MEDIA STATEMENT: 5 YEARS OF CLIMATE LEADERSHIP: PCC PRESENTS LEGACY REPORT TO PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA

MEDIA STATEMENT

08 December 2025

FIVE YEARS OF CLIMATE LEADERSHIP: CLIMATE COMMISSION PRESENTS LEGACY REPORT TO PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA

Johannesburg – The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) on Friday, 05 December 2025, handed over its Five-Year Legacy and Review Report to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Head of State and Chairperson of the Commission. The handover took place during the PCC’s 20th Ordinary Session at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane.

The establishment of the PCC, chaired by President Ramaphosa, followed recommendations of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multi-stakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.

During the session, the Executive Director, Ms Dorah Modise, presented the report of the outgoing Commission - “Over the past five years, the Commission has played a central role in shaping consensus on climate action and guiding South Africa’s transition in a just, inclusive and people-centred manner. This legacy report captures the lessons, progress and institutional foundations we have built to ensure continuity and accountability in the next phase of our national climate response.” Ms Modise said.

The Commission also highlighted the institutional achievements and legacy of the outgoing Commissioners. Reflecting on this milestone, founding Executive Director, and outgoing Deputy Chair, Dr Crispian Olver, noted: “The first term of the Commission demonstrated the importance of collective leadership, evidence-based policy advice and deep social dialogue. The next five years will require even greater ambition and cooperation as the country implements the Climate Change Act and deepens the just transition.”

In his address, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the PCC for its leadership and achievements over the past five years — commending its role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s global climate voice.

“It is encouraging to hear such affirmation of the Commission’s work, noting how it has catalysed national and international conversations on climate change and the just transition” Dr Olver added.

The term of the current Commissioners concludes in 2025. The Presidency will, in due course, announce the new cohort of Commissioners for the 2026–2030 term, in line with the Climate Change Act of 2024.

“We acknowledge the outgoing Commissioners for their distinctive commitment over the past five years. Their efforts have helped steer South Africa toward a low-emissions economy and supported efforts to improve the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans affected by climate change and the transition to a just, equitable and sustainable future.” Ms Modise said.

The Commission will continue to fulfil its mandate to provide independent, evidence-based advice; to build a shared understanding of a just transition; and to facilitate inclusive dialogue that helps negotiate solutions to South Africa’s most complex climate and development challenges.

Access the 5-Year Legacy and Review Book here:

https://www.climatecommission.org.za/publications/5-year-review-book

ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENTIAL CLIMATE COMMISSION

www.climatecommission.org.za

For all post-media interviews, please contact: Blessing Manale, PCC Head of Communications and Outreach blessing@climatecommission.org.za +27 73 036 5381.