CITIZENS TAKE THE LEAD IN SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL DIALOGUE

By Presidency.

• ⁠The National Dialogue empowers ordinary South Africans to define the future of the country, with government acting as a facilitator rather than a driver.
• Over 1,000 delegates from more than 200 organisations and 30 sectors attended the first National Convention, ensuring broad representation of society.
• The Dialogue will culminate in a social compact addressing economic growth, poverty reduction, job creation, cost of living, and building a capable State.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that the National Dialogue is a citizen-driven process designed to give South Africans a platform to shape the country’s future. Responding to a question in the National Assembly, the President emphasised that the outcomes of the Dialogue will be determined by the people themselves, with government acting only as a facilitator.

The first National Convention, held in August at UNISA in Tshwane, marked an important milestone in this journey. Over 1,000 delegates representing more than 200 organisations and 30 sectors of society attended. These included business, labour, traditional leaders, youth, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based organisations, academics, and emerging businesses, among others. Delegates unanimously endorsed the need for the Dialogue, identifying nine broad themes for discussion, ranging from building an inclusive economy to tackling corruption, advancing gender equality, promoting environmental justice, and addressing intergenerational trauma.

To drive this process forward, a representative Steering Committee is being established, drawn from 32 identified sectors. Supported by the Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Deputy President and the Eminent Persons Group, this body will coordinate public dialogues across the country. President Ramaphosa explained that the process aims to culminate in a social compact, setting out the roles and responsibilities of each sector in building a more inclusive and capable South Africa.

The President concluded by saying that the National Dialogue is expected to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, lowering the cost of living, and strengthening the State, but most importantly, it will enhance public ownership of national decisions and a shared vision for the future.