Pretoria: The National Convention Organising Committee has announced that the forthcoming National Convention will be spearheaded by ordinary South Africans rather than government officials. At a media briefing on Monday, Boichoko Ditlhake, Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, emphasized that the convention is designed to be a citizen-driven initiative.
According to South African Government News Agency, Ditlhake highlighted the significance of involving South Africans in the process, allowing them to refine and perfect it starting with the convention. He explained that each of the 4,300 wards in the country will host at least three dialogues in accessible locations such as community halls, schools, churches, and open spaces. Additionally, numerous sectoral and theme-based dialogues are planned to ensure comprehensive discussion across various communities.
Ditlhake outlined that the public dialogues would focus on radical change, rapid response, and rebuilding the nation. A key component will be discussing the institutionalization of the National Dialogue’s outcomes. The first National Convention, scheduled for August 15 and 16, 2025, at the UNISA main campus, will initiate this dialogue process. The convention aims to discuss the necessity and value of a National Dialogue, outline key themes, and establish a Steering Committee.
The Organising Committee has planned for 1,000 delegates, with 557 confirmed attendees from 28 sectors. Despite the withdrawal of some foundations from the Preparatory Task Team, Ditlhake reported that activities have not been redirected, but rather, certain initiatives have been accelerated. The Convention Organising Committee, including representatives from civil society and various sectors, is tasked with organizing the convention, supported by an Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Steering Committee, to be established at the convention, will set strategic priorities and coordinate the National Dialogue process, with a Secretariat at Nedlac managing day-to-day activities. Since April 2025, a Preparatory Task Team has been preparing for this event, with volunteers from approximately 20 civil society organizations involved.
Boichoko Ditlhake emphasized the importance of swiftly transitioning the dialogue process to civil society and citizen organizations. He assured that there would be no delays in handing over the process to ensure genuine citizen involvement.
Regarding the budget, Ditlhake noted significant support and contributions from stakeholders, reducing the costs of the National Convention. UNISA has offered to host the event and provide associated services free of charge, with donations received for the digital platform and other essential services. The budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as community dialogues are finalized, relying on contributions from stakeholders.
Spokesperson Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu clarified that the reported R700 million budget was prepared by the Preparatory Task Team and is not a government budget. The funding framework envisages 60% coming from the government and 40% from donors. Nevhutalu emphasized that no procurement processes would be misused, highlighting substantial contributions from UNISA and other NGOs, with Kagiso Trust donating R2 million to the process.