President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the launch of a National Dialogue aimed at addressing South Africa’s persistent socio-economic and governance challenges. The initiative, set to formally begin with a National Convention on August 15, 2025, will involve broad consultation and participation from various sectors of society.
In a televised address on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa outlined the country’s ongoing problems. He cited “poverty, unemployment and inequality” as key obstacles to national development.
“Millions of people are underemployed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families,” he said.
Pressing issues
The president also cited crime, gender-based violence (GBV), and corruption as pressing issues requiring urgent attention.
“We are called upon to build safer communities and create a better future for our children,” Ramaphosa added.
Promoting the process as open and inclusive, Ramaphosa said: “We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society — all people, young and old, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQI community, and urban and rural people — a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations.”
The National Dialogue is expected to unfold in several phases. It will start with local consultations and sectoral engagements. And will culminate in a second National Convention in early 2026. The aim is to develop “a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” Ramaphosa said.
To oversee the process, the presidency has established an Eminent Persons Group. The group is composed of 32 leaders from business, civil society, religion, sports, and the arts.
Notable members
Notable members include Dr Brigalia Bam, Judge Edwin Cameron, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and Miss South Africa 2024 Mia le Roux. Ramaphosa called them “leading figures in our society. They reflect the great diversity of our nation, with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building.”
Implementation of the dialogue process will be coordinated by an inter-ministerial committee. It will be led by the deputy president, with operational management handled by a secretariat based at NEDLAC.
Ramaphosa concluded his address by referencing South Africa’s history of dialogue during periods of national crisis.
“At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another,” he said, urging all South Africans to participate in the process.
