Pretoria: South Africans are being called to leverage the opportunity presented by the nation’s first National Convention, which aims to establish the groundwork for the National Dialogue. The event is being held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) Main Campus in Pretoria and will set the agenda for future discussions.
According to South African Government News Agency, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), emphasized the importance of the event, urging citizens to make the dialogue as inclusive and comprehensive as possible. The NPC, an independent advisory body appointed by the President, is responsible for overseeing South Africa’s National Development Plan: Vision 2030.
The two-day convention, themed ‘Uniting Voices, Shaping the Nation,’ will conclude on Saturday, 16 August. It aims to collect views and proposals from various stakeholders, which will be compiled for a second convention. This subsequent gathering is expected to finalize a new social compact for the country’s development.
In June, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) to guide the dialogue. Professor Maluleke, one of the co-chairs of the 31-member group, noted the diversity and dedication of its members, who are committed to advancing social cohesion and nation-building.
Professor Maluleke highlighted the challenges South Africa faces, including unemployment and gender-based violence, as well as the declining trust in government. He stressed the need for a National Dialogue to address these issues and questioned whether existing democratic instruments are effective in moving the country forward.
The National Dialogue aims to be a representative gathering, bringing together various sectors of society, including government, political parties, civil society, and more. President Ramaphosa described the convention as an inclusive forum for discussion and collaboration.
Addressing skepticism about the necessity of dialogue, Maluleke argued that assuming the problems are already known is presumptuous. He emphasized the importance of listening to the people’s experiences and involving them in finding solutions to the country’s challenges.
The EPG comprises volunteers dedicated to serving South Africa, and Maluleke expressed his honor in working alongside esteemed figures like Brigalia Bam and John Kani. The group, co-chaired by Maluleke and former Minister Roelf Meyer, includes notable members like Lindiwe Mazibuko and Siyabulela Xuza.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently convened the National Dialogue Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to assess readiness for the convention. The IMC, comprising various government departments, coordinates the government’s contribution to the dialogue. A report assured the Deputy President that preparations are on track, despite some foundations withdrawing from the process.
Boichoko Ditlhake, Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, emphasized that the convention is a citizen-led initiative, with provisions made for 1,000 delegates. The event marks the beginning of a 12-month National Dialogue process, with President Ramaphosa scheduled to deliver the keynote address and a plenary panel session to follow.