From the south to the Presidency: Constantinides joins climate commission
Her voice and thought leadership work in the space have seen taking centre stage at global gatherings, workshops, and conferences.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent appointment of Catherine Constantinides to the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) is a moment of national pride and recognition.
A widely respected climate leader, born and raised in the south, Constantinides has committed her life and career to advancing climate action rooted in social justice, equity, and the lived realities of communities most affected by the climate emergency.
Chaired by Ramaphosa, the PCC plays a critical role in advising the government on South Africa’s response to climate change.
The PCC is mandated to guide the country’s just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, ensuring that climate policy aligns with economic development, job creation, and social protection, while placing people at the centre of decision-making.
Constantinides’ work has consistently focused on building resilient communities equipped to face the effects of climate change, while championing a just transition that leaves no one behind.
Her lifelong passion for climate action spans food security, waste management, water stewardship, and ocean preservation.
She is also a global advocate for conservation and a voice against the illegal wildlife trade, working tirelessly to protect South Africa’s natural heritage.
Constantinides was the first Miss Earth South Africa and has spearheaded climate change since her youth. It has been at the helm of the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership Programme, where she is co-founder of the Generation Earth Youth network and platform and has worked with stakeholders across government departments, locally, provincially, and at the national level.
Her passion for greening under-greened communities in South Africa has resulted in her organisation planting more than 65 000 trees through many of her national initiatives and campaigns.
Upon acceptance of this appointment, Constantinides said, “I am humbled to serve South Africa in this critical role as a commissioner for the 2026 to 2030 term, advancing climate action and justice.”
Her appointment further strengthens a commission comprising high-profile leaders from labour, business, academia, civil society, and youth movements – individuals with expertise and influence on climate science, economics, energy, and social development.
