in July 2024.

Dr Olver brings extensive experience, and a strong skill set to his new role. He served in South Africa’s first democratic government as the Director-General of th
e Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (1999-2005), where he helped shape climate policy, crafted environmental legislation, and led South Africa’s hosting of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.

‘The President welcomes and congratulates Dr Olver in his new role and has urged him and the entire commission to continue working towards forging social dialogue and engagement in ensuring that South Africa’s climate change response and just transition is inclusive and champions socio-economic interest in pursuit of South Africa’s global targets to address the climate crisis,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

President Ramaphosa thanked the outgoing Deputy Chairperson Valli Moosa for his relentless service and dedication to the commission and for successfully steering it since its establishment in 2020.

Source: South African Government News Agency