Pretoria: The National Convention Organising Committee announced that preparations are complete for the National Convention, which is set to begin tomorrow at the University of South Africa (Unisa) main campus.
According to South African Government News Agency, the National Convention will occur at Unisa in Pretoria on August 15-16, 2025, serving as a precursor to the National Dialogue. The Dialogue will manifest as public discussions across the nation in various communities and sectors over a span of several months.
The Convention aims to finalize the methodology for these nationwide public dialogues at both sectoral and community levels. Additionally, it intends to outline the primary themes for the National Dialogue and establish a Steering Committee. The Presidency has labeled the National Convention as a mobilizing force for citizens to engage in an inclusive dialogue concerning the nation’s challenges.
In anticipation of the event, President Cyril Ramaphosa remarked last week, “Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard.”
During a technical media briefing at Unisa on Thursday, Sthembiso Sithole from the National Convention Organising Committee confirmed that over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the Convention at Unisa’s ZK Mathews building. President Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Friday, and the Convention will include breakout sessions with no closed sessions, as stated by Sithole.
The Convention will gather representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labor, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organizations, women, youth, and community voices to strategize for the National Dialogue’s initiation.
Boichoko Ditlhake, Chair of the Convention Organising Committee, affirmed the readiness for tomorrow’s National Convention, expressing enthusiasm for widespread South African participation despite some unable to attend.
Ahead of the Convention, President Ramaphosa met with the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) representatives on August 7, 2025, assigning them the task of organizing the convention and preparing for the subsequent public dialogues.
Source: South African Government News Agency