Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya appointed to drive climate action strategies

Mayor of Tshwane Nasiphi Moya, a newly-appointed commissioner for the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 term, says the city will contribute its hands-on experience and data-driven approaches to the commission’s work to drive impactful climate strategies.

This comes after Moya was named by President Cyril Ramaphosa as one of 25 commissioners to drive climate action strategies in the next five years, succeeding the outgoing commissioners whose term ended December 31, 2025.

PCC Executive Director and Commissioner Designate, Dorah Modise, applauded 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”.

She added: “As we undertake this renewed mandate, we remain cognisant that PCC integrity and convening power depends on the continued engagement of diverse sectors of our society in shaping climate and development policy.”

Launched in 2020, PCC brings together various stakeholders to advise on climate action and transitioning to a low-carbon, resilient economy.

Moya vowed to bring a metropolitan perspective to the commission, ensuring national policies translate into tangible action in communities and townships and suburbs. 

She said: “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. When effectively utilised, this data strengthens evidence-based policy, improves implementation and ensures that climate interventions are socially and economically responsive.”

According to her, the commission’s work on a just transition aligns with Tshwane's existing climate action plan to address social justice, protect vulnerable groups, create jobs and tackle inequality.

“Resilience must be practical and visible in the daily lives of residents. I look forward to working with fellow commissioners in a spirit of independence, collaboration and service to ensure that South Africa’s climate response is ambitious, equitable and firmly rooted in lived realities,” Moya said.

She appreciated the confidence placed in her by the South African Local Government Association to carry the collective voice, experience and interests of municipalities across South Africa into the commission.

“I further acknowledge and appreciate President Cyril Ramaphosa’s confirmation of this nomination and his appointment of the new cohort of commissioners in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024. The President’s confirmation affirms the critical role of local government in shaping and informing South Africa’s climate response and reinforces the importance of strong cooperation between national and local spheres of government,” she said.

She said her appointment highlights cities' critical role in tackling climate change and “not a personal accolade”.

“As the City of Tshwane, we confront daily the realities of climate stress, including water insecurity, extreme weather events, energy transition pressures and persistent spatial inequality. These challenges place cities at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation.

“Tshwane is committed to being a leading South African city in the pursuit of resilient, inclusive and climate-responsive urban development. Our approach is grounded in practical governance, evidence and lived experience,” Moya said. 

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za