Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to come together and participate in crafting a new vision for the country through the National Dialogue, reminiscent of the collaborative spirit that led to the birth of the democratic Constitution three decades ago. The President issued this call to action in his weekly newsletter.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed optimism about this new phase in the nation's life, encouraging all South Africans to unite in addressing contemporary challenges and laying the groundwork for the future. He reflected on the political culture developed over the past 30 years, describing it as robust, participatory, and deeply rooted in democratic values.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the vibrancy of civil society and the active participation of citizens, which he believes give life and resilience to the country's constitutional democracy. He emphasized the importance of media freedom and the strength of political contestation as indicators of a mature democratic order. The President also praised the role of the courts in maintaining public trust and providing recourse for citizens and political entities.
The President, who played a significant role in drafting the Constitution, reminisced about the inclusive process that aimed to create a People's Constitution. He recounted how citizens from various backgrounds contributed their inputs, with the process involving community meetings and public engagements. This inclusive approach resulted in a homegrown constitution reflective of the aspirations of the South African people.
Looking forward, President Ramaphosa announced that the next phase of the National Dialogue will soon begin, aiming to represent South Africa's diverse racial, cultural, social, economic, and geographic demographics. He stressed the importance of engaging young people, who will be most affected by the outcomes of current decisions.
South Africans are encouraged to participate in the 195 pilot dialogues scheduled between June and August across the country. President Ramaphosa concluded by urging citizens to contribute to crafting a new vision for South Africa, addressing present challenges, and shaping the nation's future.