Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk is said to have emerged as a front runner for the post of the United Nations' new climate chief.

According to a report in this week's Mail and Guardian, a government official has allegedly confirmed that talks to this effect are a preliminary phase.

States the report: "
During his tenure as environment minister, Van Schalkwyk won considerable respect in the UN's climate change negotiations."

Editor's note: Do you think Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk is suited to take the UN role? Who do you think would be a suitable replacement and why? Make your comments in the box below.