Cape Town: South Africa is encountering significant challenges that demand an immediate national dialogue. This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who responded to oral questions from Members of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town, on Thursday afternoon.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President addressed questions regarding issues related to South Africa’s Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research report and the planned national dialogue. During a question-and-answer session about the 2024 SACSI, the Deputy President highlighted the country’s achievements over 30 years of democracy, while acknowledging significant ongoing challenges.
The study indicated that the most notable decline was in the cohesion dimension, which pertains to respect for social rules. Trust in institutions and perceptions of fairness have weakened, while levels of solidarity and helpfulness have remained stable. However, civic participation and general trust in others have shown slight improvements.
‘SASCI research report offered us a sense of where we stand as a country in our collective journey towards coercion and nation building equally, the index offers valuable insights into the nation’s strength and challenges, highlighting areas of progress and those requiring urgent attention,’ he told MPs. Guided by the index, he said, government is now developing targeted strategies and policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and tolerance amongst all citizens, thereby enhancing society’s overall wellbeing.
He also welcomed the report’s observation that South Africa has made significant strides towards building a united, non-racial, and non-sexist society and improving the lives of all its people. ‘In this regard, we have worked together to establish a progressive constitutional order, expand access to social infrastructure and services to millions of people and set our economy on a path of reform.’ Despite the considerable progress, South Africa has achieved in creating a society that is both non-racial and non-sexist.
The Deputy President believes the country is currently at a critical juncture. He said the persistent economic challenges, social discontent, and historical inequalities continue to pose significant obstacles. ‘The political environment is conflictual. The economy is not growing fast enough. Poverty is widespread, and there is a growing sense of social discontent and alienation. It is time to reset and reimagine our country for posterity. This must be done by South African citizens themselves through a process of purpose-directed, [and] courageous conversations.’
According to the Deputy President, government plans to initiate a comprehensive national dialogue focusing on key areas. ‘Hence, they envisage a national dialogue that will focus on the following critical areas.’ The key focus will be economic transformation, inclusion and empowerment, poverty, inequality, and hunger. In addition, the dialogue will zoom in on governance and a capable, ethical developmental state, addressing crime and lawlessness, promoting nation-building and social cohesion, and advancing constitutional rights and principles.
The platform will also involve encouraging progressive values, such as moral regeneration, participatory democracy, and active citizenry. In addition, addressing land reform and food security is a top priority on the agenda. ‘Honourable Chairperson, in addition to these critical matters, we are also addressing social ills such as gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), racism, crime, and corruption in support of promoting and strengthening social cohesion.’
Meanwhile, he said government remains committed to implementing transformative legislation, including Black Economic Empowerment policies and land reform initiatives. The Deputy President stressed that any changes to existing laws must go through proper parliamentary processes. The address signals the government’s intention to address social cohesion through targeted strategies, community dialogues, and a renewed focus on constitutional principles and inclusive development.