Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the convening of a National Convention scheduled for Friday, the 15th of August 2025, aimed at representing the breadth of the South African nation and setting the agenda for a forthcoming National Dialogue. This initiative is intended to foster a comprehensive dialogue across various sectors of society.
According to South African Government News Agency, the National Dialogue has been a topic of discussion among numerous leaders and citizens within the country for an extended period. President Ramaphosa emphasized that the National Convention will encapsulate the diverse voices of South Africa, bringing together representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labor, traditional and religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organizations, women, youth, and community groups.
The initiative has garnered widespread support since its proposition last year and has been endorsed by multiple societal formations. Over recent months, the government has engaged in discussions with different entities to define the purpose and structure of the dialogue. The President noted that the concept of holding a dialogue is not novel to South Africa, as it has historically been a means to address national challenges and build a path forward.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the success of past dialogues in overcoming apartheid and establishing democracy, stressing the role of dialogue in uniting a once-divided nation. He called for collective efforts to overcome ongoing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, gender-based violence, and corruption. The dialogue aims to provide a platform for all societal sectors to voice their concerns and contribute to building a thriving and inclusive economy and safer communities for future generations.
The dialogue process is envisioned as a comprehensive, phased initiative starting with local consultations and sector-specific discussions, eventually leading to provincial and national engagements. The President plans for a second National Convention to consolidate the outcomes of these discussions and adopt a common vision and action plan for South Africa’s future.
To guide the National Dialogue, an Eminent Persons Group has been appointed, comprising influential figures from diverse backgrounds committed to social cohesion and nation-building. The group includes Dr. Brigalia Bam, Mr. Robbie Brozin, Judge Edwin Cameron, and other notable South Africans from various fields.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, has been established to coordinate the government’s role in the dialogue. A Steering Committee will be formed to set strategic priorities and oversee the implementation of dialogue processes, with the Secretariat located at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council.