By Akani Nkuna
President Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Crispian Olver as the new Deputy Chair of the Presidential Climate Commission.
Olver succeeds Valli Moosa, who served as Deputy Chair since the PCC’s inception in December 2020 until his retirement earlier this year.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described Olver as a prominent figure who played an important role in shaping the country’s environmental policies and legislation.
As the Director General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism from 1999 to 2005, Olver spearheaded the development of South Africa’s climate change policy and environmental legislation.
“Dr Crispian Olver brings not only his expertise in the PCC, but a wealth of skills and expertise,” said Magwenya in a statement.
“[He led] South Africa’s hosting of the World Summit on sustainable development in 2002.”
The PCC is was established in 2020 to oversee and facilitate a just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.
“The Commission has since been enacted as a schedule 3 A public entity with the signing of the Climate Change Act, by president Ramaphosa in July this year,” said Magwenya.
“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 African’s global targets to address the climate crisis.”
Olver will assume office from the 1 November 2024.
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