Former Eskom chairperson Bobby Godsell and top academic Mamphela Ramphele have been nominated by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to serve on the National Planning Commission (NPC), which would be established in March.

The political party said on Wednesday that both candidates had the necessary experience, skills and knowledge required to serve on the 20-person advisory board, which would draft a long-term strategic plan for the country.

The NPC would also be tasked with drafting papers on issues such as climate change, demographic change, water and food security, energy security, human resource development and technology and innovation.

"Both of these candidates also possess a high level of integrity and impartiality which the DA believes are crucial attributes that all commissioners must possess if the NPC is to come up with a long-term plan that puts the best interests of all South Africans first," DA MP Athol Trollip said in a statement.

The Presidency launched a nomination process in mid-January, which closed on Wednesday.

Labour federation Cosatu nominated former Cabinet Minister Jay Naidoo, labour researcher Karl von Holdt, academic Patrick Bond and Oupa Bodibe, who serves on the Competition Commission.

Last week, Consulting Engineers South Africa confirmed that it had nominated its president, Zulch Lötter, for a position on the NPC.

President Jacob Zuma would appoint 20 commissioners by the end of March, the DA said.