JSE-listed chemicals and energy group Sasol has appointed Muriel Dube, a former government climate negotiator, as its new chairperson following the resignation of Sipho Nkosi from the position in November last year.

Dube, who was appointed as an independent nonexecutive director in 2018, holds
an MSc degree in Environmental Change and Management from Oxford University and degrees in BA Human Sciences and BA (Hons) Politics.

“She previously served as the Chief Negotiator for the Government of South Africa in climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and as Director of Atmospheric Protection and Chemicals Management at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,” Sasol said in a statement.

After leaving the public sector, Dube played various roles in business, having been group commercial director at Bidvest Group, an investment banker at Investec and CEO of Nozala Investments.

Currently, she is also a nonexecutive director at the UK Infrastructure Bank, having previously been a nonexecutive director at Control Risks UK, Apogee Sustainability, Vodacom South Africa, Bidvest Group Limited, PG Group, Bravo Brands, Fluormin and Enviroserv.

Her appointment comes amid growing pressure on Sasol to accelerate its decarbonisation efforts and also follows the group having been granted permission controversially to employ a load-based limit to regulate sulphur dioxide emissions from its Secunda boilers rather than the stipulated concentration-based limit.

It also follows news that the group is planning refinements to its decarbonisation plan that might involve “shifts in feedstock, energy and products to support our pathway towards being more sustainable”.

In a statement, the Sasol board expressed confidence that Dube would “provide the necessary direction and leadership as the company intensifies its focus on progressing a sustainable future business”.

In the same statement, Dube highlighted the board's depth, expertise and experience, which she said would continue to benefit Sasol into the future.

“I look forward to continuing on this journey with my fellow directors."