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, Constantinides has committed her life and career to advancing climate action that is rooted in social justice, equity, and the lived realities of communities most affected by the climate emergency.
Chaired by President Ramaphosa himself, the Presidential Climate Commission plays a critical role in advising 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 impacts 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 well-known global advocate for conservation and a strong 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 championed climate change since her youth and has been at the helm of the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership Programme, she is Co-Founder of Generation Earth Youth network and platform and has worked with stakeholders across government departments, locally, provincially and at a national level. Her voice and thought leadership work in the space has seen her participate and take centre stage at global gatherings, workshops and conferences. Her passion for greening under greened communities in South Africa has seen her organisation having planted more than 65 000 trees, through many of her national initiatives and campaigns.
On acceptance of this appointment Catherine said; “It is with utmost honour that I accept the President’s appointment to the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC). I am humbled to serve South Africa in this critical role, advancing climate action and justice. The Presidential Climate Commission is crucial in guiding our nation’s climate response, ensuring a just transition, and protecting our most vulnerable communities. The Commission’s mandate is clear: drive climate action, promote social justice, and secure a sustainable future for all South Africans. I’m deeply humbled to serve by the President’s appointment as a Commissioner for the 2026-2030 term.”
Her appointment further strengthens a commission made up of high-profile leaders from labour, business, academia, civil society, and youth movements—individuals with deep expertise and influence across climate science, economics, energy, and social development. Together, under the leadership of the President, the PCC represents a powerful platform to shape South Africa’s climate response.
Catherine Constantinides’ inclusion on the Presidential Climate Commission reflects her integrity, experience, and unwavering commitment to people-centred climate action. Her voice will be instrumental in advancing inclusive, ambitious, and just climate solutions for South Africa’s present and future generations.
