Moya to bring metropolitan perspective to national climate policy
As a commissioner, mayor Moya will bring the voice of Pretoria to the centre of national climate policy and South Africa’s just transition efforts.
The Mayor of Tshwane metro, Dr Nasiphi Moya, has been appointed to serve on the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 term.
The commission plays a critical role in advising the government on climate action strategies and guiding South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy.
Launched in 2020, the PCC brings diverse stakeholders together from business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth, and local government.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently appointed 25 commissioners, including Moya, representing a wide spectrum of South African society, with a focus on gender, geographic spread, and relevant expertise in climate change, sustainable development, energy, social justice, and economic development.
Her appointment underscores the growing importance of cities in responding to climate change.
“This appointment is not a personal accolade; it reflects the indispensable role that cities must play in addressing climate challenges,” she said.
Moya said the metro faces daily climate-related pressures, including water insecurity, extreme weather events, energy transition demands, and ongoing spatial inequalities.
“These challenges place cities at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation,” she added.
She said central to the metro’s climate strategy is the principle of a just transition.
“For Tshwane, climate action must advance social justice, protect the most vulnerable, create work opportunities, and address historic spatial and economic inequalities. Resilience must be practical and visible in the daily lives of residents.”
She said the metro aims to be a leading South African city in climate-responsive urban development, guided by practical governance, evidence, and lived experience.
Through her role on the commission, Moya intends to contribute the perspective of a metropolitan government responsible for translating national policy into tangible action across communities, townships, and suburbs.
“The value Tshwane brings to the commission lies in real, on-the-ground data and tested responses. Cities generate critical information on energy use, transport systems, water security, housing, and economic activity,” she said.
“When effectively utilised, this data strengthens evidence-based policy, improves implementation, and ensures that climate interventions are socially and economically responsive,” she added.
“I am honoured to accept the nomination of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to serve as local government’s representative on the PCC.
She said she appreciated the confidence placed in her by SALGA to “carry the collective voice, experience, and interests of municipalities across South Africa into this important national forum”.
Ramaphosa called on the new commissioners to provide independent, evidence-based advice, facilitate inclusive dialogue, and implement South Africa’s just transition framework to address the country’s complex climate and development challenges.
The Executive Director of the PCC, Dorah Modise, has welcomed the president’s appointment.
“We thank and applaud our chairperson, President Ramaphosa, on his well-informed and guided decision on the appointment of these diverse leaders of our society and communities, to drive and guide our country”s just transition journey and climate action efforts,” said Modise.
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