Ms Joanne Yawitch is the Head of the Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (JET PMU) in the Presidency. She was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Business Initiative from 2011 to 2022. Prior to this, she was the Deputy Director-General for Climate Change in the Department of Environmental Affairs, with responsibility for Environmental Quality and Protection. Joanne worked for the Gauteng Department of Environment from 1997 to 2004 and prior to that, was special adviser to the then Minister of Land Affairs from 1994 to 1997.

Ms Yawitch is the former Chair of the Board of Directors of South African National Parks. She is also a Board Member of SAFCOL, as well as the Chair of their Social and Ethics Committee. In 2020 Joanne was appointed as a Member of the Presidential Climate Commission. Ms Yawitch has expertise in issues related to climate change, sustainable finance, ESG issues and sustainable development.