Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the first National Convention will take place as scheduled on 15 August 2025, despite facing challenges and calls for its postponement. He emphasized that the event is crucial for allowing South Africans to assume control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have been dispatched nationwide, and delegates are preparing for the convention.
According to South African Government News Agency, the decision follows a report from the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) indicating division among members on various issues, including the readiness to host the convention. Some PTT members, representing foundations involved in the National Dialogue’s initial planning, argued for postponement. Notably, foundations like Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, Desmond and Leah Tutu, and FW de Klerk have withdrawn from organizing the event and participating in the PTT.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the National Convention as a call to action for citizens to engage in an inclusive
dialogue on national challenges. He expressed appreciation for the foundations’ role in initiating the National Dialogue and regretted their withdrawal, while recognizing their continued commitment to the dialogue.
The President recently met with the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) leadership, who are tasked with ensuring the dialogue’s success. They discussed progress towards the National Convention and emphasized the importance of inclusivity, credibility, effective coordination, and governance.
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Co-Chairperson of the EPG, highlighted the opportunity for South Africans to unite and address challenges for a better future. The EPG members reaffirmed their commitment to using their expertise voluntarily to establish a solid foundation for the national conversation.
The National Convention will gather 200 organizations from 33 sectors to initiate the National Dialogue. Delegates will advocate its importance, outline discussion themes, agree on methods for public dialogues, and finalize
a Steering Committee for the dialogue’s implementation.
The Presidency views the convention as a call to action for citizens to engage in inclusive dialogue. The organizing team has been reorganized and reinforced to ensure the convention’s success and the commencement of the National Dialogue process on 15 August 2025.