Chief Executive Officer of the Weather Service is Elected to International Council

Mr. R.D.J (Jerry) Lengoasa, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Weather Service has been elected on 19 May 2003 to the Executive Council of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). He is one of the 9 African representatives in the WMO's council. This happens against the background of loosing a seat in the Secretary General position by an African Representative.

The Executive Council consists of 36 members.

This marks the third occasion for South Africa to be elected to this important United Nations specialized agency, since South Africa's re-instatement to that organisation in 1994.

Mr. Lengoasa has managed to earn the respect and trust of the permanent representatives of the WMO, especially those of the African region over a very short period.

This is also a reflection of its important role in Africa, especially for the South African region in terms of global meteorology.

Mr.Lengoasa will in future be involved in a variety of duties which include the representation of regional National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in the Executive Council, promotion of regional collaboration and programmes, promoting linkages and collaboration with other regions and NMHSs from other parts of the world.

The South African Weather Service is also placed in an opportune position for promoting the integration of meteorology into agriculture, economic sector, water research management, and health etc, fulfilling government's commitment to NEPAD.

For South Africa and the South African Weather Service, this surely is one of the greatest honors since becoming a parastatal organisation in July 2001.

Mr. Lengoasa was appointed as Chief Executive officer of the South African Weather Service on 1 March 2003.

Issued by South African Weather Service
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