Van Schalkwyk nominated for top post

By Ofentse Mokae
08 March 2010

Tourism minister Martinus van Schalkwyk has been nominated by the South African government to up head the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This follows the resignation of Yvo de Boer as Executive Secretary of UNFCCC from this position with effect from 1 July 2010.

The Presidency in statement says the country’s government has been approached by a number of partners in the developing and developed world, including governments, business institutions regarding the availability of van Schalkwyk, to head up the UN institution and the global climate change negotiations.

“In his previous portfolio as Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minister Van Schalkwyk positioned South Africa as a true climate champion. During this period he commanded significant respect across the developing-developed country divide,” said the presidency.

Presidency spokesperson Vusi Mona says the nomination will stand him in good stead in the critical phase of driving the global climate change negotiations to conclusion.

Mona says President Jacob Zuma met the former Western Cape premier and NNP leader over the weekend to discuss the issue to urgently address climate change as well as South Africa’s global positioning.

The final decision on the appointment however rests with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki Moon.

Attempts to reach the Tourism ministry for comment proved unsuccessful.