Dr Crispian Olver will soon take on the deputy chairperson role at the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), which is charged with overseeing and facilitating a just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.
The position was previously held by Valli Moosa.
Crispian, who steps into his new role on 1 January 2025, has served as the executive director of the PCC since its inception in December 2020.
A medical doctor by training, Crispian served in the first democratic government, as director-general in both the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Department of Constitutional Development, in which position he crafted much of the climate policy and environmental legislation, and led South Africa’s hosting of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.
He is completing a PhD at Wits Politics Department, and is a research fellow at the Public Affairs Research Institute.
The PCC, which is chaired by President Ramaphosa, is a Schedule 3 A public entity following the signing of the Climate Change Act in July 2024.
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