Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele has been appointed chairperson of the third National Planning Commission (NPC) for a five-year term to 2026.

Professor Tinyiko Maluleke will serve as deputy chairperson of the NPC.

The NPC Commissioners were appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in terms of the revised Green Paper: National Planning Commission of 2010 to serve as an independent advisory body and think-tank.

The third Commission, says Gungubele, “is expected to provide thought leadership, evidence-based advice, foresight and futuristic planning, as well as sustainable solutions that inspire and guide the national development trajectory”.

The commissioners, who will serve on a part-time basis for a term of five years, will be supported by a full-time secretariat under the leadership of Dr Kefiloe Masiteng, who is the acting secretary of planning.

The other appointed commissioners are Dr Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, Professor Julian Douglas May, Professor Mark Swilling, Nikiwe Bikitsha, Dr Sibusiso Mkwanazi, Ravindra Ravi Naidoo, Professor Mohammed Jahed, Dr Yaccob Abba Omar, Dr Morne Mostert, Lebohang Liepollo Pheko, Dr Tshepo Feela, Tanya Cohen, Dr Guy Lamb, Prof Mashupye Maserumule, Professor Hangwelani Magidimisha-Chipungu, Pearl Pillay, Sue Bannister, Dr Ntuthuko Bhengu, Dr Pulane Molokwane, Dr Siphamandla Zondi, Dr Phakama Ntshongwana, Mollo Makhiba, Dr Boitumelo Ramatsetse, Phumzile Chifunyise, Mary Metcalfe and Joanne Yawitch.